Costa Rica Save The Trees

Costa Rica is one of the most environmentally diverse places on earth. Numerous organizations work to protect the national parks, tropical forests, and beaches from unsustainable farming practices and tourist practices. The following programs offer volunteer opportunities ranging from trail maintenance and reforestation to teaching sustainable farming techniques.

Punta Mona Center (www.puntamona.org), located 5km south of Manzanillo. An 85-acre organic farm and educational center dedicated to sustainable agriculture. Volunteers spend their days and nights picking (and eating) 100+ varieties of tropical fruit, observing huge marine turtles nest on the beach, living in houses built completely of fallen trees, and using solar-powered, eco-friendly energy. Meals included. Internships (US$610 per month) and volunteer opportunities (US$124 per month) available.
Asociación Preservacionista de Flora y Fauna Silvestre (APREFLOFAS), P.O. Box 917 2150, Moravia, San José (☎2240 6087; www.preserveplanet.org). A non-profit volunteer organization that promotes reforestation, works to guard Costa Rica’s natural resources from illegal exploitation, and provides a wealth of information on ecotourism in Costa Rica’s parks. APREFLOFAS also operates a tour agency, Raccoon Tours, which finances the volunteer program and conservation efforts.
Asociación de Voluntario de Areas Protegias Silvestres (ASVO), Apdo. 11384-1000, San José (☎2258 4430; info@asvocr.com). Your link to virtually every national park in Costa Rica. Although some parks prefer that volunteers contact their conservation areas directly, you can always reach a specific park through this office. Live and work in the same conditions as the park rangers. 15-day commitment.