Help wanted
It takes "all kinds" to make an effort like KOBI successful.
The stewardship of Baker Island can always use people on the ground, help from boaters and other logistical support.
Off Island we are always looking for enthusiastic help with our organization including prospective members for our Board of Directors.
Perhaps you have a particular talent you want to share? If you have a warm spot for Baker in your heart, we welcome the opportunity to consider your expertise, be it fund raising, repairing our chainsaws or anything in between.
Get in touch and tell us about your interests!
DOWNLOADS:
Volunteer Guidelines (also appearing below)
Acadia National Park Volunteer form for Baker Island
On-island Volunteer Guidelines
2024 season
Thank you for volunteering to help with the hands-on work of Baker Island’s stewardship!
[Please see the bottom of this sheet for details on volunteer forms for KOBI and ANP.]
Very important:
DOs:
Approved tasks without prior arrangement include:
WITH PRIOR ARRANGEMENT, there may be brush to clear or drag, dead limbs to thin, grass to cut or rake, and other caretaking tasks. When ongoing cleanup projects are underway (such as organized shoreline cleanups) there will be specified staging areas to leave collected detritus for pickup.
DON'Ts:
Supplies to bring (while working at any remote location) should include:
Supplies available on the Island:
The Gilley outhouse (past the first white farmhouse) contains many supplies. We do our best to keep it clean and organized. Your help is appreciated! Tidy, empty the trash, or leave your extra sealed water & snacks in the give/take bin.
Stored inside you should find:
The residents live in the two private (red) homes and are usually happy to offer help or advice.
John Cesari stays in the schoolhouse. If it is open, he is likely somewhere on the Island. You may find him at the barn, on the tractor, mowing, sawing or hiking with Waldo the poodle. If not, he is still available to answer questions remotely. Call or text: 207-812-0417
Acadia National Park Volunteer form:
A form can be found on the KOBI website (see download link above) to be filled out by official Baker Island volunteers.
There are several benefits to using this form and reporting hours to the park, including:
There is a section on the back for parents to sign for their minor volunteers.
Please mail the form, either electronically or via snail mail, to KOBI with total hours. There is a clipboard in the Gilley outhouse where you can leave the form instead.
The stewardship of Baker Island can always use people on the ground, help from boaters and other logistical support.
Off Island we are always looking for enthusiastic help with our organization including prospective members for our Board of Directors.
Perhaps you have a particular talent you want to share? If you have a warm spot for Baker in your heart, we welcome the opportunity to consider your expertise, be it fund raising, repairing our chainsaws or anything in between.
Get in touch and tell us about your interests!
DOWNLOADS:
Volunteer Guidelines (also appearing below)
Acadia National Park Volunteer form for Baker Island
On-island Volunteer Guidelines
2024 season
Thank you for volunteering to help with the hands-on work of Baker Island’s stewardship!
[Please see the bottom of this sheet for details on volunteer forms for KOBI and ANP.]
Very important:
- Safety is the first priority. Baker is a VERY remote work area.
- Watch the weather! Some days it is not safe to land. Be open to backup plans.
- Be very careful landing people and supplies! We wear our PFDs coming to shore.
- The entire shoreline can be slippery and the rocks unstable; use caution.
- If you meet crews mowing, weed whipping or chain sawing, give them a safety buffer.
- There are necessary restrictions to what you can do based upon policies of several entities, including Acadia National Park, the Coast Guard, the National Historic Register, and the Department of Marine Resources.
- FINALLY, In case of an emergency call Acadia Dispatch: 207-288-8791
DOs:
Approved tasks without prior arrangement include:
- Removal of obvious shoreline trash / detritus (see below) which can be taken off-island by individuals for appropriate disposal / recycling. This includes bagged trash by landing.
- Pulling up of spruce seedlings (10 inches or less) sprouting in any open areas, particularly around the lighthouse compound, in the vicinity of any building or foundation and on the edge of the fields. Please use both hands when you can, to hold down the surrounding ground and avoid pulling up whole clumps of moss or groundcover.
WITH PRIOR ARRANGEMENT, there may be brush to clear or drag, dead limbs to thin, grass to cut or rake, and other caretaking tasks. When ongoing cleanup projects are underway (such as organized shoreline cleanups) there will be specified staging areas to leave collected detritus for pickup.
DON'Ts:
- DO NOT move or remove ANY artifacts from the island. The historic period of significance for Baker Island runs as late as 1957; so keep this in mind when you find “middens” or trash piles in the woods. Use your judgment and err to the side of caution. There are the remains of the few vehicles which have serviced the keepers as well as building parts and household refuse. DO NOT touch these please!! A rusty chunk of iron at the HARBOR may be a part of the original winch from the keeper’s boat ramp. However, a bleach jug or a soda can—take it!
- It is illegal to handle fishing supplies without prior approval. This includes buoys, lobster traps, and fishing line. It should be obvious to you when a chunk of styrofoam or a tangled knot of nylon is trash and not usable or even “ghost” gear, and can be removed.
Supplies to bring (while working at any remote location) should include:
- WATER, snacks and bug spray.
- Sturdy closed shoes, gloves and extra layers (it may be much cooler than MDI)
- Cell phones, whistles and first aid kits recommended- Baker is very REMOTE
Supplies available on the Island:
The Gilley outhouse (past the first white farmhouse) contains many supplies. We do our best to keep it clean and organized. Your help is appreciated! Tidy, empty the trash, or leave your extra sealed water & snacks in the give/take bin.
Stored inside you should find:
- A first aid kit, emergency lighting and a whistle
- Trash bags and ties (a good supply), spare gloves (please return when done)
- Clipboard with forms, notes, maps and a log
The residents live in the two private (red) homes and are usually happy to offer help or advice.
John Cesari stays in the schoolhouse. If it is open, he is likely somewhere on the Island. You may find him at the barn, on the tractor, mowing, sawing or hiking with Waldo the poodle. If not, he is still available to answer questions remotely. Call or text: 207-812-0417
Acadia National Park Volunteer form:
A form can be found on the KOBI website (see download link above) to be filled out by official Baker Island volunteers.
There are several benefits to using this form and reporting hours to the park, including:
- Total volunteer hours help with Baker budgeting;
- Volunteers are covered by NPS insurance;
- Volunteers are "official;" that is, for school community service hours, resumes, etc.
- Bragging rights for good-natured competitions
There is a section on the back for parents to sign for their minor volunteers.
Please mail the form, either electronically or via snail mail, to KOBI with total hours. There is a clipboard in the Gilley outhouse where you can leave the form instead.