Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

Come join park biologists and volunteer stewards for a Stewardship Saturday at Cathleen Stone [Thompson] Island! Help us control non-native invasive plants and enhance native ecosystems and natural processes in the park. We will explore the local flora and fauna and discuss the ecology, natural history, and cultural significance of landscapes in the park as we work to understand and improve habitat for the native birds, bugs, trees, and flowers of the Boston Harbor Islands.

See a Day as a Park Steward for what it's like to join us!

Directions: Departure will be from EDIC pier. The dock is a short walk from multiple public transit stops (namely the Silver line and the Red line, with bus routes nearby as well). There are also public paid parking garages nearby and people occasionally find free street parking down Summer Street across the bridge. More information about arrival and logistics will be given the week of the event.

Timing: The boat departs at 8am. We will return by 2:30 pm.

What to wear: Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, closed-toe shoes, and layers for the weather. Conditions can be unpredictable so please monitor the weather in the days leading up to the event and dress appropriately. 

What to bring: Please bring a lunch and plenty of water in a reusable water bottle. Sunscreen and a hat are always recommended. Tools, gloves, and PPE will be provided. 

Event will run rain or shine, however, may be cancelled due to severe weather.

Location is subject to change. Information will be shared immediately about any changes

Click here to see all National Parks of Boston Volunteer Opportunities!

If you are under 18 and interested in volunteering, please contact me directly (Nolan_Oppelt@nps.gov) as we have special guidance and volunteer.gov does not allow minor applications

Visit Spectacle Island or Peddocks Island for just $5 in celebration of the Boston Harbor Islands National & State Park 2026 season!

Help us close out the 2026 public ferry season right by visiting Spectacle Island or Peddocks Island for just $5 on Saturday, October 10; Sunday, October 11; or Monday, October 12!

Tickets are now available online to reserve and purchase—click here for Spectacle Island tickets from Long Wharf in Downtown Boston, or click here for Peddocks Island tickets from Hewitts Cove in Hingham. Tickets purchased in-person are first come, first serve, so we recommend purchasing in advance.

Directions & Ferry Schedule:

For Spectacle Island: Guests should arrive at Long Wharf North (Gate 5) *at least 30 minutes early* to board and depart for Spectacle Island. Ferries will depart promptly at their scheduled times and will not wait for late visitors.

• Boston to Spectacle Island: 10:30AM or 12:30PM
• Spectacle Island to Boston: 1:30PM or 3:30PM

It is highly recommended to utilize public transportation (Aquarium Station on the Blue Line T), bikes, or ride share services, or to carpool as parking near Long Wharf is limited and can be expensive. Some recommended parking locations nearby are Post Office Square Garage ($9 – 10 minute walk) and Atlantic Wharf Parking ($12 – 12 minute walk). 

For Peddocks Island: Your adventure begins at the Hingham Ferry Terminal at 28 Shipyard Drive in Hingham, MA, with direct service to and from Peddocks Island. Guests should arrive  *at least 30 minutes* before their scheduled departure.

• Hingham to Peddocks Island: 9AM, 10:30AM, or 12PM
• Peddocks Island to Hingham: 11:15AM, 12:45PM, or 3:15PM

Parking is conveniently located near the Hingham Terminal and must be validated inside.

Come join park biologists and volunteer stewards for a Stewardship Saturday at Cathleen Stone [Thompson] Island! Help us control non-native invasive plants and enhance native ecosystems and natural processes in the park. We will explore the local flora and fauna and discuss the ecology, natural history, and cultural significance of landscapes in the park as we work to understand and improve habitat for the native birds, bugs, trees, and flowers of the Boston Harbor Islands.

See a Day as a Park Steward for what it's like to join us!

Directions: Departure will be from EDIC pier. The dock is a short walk from multiple public transit stops (namely the Silver line and the Red line, with bus routes nearby as well). There are also public paid parking garages nearby and people occasionally find free street parking down Summer Street across the bridge. More information about arrival and logistics will be given the week of the event.

Timing: The boat departs at 9am. We will return by 3:00 pm.

What to wear: Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, closed-toe shoes, and layers for the weather. Conditions can be unpredictable so please monitor the weather in the days leading up to the event and dress appropriately. 

What to bring: Please bring a lunch and plenty of water in a reusable water bottle. Sunscreen and a hat are always recommended. Tools, gloves, and PPE will be provided. 

Event will run rain or shine, however, may be cancelled due to severe weather.

Location is subject to change. Information will be shared immediately about any changes

Click here to see all National Parks of Boston Volunteer Opportunities!

If you are under 18 and interested in volunteering, please contact me directly (Nolan_Oppelt@nps.gov) as we have special guidance and volunteer.gov does not allow minor applications

This is a regular meeting of the Boston Harbor Islands Partnership, which includes representatives from a range of federal, state, city, and nonprofit agencies. All members of the public are welcome to attend and provide input.

Agenda to come