USA Ecotourism And Conservation

Ecotourism organizations have blossomed in the US, offering (sometimes) costly activities and tours developed to minimize environmental impact. More innovative programs arrange outings engineered to improve the environment and quality of life at the local level, while providing volunteers with the opportunity to research and experience the wilderness, and to build work skills. Additionally, conservation groups work to protect America’s wilderness and wildlife.

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 424 E. 92nd St., New York, NY 10128 (☎212-876-7700; www.aspca.org). Promotes the humane treatment of animals through awareness programs, public policy efforts, shelter support, and animal medical treatment. Look under “Find a Shelter” on their website to find a list of shelters needing volunteers, or apply to volunteer at the ASPCA’s headquarters in New York City. The ASPCA is partnered with www.petfinder.com, which also has a database of shelters and rescue groups.
Backroads, 801 Cedar St. Berkeley, CA 94710 (☎510-527-1555; www.backroads.com). Week-long walking, biking, and multi-sport trips designed to minimize environmental impact by avoiding mechanized transport. Destinations include San Juan Islands, WA; the Gulf Coast; and northern New England. Most courses $1200-2000.
Earth Share, 7735 Old Georgetown Rd., Ste. 900, Bethesda, MD 20814 (☎800-875-3863 or 240-333-0300; www.earthshare.org). A network of national conservation organizations that offers links to short- and long-term volunteer opportunities with community and state organizations in 19 states.
Earthwatch Institute, 3 Clock Tower Pl., Ste. 100, Box 75, Maynard, MA 01754 (☎800-776-0188 or 978-461-0081; www.earthwatch.org). Arranges 1- to 3-week programs to promote the conservation of natural resources and aid in field research. Under the supervision of leading scientists, volunteer teams perform tasks like tracking wildlife in Alaska’s temperate rainforests or excavating prehistoric pueblos in the Southwest. Volunteers must be over 16. Expeditions generally cost $700-4000, depending on length and location.
Environmental Careers Organization, 30 Winter St., Boston, MA 02108 (☎617-426-4375; www.eco.org). Develop skills in communications, outreach, or as a field technician for organizations like the Bureau of Land Management, US Geological Survey, and the Environmental Protection Agency. 3-month to 2-year paid internships in 35 states and 3 US territories. Internships mostly available in summer but also during the year.
National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), 284 Lincoln St., Lander, WY 82520 (☎800-710-6657; www.nols.edu). Designs 2- to 12-week wilderness expeditions that foster leadership abilities and backcountry skills, such as backpacking, wilderness medicine, and caving. Age requirements vary by expedition. Most courses cost at least $100 per day.
Natural Resources Conservation Service, Attn: Conservation Communications Staff, P.O. Box 2890, Washington, D.C. 20013 (☎202-720-3210; www.nrcs.usda.gov). Volunteer on private farms and ranches, in classrooms, or in offices promoting conservation and improving habitats. Give tours and speeches, take photographs, or organize exhibits with specialists.
Orion Grassroots Network, 187 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230 (☎888-909-6568; www.oriononline.org). A network of 795 nonprofits and community organizations that matches volunteers with paid and unpaid environmental internships.
Volunteers-in-Parks (National Park Service), 1849 C St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20240 (☎202-354-1800; www.nps.gov/volunteer). From the Great Smoky Mountains to Alaska’s Glacier Bay, volunteers learn about park management, wildlife research, and environmental education by giving tours, monitoring wildlife, picking up trash, and planting trees in national parks. Applicants from abroad may receive free, reimbursed, or reduced-cost housing and food from the International Volunteers-in-Parks program.
World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms USA, P.O. Box 510, Felton, CA 95018 (☎831-425-3276; www.wwoofusa.org). Learn about organic farming and permaculture on one of over 200 host farms across the United States. Volunteers devote about 6hr. per day to farm work in exchange for accommodations and meals. Volunteers must be over 18 or accompanied by a legal guardian. Requested stay lengths vary from a weekend to 3 months. Membership $20; 2-person membership $30.