Nature Reserve & Biological Station
Our Conservation Volunteer Program.
Supporting Conservation Behind the Scenes
Our Volunteer Program offers the opportunity to contribute to the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the reserve functioning. From maintaining trails and supporting daily station life to caring for our tree nursery, conservation volunteers play an important role in sustaining the infrastructure that allows conservation and restoration efforts to continue.
This non-academic program is designed for people who enjoy hands-on tasks, appreciate physical outdoor work, and are curious about how a small, independent conservation initiative operates on a daily basis. Living and working at the station offers an immersive rainforest experience while contributing in a meaningful and tangible way.
Conservation volunteers help us with the following tasks (click on pictures for more info):
There are several daily tasks that keep the station running smoothly, and volunteers can support us with cooking, watering plants, feeding the chickens, and helping maintain a clean and welcoming station house.
Over the past few years, we have established several nature trails that provide access to different parts of the reserve for field studies or simply to explore the forest and observe its diverse plant and animal life. Regular maintenance is needed to keep the trails clear of vegetation and fallen branches. Steps and signs also require occasional repair or replacement.
Around the station we maintain various fruit trees and cultivated plants such as yucca (manioc), sugar cane, bananas, and plantains. Volunteers may be involved in watering, compost production, planting and cultivating saplings, weeding, general plant care, and harvesting when produce is ready.
We have established fruit feeding stations for certain bird and mammal species in the reserve. With those stations we try to facilitate the observation of some (rare) species which would normally be very difficult to observe. At the same time these feeding stations are also used to monitor the bird and mammal diversity in the reserve. The banana feeders need to be cleaned and refilled twice a week.
Skilled volunteers are also welcome to paint our outhouses or signs for the garden etc.
Volunteers can help building signs for our nature trails, the plants in the garden and other new features.
Professional carpenters or volunteers with manual skills are always welcome at the station. They can help Wilo with the maintenance and wood work around the station.
In 2015 we initiated a reforestation project to restore former cattle fields and enhance forest quality in areas of secondary growth. We collect seeds and saplings from primary forest trees, as well as palm and pioneer species, and raise them in our on-site nursery. The young plants are used for reforestation within the reserve and have also been planted or distributed to neighboring properties to support local restoration initiatives.
In the age of social media, we regularly share updates and stories from the reserve through our blog and Instagram. Volunteers who enjoy writing or working with media are welcome to contribute short articles about their experiences, special events, or observations from daily life at the station. We are also happy to collaborate with volunteers who have media skills and would like to create videos, photos, or other creative content that helps share our conservation work with a wider audience.
As a small, independent conservation initiative, we occasionally rely on external support to develop new projects and expand our activities. Volunteers with experience in fundraising are very welcome to contribute by assisting with donation appeals, grant research, or the creation of crowdfunding campaigns to support our conservation work.
Conservation Volunteer FAQs
Who can apply?
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and ages (18+). Prior experience is not necessarily required. We are generally looking for nature-loving, open-minded people who do not mind getting their hands dirty. Daily activities may involve working in rainy, hot, or sunny conditions, and the work can occasionally be physically demanding. Therefore, volunteers should have a reasonable level of physical fitness. Volunteers share a house and often also rooms with other volunteers or students, so they should be open to a situation with limited privacy. We ask our volunteers to be respectful, organized, and tidy in order to guarantee a harmonious work and living experience for everyone.
Is there a cost for volunteering?
We charge from 125 US$ per week to cover the expenses for food and lodging at the station house.
What does the work schedule for volunteers look like?
We expect volunteers to help us with our daily chores for about 5 hours per day (usually 8am-1pm) on week days. Afternoons and weekends are free.
Is there a minimum stay?
Yes! We prefer volunteers who commit to at least 4 weeks of volunteer work.
Do volunteers participate in biological research in the reserve?
Our Conservation Volunteer Program focuses on conservation, infrastructure, and daily reserve management.
If you are specifically seeking scientific field training or academic research experience, please apply to one of our internship programs or courses, which run during designated periods.
Professionals with highly specialized field skills (e.g., certified bird banders) may be suitable for a position as a Research Volunteer.
Partnering with:
My time as a volunteer was something I will never forget. I am very glad I could leave something behind. Working with Wilo and Christian was very pleasant and we had a lot of fun.
"
Tanja, Netherlands
From our Blog....
