Every year MITA organizes dozens of island cleanup events on the coast. Volunteers meet up with monitor skippers and venture out in MITA’s workboats to Maine Island Trail islands to remove marine debris from shorelines and clean campsites and trails of human generated debris. Cleanup crews also tackle the formidable task of posting island logbooks in the spring and retrieving them in the fall and complete other small projects as needed. Cleanups typically are held on weekends and are full day events, beginning in the morning and ending in late afternoon. For volunteers, they offer a great opportunity to explore unfamiliar parts of the coast, to give something back to the islands that have brought, and to meet others who share a love for the natural world. Plus, they’re just down right fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Sort of Trash Do We Find?
MITA volunteers rarely find camper trash left at campsites and on trails - a positive sign that island visitors are packing everything out. Most of the trash removed from the islands is washed up plastic, styrofoam, spent or discarded fishing paraphernalia, and miscellaneous debris brought in with the ocean tides and currents. Occasionally bulky items such as tires, mattresses, metal barrels, televisions, and other abandoned waste are found. Check out the photo gallery for pictures of past cleanups and a glimpse at some of the marine debris challenges volunteers combat year after year.

Who Can Participate in a MITA Cleanup?
MITA cleanups are open to everyone – members and non-members alike. Boating experience and familiarity with the coast are not required. Cleanups usually involve walking on slippery rocks, traversing uneven terrain, and regularly clambering aboard small boats, so it is important to be in good physical condition and to have appropriate footwear. MITA’s boats are open skiffs and depending on the wind and seas volunteers are bound to get slightly (or very!) wet. A quality set of raingear can be your favorite companion on a cleanup. We go out in rain but not in heavy winds, high seas, or thick fog. Family members young and old are welcome (no dogs, sorry), and parents with small children are encouraged to discuss expectations and suitability with MITA staff beforehand.

Below is a list of what to bring with you on a MITA cleanup:

• PFD (personal floatation device - MITA can provide if you do not own one)
• Bag lunch, snacks, and plenty of drinking water
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
• Foul weather gear (top and bottom)
• Waterproof shoes/boots
• Lots of warm clothes and extra dry socks
• Work gloves or rubber gloves

How Do I Sign Up?
Check out the MITA calendar for dates of upcoming island cleanups. To sign up for a cleanup or for more information, email stewards@mita.org or call the office (207-761-8225). The cleanups tend to fill up fast so it is best to reserve your spot early. MITA trusts that all volunteers who sign up for a cleanup will honor their commitment (rain or shine) or cancel with sufficient notice so that we may offer your spot to another interested person. If you own a powerboat and would like to use it for a cleanup, please let us know.