Community Reforestation Project

  Costa Rica

• Eastern Lowlands: 
Tortuguero

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 7-12 months and over 2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Year Round

Description: This is the newest project for the station and has had a great response. It is hoped that through a variety of seed collection volunteers will have the chance to participate in a tree planting program restoring some of the native trees that have since been deemed "rare" to the area. Through donations there will also be planting of fruit trees into the local community to provide food alternatives for locals.

At the station a germination table has been started to try to improve the survival rate of trees once they have been transplanted. Volunteers assist in all aspects of the project.

Highlights:
* Volunteers have the chance to work directly in community improvement.
* Learning closely the ecology of the region and the plant families that thrive in the Tortuguero area.

Qualifications:
* Must be able to work in all conditions, go physical stamina, able to handle remote environment.
* Some spanish a bonus but not required.

Cost in US$: 250 USD/ week

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Most volunteers have no background in the field and we provide all the training necessary for them to accomplish the required work. They are usually open to new experiences and enjoy working outdoors. Some are looking to change their curent job situation and want to try something new, while others are looking to gain experience in the field for related work.

Age Range: 18-60

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 4

Application Process Involves:

• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation's Mission Statement: The Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation (COTERC) is a registered Canadian non-profit charitable organization. The mission of COTERC is to provide leadership in education, research, conservation and the wise use of natural resources in the tropics. We provide conservation, research and education opportunities at the Cano Palma Biological Station for those interested in sea turtles, resident and migrant birds, neotropical mammals, herptiles, invertebrates and flora.

Year Founded: 1991