Some Info: If anyone’s interested. (:

• Sarahdownsouth's Profile
• About this blog
• Entry from Charlotte

Trip Start Jul 21, 2012 Previous
Entry Trip End Jul 21, 2013 Next
Entry

  Charlotte, North Carolina
Thursday, June 21, 2012

This is some info Projects Abroad sent me about my placement in the Galapagos. More information to come!
LOCATION:The reserve is located in the highlands of the island, 45 minutes by truck from the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno where our office is based.

This 200 hectare reserve is set in the heart of the highland forest where you will live and work.

This is a unique opportunity to experience nature at its purest

Regular tasks:

1. Habitat restoration - removing invasive plant species and alien plants
2. Reforestation with native plant species - seed collection and classification and planting and monitoring the seedlings in the nursery
3. Organic agricultural activities and agro-forestry to help maintain and secure food production for the biological station
4. Trail maintenance
5. Helping in and around the station - general maintenance, the kitchen, construction etc

YOUR ROLE:The impact of invasive species is having a detrimental long term effect on the natural ecosystem that is unique to the Galapagos island. As a conservation volunteer you role will be to help prevent this and reintroduce diffent plants in order to restore this delicate balance which is currently at risk. This is a long term and ongoing project. Due to this it is possible that you will not see the results of your work before you leave, but you are never-the-less an important and essential cog in the project wheel!
Typical Day:Each day will vary as different activities will require working at different times but you will be informed the night before of the next day’s work schedule. Some of the activities are repetitive but it is important to remember that you and the rest of the team are working towards a long term goal and results are not immediate but will be achieved if the work is consistent.Project Structure:Our work is based on the needs of the ecosystem and seasonal projects also become very important. Every activity is carefully explained and we all work together often on large scale projects around the reserve.

The reserve is currently implementing a biological corridor to demonstrate the different native vegetation at different gradients of the island.

The local staff at the reserve are happy to share their extensive knowledge about the environment you will be living in and the achievements and long term goals of the project so be sure to ask lots of questions!Other Activities:Whilst concentrating mainly on work within the reserve we also work in the local community making sure that the local farmers and future generations understand the importance of conserving the environment and the natural habitats in order to ensure the sustatinability of this delicate ecosystem.Tips from past volunteers:Make sure that you look at the kit list before you go and make sure that you make the most of everyday, its not everyday you get to live and work on one of the world’s most beautiful islands!

Share

Previous Entry Next Entry