Galapagos (Isla Santa Cruz)
Description
The project's goal is to use reforestation with native and endemic species and the control of introduced species as a tool to counteract the loss of the islands’ biodiversity. The Pájaro Brujo Reserve, in the area of Santa Rosa on the island of Santa Cruz, is where the majority of this work is carried out. Here we maintain a research center where we “mass-produce” endemic plants for reforestation on the lands of local farmers. The Reserve also runs a training center where local residents, as well as others, learn about different topics related to environmental protection and organic agriculture.
Location
Galápagos, Isla de Santa Cruz, Vía Santa Rosa-El Chato
Volunteers Activities
Preparation of soil, seed collection, nursery maintenance, reforestation, agricultural extension, environmental education, eradication of introduced species, organic agriculture, giant-tortoise monitoring, beach clean-up and others.
Schedule work
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday - Friday
Free Time
Visit Los Gemelos, the Charles Darwin Station, Swimming and snorkeling, bicycling in Puerto Ayora, travel to other islands.
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 and able to work with tools such as machetes, hoes and shovels.
Accommodations
The Pájaro Brujo Reserve has comfortable rooms with bunk-beds for up to eighteen people, in addition to a fireplace, library, meeting room, hot water, laundry facilities, dining hall, computer access and more. Three meals are served per day, with the exception of Saturday afternoon and Sundays when most volunteers travel down to Puerto Ayora