Boca Chita Key Debris Cleanup

Immerse yourself in a meaningful day of service in Biscayne National Park as you help preserve the beauty and health of its coastal ecosystems.

Departing from the Dante Fascell Visitor Center, this volunteer trip takes you to Boca Chita Key, where you’ll spend your time removing marine debris from the key. You’ll have the opportunity to explore one of the park’s most iconic islands while making a tangible impact on the environment. After returning to the Visitor Center, participants will help unload the collected debris to complete the day of conservation work.

A $25 deposit is required to secure your spot. This deposit is fully refundable following your participation in the cleanup.

This activity is open to volunteers ages 12 and older. Participants aged 12–17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is actively participating. This cleanup involves physical activity—volunteers should be comfortable walking on rocky coastlines, lifting debris, and wading through water up to waist-deep for extended periods.

What to bring:

• Closed-toed shoes (sturdy water shoes/sneakers required)

• Lightweight long sleeves and long pants (required for debris removal)

• Water bottle, lunch, snacks

•  Hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent

By signing up, you are registering as a volunteer with Biscayne National Park. Please review the volunteer position description below prior to booking so you understand your role and responsibilities. Thank you for supporting the preservation of this special place!

BNPI Marine Debris Cleanup Volunteer in Park Position Description:

How many people required:  Flexible

Goals of this position: Remove marine debris from sensitive coastal habitats including, but not limited to, sea turtle nesting beaches, mangrove shorelines, and popular visitor access areas

How many days per month:  Varied

Duration of position: Year-round

Location of Volunteer Position: Dante Fascell Visitor Center, Biscayne National Park, 9700 SW 328th Street, Homestead, FL 33033.  Volunteers will be transported via government/institute boat to specific work sites.  

Tasks required:

• Collect and bag assorted marine debris from the assigned work area
• Dispose of garbage in the dumpster
• Report suspicious debris items to the supervisor

Characteristics of Volunteer Position

• Responsible and professional
• Self-starter and quick to learn
• Follows directions, but can independently perform tasks once oriented
• Punctual and dependable
• Must be able to wade in waist-deep water, walk on rocky shorelines and beaches while bending over to pick up marine debris for several hours a day

Paperwork Needed:

• Agreement, with parental approval, if under 18yrs (OF301a or OF301b)
• Job description (this page will suffice for PD)
• JHA (safety document)

Required Training: A 15 minute orientation on the day of your assignment

Suggested Training: n/a

Uniform/Dress Code: This is a non-uniformed position.  Sun protective clothing that can get wet/dirty is recommended (long sleeves/pants).  Footwear should be closed-toed shoes (dive booties, Keene sandals, etc.).  

Age Restrictions: Ages 12+, (ages 12-17 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian)

Other Items to Note: No reimbursements available, work level: strenuous