Ecological Conservation Project/Galápagos

This was a meaningful program that I enjoyed immensely. I spent two weeks volunteering. I am mid 60’s, my volunteer colleagues were 18-25 with one other couple in their mid 50’s. Age had no barriers, the commradery was delightful. Each day’s work is different, and each day you see the results of previous volunteers efforts which gives you immediate satisfaction that your own efforts are meaningful. On one of my first days I saw a large grove of indigenous trees planted by previous volunteers.......and I immediately realized the value of the program. Working with the Giant Tortoises was my favorite. We planted, harvested and prepared (chopped different sizes for different tortoise age groups). Our typical day was breakfast around 7:15, work in The Highlands 8:00am-12:30 ish, lunch and free afternoons to explore the island (San Cristobal). We planted, transplanted a variety of indigenous plants and worked toward eradication of invasive non-indigenous plants. The best part was our hosts, Eduardo and Lucia. They provided a warm loving environment staying in their home and solid management of the program. They are 3rd or 4th generation Galápagos natives, they work very hard protecting their islands/environment and they treat volunteers with dignity and graciousness. I wholeheartedly recommend this program.