Volunteer Restoration Projects

Find a volunteer restoration project in a part of the world you've always wanted to see.

If you think volunteer work has to involve soup cans and copy machines, think again. Volunteers in the 21st century are taking advantage of increasing global interaction and awareness to find and contribute to projects that are close to their hearts. For those with an interest in strengthening the link between past, present and future, volunteer restoration projects can offer both insight and a feeling of accomplishment.

Wildlands Restoration in Colorado

Restoration projects that cover large land areas present opportunities for volunteers.

Volunteers with a need for nature can set out for a single day, weekend or longer restoration project around the Northern Colorado Front Range. Managed by the Wildlands Restoration Volunteers organization, these opportunities take volunteers to locations throughout the expansive mountainous region to restore streambeds, harvest and repopulate native plants, remove invasive weeds from grasslands, install irrigation systems and remove signs of modern intrusion that threaten the plants, wildlife and ecology of the area. A 2010 project to plant more than 1,000 native shrubs along a stream in Carnage Canyon aimed to help re-establish native vegetation and create stable banks to protect the water flow. There are no fees associated with volunteering on restoration projects sponsored through Wildlands Restoration Volunteers, but individuals must provide their own transportation and appropriate work clothing.

Wildlands Restoration Volunteers

3012 Sterling Circle, Suite 201

Boulder, Colorado 80301

303-543-1411

wlrv.org

Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Restoring native plants and animal species offers protection for the plants, animals and the land being restored.

For a more tropical activity, head to Hawaii to pitch in on projects aimed at restoring and maintaining natural landscapes within the 330,000-acre Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers help weed invasive plants and replace them with thriving native species that will replenish the ecosystem. With direction from staff and nature specialists, restoration groups work throughout the park. There is no cost for participating in restoration projects, though volunteers may pay nominal membership fees to enjoy ongoing connections with the group.

Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

P.O. Box 653

Volcano, Hawaii 96785

808-985-7373

fhvnp.org

The Chairro Gompa Restoration in Nepal

Volunteering on a restoration project gives you a sense of belonging to the history of the structure or area.

If you’re looking for a volunteer project that is international and spiritual, consider the Chairro Gompa Restoration Project in Nepal. The project is managed by the Cultural Restoration Tourism Project, which creates restoration and volunteer opportunities around the world. Volunteers at the Chairro Gompa have been working since 2005 to restore the 17th century monastery and its artifacts, which include sculpture and original wall paintings. Original restoration work included patching temple walls to stabilize the structure and a focus on cleaning the ancient paintings within the temple. Ongoing work will help rebuild living quarters for monks, in the hope of returning the historic monastery to its original use. As of 2010, participation fees range from $1,695 for one-week trips to $2,795 for longer, 12-day adventures. Airfare is not included in these fees.

Cultural Restoration Tourism Project

PO Box 6803

Albany, CA 94706 USA

415-563-7221

crpt.net

References

• Cultural Tourism Restoration Project: The Chairro Project
• Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Volunteer
• Wildlands Restoration Volunteers