Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference 2010 (ESTC 2010) Portland, Oregon, USA - September 8-10, 2010 http://www.ecotourismconference.org
For the first time in the event's history, delegates of this year's ESTC will have the opportunity to participate in actual volunteer activities during field sessions. TIES is working with the Planeterra Foundation to offer conference delegates an opportunity to learn about and experience voluntourism first-hand, by participating in hands-on activities to benefit the local community - a chance to give back through travel! "These field sessions will allow delegates to get a hands-on voluntourism experience and give back during their visit to Portland. This is the type of activity we encourage travelers to participate in that leads to a richer traveler experience and inspires people to continue to give back." - Richard G. Edwards, Director, Planeterra ESTC 2010 VOLUNTOURISM FIELD SESSIONS Columbia Springs - September 8th, 8:30am-1:00pm Environmental stewardship projects at Columbia Springs - a 100-acre urban green space featuring nature trails and a working trout hatchery. Join this full-morning environmental volunteer project with activities such as: removing invasive species, harvesting, trailwork, and other ecological restoration work. Community Gardens - September 9th, 9:45am-12:30pm Portland Parks & Recreation's Community Gardening program provides a space for community members to plant fresh, healthy and organic food. Join this field session to work on a community garden that serves to educate and provide access to healthy food to families in need in Portland. Tualatin River Wildlife Refuge - September 10th, 8:30-10am Situated just a few miles from Oregon's largest city, Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge is one of only a handful of urban wildlife refuges in the US. Join this field session to work on ecological restoration activities such as removing invasive species and maintaining newly planted trees. Learn more about the ESTC 2010 field sessions: http://www.ecotourismconference.org/field-sessions Register for the ESTC 2010: http://www.ecotourismconference.org/register
