Apply Now

Kaitlin Farrell writes

...about her experience while volunteering in Ecuador.

During "work" days we focussed mainly on efforts related to reforestation. We would collect seeds from out in the forest depending on which trees were in bloom, as well as prepare the soils for the planting beds, plant the seeds we collected, and weed any of planting beds that been planted by previous volunteer. We also planted saplings from the planting beds into reforestation lines, which, while somewhat tiring, was one of the most rewarding parts of the whole process. In the meantime you would learn about the various tree species and their merits in primary forests, etc. On other work days though, we would do maintenance type work around the station and houses, working of carpentry projects (e.g. carving trail making signs) or anything else that had to be done around the house. The work was almost always done as a group, so the volunteers had a lot of opportunities to work together as well as with the staff that were stationed at Bilsa.

On "project days" we were able to work on something related to our own interests. I spent a good amount of time working in the medicinal garden, fighting the never-ending weeds as well as replacing planter boxes etc. I didn't have a formal project and would often just help out with whatever needed to be done by helping to complete the unfinished projects of former volunteers. On some project days I was able to help out the scientists who are working at Bilsa with their studies, assisting with bird tracking and observation of nests etc.

On "hiking days" we spent the day hiking on the trails around Bilsa with one of the guides, which was wonderful because we were able to take in the beautiful forest as well as learn a lot of interesting thinks about the local flora and fauna.

This program was absolutely amazing and my 9 weeks flew by. Given the opportunity, I would be back there in a second!