Cloud Forest
Description
The reserve encompasses three types of forest: pre-montane evergreen, low montane and high montane (cloud forest). Within the boundaries of the reserve there are 287 species of birds, 40 species of mammals, and 63 genera of butterflies (several lists available). The vegetation is typical of the cloud forest, which has the highest diversity of epiphyte plants. In the nursery several endangered tree species are reproduced. The station works in natural conservation, combating deforestation, protecting existing forest, restoring degraded areas and searching for sustainable activities that enable us to support the reserve and to offer a better way of life for the local community as well as those who work and live at the reserve.
Location
The reserve is located in Ecuador in the Pichincha province, 90 kilometers from Quito and is located up the hill from the community of La Esperie. The community is on the Aloag-Santo Domingo road, eleven kilometers past the town of Tandapi
Volunteers Activities
The Biological Station & Reserve has designed three different programs for the volunteers:
(A) Conservation in the Cloud Forest
Minimum commitment: 2 weeks
Forestry Program, Restoring Degraded Areas, Sustainable Wood Production,Wildlife Program, Research, Organic Vegetable Garden, Trail Maintenance, Medicinal Garden.
(B) In the Way to Sustainability
Minimum commitment: 3 weeks
Organic Vegetable Garden, Production of Organic Fertilizers and Pesticides, Organic Agriculture, Alternative Animal Production, Bio-food Production, Forestry Program & Sustainable Wood Production, Medicinal Garden, Eco - construction, Alternative Energy
(C) Social Development.
Minimum commitment: 4 weeks
Teaching English position, Teaching special subjects
Schedule work
Volunteers work 7 hours a day, Monday through Thursday. Volunteers do not work on Saturday and Sunday and have a hike every other Friday.
Volunteer Profile
University study is not a prerequisite to acceptance into the program. However, prospective volunteers should have an interest in conservation and related human issues.
Accommodation
Accommodation in the Volunteer House, in shared rooms (2 - 5 volunteers per room). The house has running water, electricity, public telephone and excellent views of the forest. They offer a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals that includes traditional Ecuadorian food.