Eco-Volunteering in the Atlantic Forest

During my time as an eco-volunteer at FWBC, I got to participate in a number of projects that all taught me something new! Every day, we would head out into the field, usually under the supervision of the lovely and knowledgeable Marleen, knowing exactly our assignment for the day, as our week’s schedule was always posted and discussed in a Monday morning meeting. Projects ranged from bushwhacking into the forest to tag and measure trees on the reserve, to taking early morning hikes to take pictures of the myriad species of birds found in the area, to preparing the release center for their first round of arrivals.

Not only were the projects here so interesting and fun, they were impeccably well organized. The staff were so supportive and helpful, and fun as well! Being my first time out of my home country, they made the process as smooth as humanly possible, and Imran answered all of my silly little questions graciously and quickly before my arrival. Accommodations were better than I could have ever expected, when I arrived I was pleasantly surprised by the luxury of having my very own AC unit in my room! Adriana is not only an absolute sweetheart, but keeps everything at IPBio sparkling clean 24/7. I honestly don’t know how she does it! Anna and Henrique are so so knowledgeable in their fields, and taught me so much about the Atlantic Forest’s ecosystem and biodiversity. My fellow volunteers during my stay were all so interesting and wonderful, it was an honor and pleasure to get to know them, for whatever the length of time our paths crossed.

The weekend trips I had the opportunity to experience were truly astounding, and just opened my eyes even more to how stunning and unique Brazil is. It is SO worth budgeting out some extra money to go on at least one of the trips, whether it’s relaxing on the beach in Cananaeia and watching dolphins play basically right by the shore, or hiking deep into the jungle to see the largest cave opening in the world, you will not be disappointed.

Being an Ecology and Environmental Science student in the US, I was drawn to FWBC’s projects in general, but had no idea how much I would fall in love with the work. After my time volunteering, I have decided to go on for my masters and hopefully pursue a PhD in the future! So, thank you FWBC for igniting this passion in me, and for giving me the opportunity to find it! I hope to return soon, and see all of the wonderful people I got to know during my stay. Obrigada, Brazil <3