We are seeking volunteers to help plant red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle) on Isla de Guanaja, Honduras. Planting will take place in two sessions:
1) early January through mid-February 2) mid-April through May The start and end dates of each session are somewhat dependent on volunteer availability. Length of volunteer stays can be very flexible - you should plan to stay at least a week to make the trip to the island worthwile. About Guanaja and the Project: Guanaja is one of Honduras' three B ay Islands, and certainly the least frequently visited. It is roughly 60 square miles and supports a small population, most of which inhabits a small key on the south side of the island. In 1998 Hurricane Mitch hovered over Guanaja for three days, exposing the island to extreme winds and rain. The storm resulted in 95% destruction of red mangroves, which has left many areas devoid of vegetation 10 years later. Our project seeks to reforest a large area in the northeast part of the island in a thorough and systematic manner. By June 1, we hope to have replanted 250 hectares with as many as one million propagules. In addition to simply planting trees, we will involve and educate local schoolchildren and university students to help ensure that conservation remains a priority. Working conditions on Guanaja can be difficult: it may rain very hard for several days and will commonly we 90 degrees or higher when clear. Biting/stinging insects are frequently present. Despite these hindrances, Guanaja is a beautiful and intriguing place to visit and work. Our operation will be based on a two-house property called Black Rock, which sits on its own private mini-island amdist a coral reef. Little development has occurred post-Mitch, and the small towns on Guanaja are few and far between. Locals tend to be friendly, conservation-minded, and almost all speak Englsh. Successful volunteers will: - Be 18 years of age or older - Have an interest in and desire to contribute to biological conservation - Have a valid passport - Be able to live and work in small groups and individually - Be able to tolerate rural living conditions and harsh working conditions Helpful but not strictly necessary - Previous travel in the tropics - Some Spanish language We can accomodate up to 6 volunteers at a time - applications for the first session will be considered on a rolling basis through January 1, 2009. A small deposit ($100 or less) may be required to secure your spot after acceptance. If interested in applying please send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED], and I will send you more in-depth information about the project and travel arrangements.
