The volunteer project is run by a Center for Wildlife Rescue and Environmental Conservation, committed to preserve wildlife and its habitat.
Programs Abroad
COSTA RICA - Rainforest Biodiversity Conservation 
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Booking Nº: CR103 Country: Costa Rica + Location: Sarapiquí Minimum Stay: 4 weeks Start dates: Year round Price: 4 weeks, from USD 390 |
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Task
- Maintain and improve trail system
- Maintain and improve facilities
- Bird feeding at natural reserve
- Assist with installation of new hanging basket
- Building of common rest area
During your stay at this natural reserve, there will always be opportunities for volunteers to develop small projects on their own, however general responsiblities of facility are always in need of attention.
The current trails on reserve grounds are in need of improvement. Volunteers play a highly valued role in helping the reserve to develop three distinct though eventually interconnected trails. These trails run along areas which offer excellent opportunities to observe wild birds in their natural habitat, as well allow guests to see this incredible backcountry without making new trails and personal paths in every which direction. Trails are designed to be moderate to easy paths without fallen trees to climb over or rivers to jump. The end product goal of the trails, is to offer a balance of getting people muddy while still happy with dry boots and on-track. So, get out your saw and hammer because the trail is in need of new foot-bridges, clearing debris, re-routing trails, updating signs, designing maps for visitors, naming trails, etc.
The reserve also hopes to build a few structures on the property which would be bird watching preches or inviting nooks for rest and relaxtion! Ideal R&R sites should be able to accommodate 10 - 15 people, full of hammocks and sun protection.
Volunteers also may help with the installation and maintenance of hanging baskets as well as the zip line that crosses the river to access the restuarant.
These projects are all taken at a reasonable pace, spending time to determine the best locations for new construction as well as how to optimize guest expereinces on the trails. All of these projects are done with enviornmental conservation in mind.
Volunteers work around five days per week and about seven hours a day. General work days entail two work sessions from 7:00-11:00am, and then 2:00-5:00pm in the afternoon. Works days are not necessarily in a row, though weekends are often work days. Rest assured, the reserve understands the importance of days off too!
Other Potential Projects:
- Writing text for a brochure for the reserve
- Community Outreach: English classes, environmental education or any other variety of classes which can be offered regularly.
- Waste Management: Determining a method for recycling at the natural reserve as a model for a community recycling program.
- Landscaping: Contributing aesthetic features to the grounds with flowers, rock gardens, water fountains, etc.
- Welcome sign: The reserve is in the process of developing a bird route for all sites to post at their entrance; or developing a general 'Welcome to the Natural Reserve' sign as well.
Accommodation
- Volunteer house
- House is fully equipped
- Three meals per day
Volunteers will sleep in this fully equipped house which can accommodate up to six volunteers. Most likely volunteers will have a single room, though depending on availabilty, some might have to share a room with another volunteer. Beds are protected by mosquito nets. There are running toilets, showers in the house and drinkable tap water in the kitchen. Evening nights are lite by candle, as the electrictiy that runs through the house is minimal and powered by solar panels. Most are served in the field station and are often a very social time of the day. Laundry is done by hand. There are books available in different languages including some field guides.
Around the houses there is an area of reforestation mixed with bananas. Though the house gardens change as volunteers come and go, gardening is certainly encouraged. Don’t forget, you will be living in the nature. The weather will often be hot and wet. October through December is not the super wet season but it rains pretty much all year in the Caribbean.
Requirements
Language:At least intermediate Spanish skills.
Skills:
No special skills are required.
Age:
18+ years.
Vaccination:
Typhus, Hep A and Hep B, Tetanus. No Malaria in this region of Costa Rica. Please also consult a doctor in your homecountry.
Insurance:
Full travel & medical insurance for Costa Rica.
Visa:
Usually, tourist visa is fine for up to a 3 months stay. However, we recommend consulting the Costa Rican Embassy of your home country.
Details
The private natural reserve is located in the northern plains of
The reserve was created in the year 2002 with the intention of helping recover and protect the local environment while maintaining sustainable agriculture and eco-tourism activities, as well as serving as a site for education and research. The
The objective of the reserve is to create a sustainable project that will pay for itself. It is also an objective to use this project as an example for other landowners in the area, to demonstrate sustainable development and prove that there are alternative ways to produce income on a property while protecting and conserving the local nature and wildlife. Volunteers from all over the world take part in our volunteer project and are encouraged to build up positive relationships with the local community.
Prices
| Duration | in USD |
|---|---|
| 4 weeks | 390.- |
| 5 weeks | 490.- |
| 6 weeks | 590.- |
| 7 weeks | 690.- |
| 8 weeks | 780.- |
| Additional week |
100.- |
Registration fee 75 USD.
What’s included:
- Accommodation
- 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Orientation kit
- Local support
What’s not included:
- Flight
- Airport Pick-up
- Medical Insurance
- Visa (if necesary)
- Personal expenses
Country
Country information Costa Rica |
 Costa Rica stands as one of the smallest countries in Central America with approximately 19,000 square miles and a coastline of 810 miles. The country borders Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south and the Pacific and Caribbean Sea on either side. Costa Rica is home to 4.5 million people with upwards of 350,000 people living in the capital city of San Jose.
The Costa Rican climate is commonly humid and warm year round, although temperatures in the highlands are typically colder and cloudier. Incredibly, 23% of an already small amount of densely populated land remains protected territory by National Parks and/or private reserves. This protected land is home and host to a wide variety of exotic plants, animals and social/environmental projects to ensure the protection and conservation of the tropical habitat. When walking the streets of Costa Rica, make sure to ask Costa Rican natives, who typically know heaps, about their national treasures. Further, Costa Rica is the most politically stable country in Central America, with a disbanded army for more than sixty years and a relatively high standard of education. Tourism is one of the main economic income sources for Costa Rica. With over 2 million tourists exploring Costa Rica each year, the country stands as the most visited nation in the Central American region. Through eco-tourism programs, (which CR was one of the first countries offering this type of programming), range of activities and year round tropical weather, the country attracts tourists from all over the world. Aside from protected land, the true jewels of Costa Rica are the surrounding islands with serene beaches and breath-taking nature. This country offers beautiful landscapes for dream vacations of beach lounging, surfing, snorkeling, hiking volcanoes, zip-lining, rafting, bird watching, fishing and/or exploring rain forests. The dry season of Costa Rica is between December through April, though like most Latin countries, schools are closed, beaches full and finding hotels may be tricky at last minute notice. A second peak season arrives with the Europeans and North Americans during June and July. As the off-season arrives in May, so does the green with the rainy season. Lastly, Costa Rica encompasses year round possibilities for surfers, fishing enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike. Depending what coast you want to surf, what fish you want to catch and what bird you hope to see, there are some variations on ideal months to further research. Finally, Costa Rica is a perfect place to learn Spanish, as the Spanish spoken here is typically slow without strong accents and layers of slang. The Costa Ricans are very friendly, energetic people and rarely without a smile!
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