Clearing Invasive Plants at the Banks of Dordogne River

  France

Clermont-Ferrand

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: July 6 - July 26,

Description: The town of le Mont Dore is located at the foot of the Sancy Mountain. It is an important regional tourist site, thanks to its location. This opening towards tourist activities naturally led to international exchanges. Our partnership for the hosting of an international volunteer project started years ago, as the first workcamp organized in the municipality was in summer 1988.

The volunteers will clear invasive plants from the banks of the Dordogne river. This will involve clearing of undergrowth and cutting the plants. You will be supervised by local employees. Note: the project tasks require physical work because the plants are very high and thick, and the banks are sometimes very inclined.

Possible free time activities: Welcome drink offered by the council with representatives of associations, meals prepared by the international group to thank the town. Discovery of pottery craft and metal work, participation in the organization of the National Day on July 14.

Highlights: Located in the heart of the Auvergne, in the Regional Natural Park Volcans dAuvergne, the town of Mont Dore enjoys a natural setting, and a rich heritage that the volunteers will discover. Nature is well protected in the regional park and particularly in the valley of le Mont-Dore, where the Dordogne river has its source. The area has several crater lakes (maar) as Pavin lakes and lakes Chauvet, and other formed by lava flows as Chambon Lake and Lake Guery. The Sancy also has plenty of streams and rivers like the Dordogne and Couze Chambon, wetlands and peat bogs as Gayme Barthe or the many waterfalls and cascades like Cheix, the Bois de Chaux, the Verniere, Great Cascade. Finally, the site will enable the integration of local youth in a dynamic opening, environmental awareness, discovery and boost local volunteerism. Le Mont-Dore is located at an altitude of 1050 m, and even summer evenings can be very cold. Population: 1,735 inhabitants. Towns nearby: Clermont Ferrand (43 km).

Cost in US$: $290 US

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Motivated to work voluntarily within an international team, tolerant, open-minded and cooperative person with adventurous spirit.

Age Range: 18 - 30 years

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants.

Participants Travel to France Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

CADIP - Canadian Alliance for Development Initiatives and Projects's Mission Statement: CADIP promotes peace, cooperation, tolerance and understanding in international, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural surroundings. The organization also promotes patterns and examples of civil activities focused on serving others, on building social ties and strengthening communities, on supporting civil society development. Aims and general objectives: * To promote volunteering as an expression of civic contribution * To strengthen the international contacts among young people * To build tolerance and understanding in multicultural and multi-ethnic surroundings *To promote multiunderstanding among youth all over the world * To facilitate the individual growth of the volunteers through the acquisition of work, life and learning skills * To work for the recognition and promotion of non-formal learning * To support the community initiatives and assist in community development.