ENDEMIC PLANT SPECIES NURSERY
Role Overview
IOI plays a strategic role in supporting the conservation efforts of Isabela’s endemic flora.
Starting in 2024, IOI has partnered with the Galapagos National Park to revitalize its endemic plant species nursery located in the highlands of Isabela. This facility is crucial for conserving the island's unique plant species which face threats from invasive plants, pollution, and climate change, through research, reforestation, and education.
To support these efforts, IOI has funded the construction of an office for park staff and volunteers and provides essential materials for reforestation. Today, IOI volunteers on this project have the opportunity to assist in ecological restoration projects in rural and urban areas of Isabela, learn about the island's ecology, and contribute to the realisation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) in a tangible way!
Some of the tasks that you will be involved in will include:
In the nursery, assist park rangers with tasks such as transplanting seedlings, pruning, and preparing nursery beds.
Maintenance of the irrigation system.
Assist in the management of plagues and invasive species.
Answer questions that tourists or locals may have when visiting the plant nursery- a perfect opportunity to practise your language skills!
A great opportunity for participants with ‘green hands’, experience in landscaping, and interested in ecological restoration by supporting rangers as they increase their knowledge on effective ways to cultivate the endemic and threatened Scalesia plant.
Learn about Isabela’s endemic flora in an immersive way! Some of the species you will encounter are the giant daisy tree (Scalesia pedunculata), rodilla de caballo (Volkmeria mollis), the button mangrove (Conocarpus erectus), and the cat's claw (Zanthoxylum fagara).
** If you will volunteer for 3+ weeks, consider combining your volunteer experience with the Sustainable Agriculture project!
Schedule
Our schedules are based on 30 hrs/week. The highlands are approximately 30 minutes up from Puerto Villamil town by bus. The daily bus leaves for the highlands at 7:00am and returns from the highlands at 3:00pm. You will enjoy lunch at one of the local farms or at a restaurant in the small highlands town before returning to Puerto Villamil.
Requirements
Genuine passion for the outdoors and conservation of nature
Physical ability to work laborious construction and gardening type jobs outdoors with potential allergens, sun and temperature exposure
Ability to work independently as well as in a team
Basic knowledge of non-motorized tools and their safe usage
Ability to speak and understand basic-intermediate/conversational Spanish is beneficial as it will increase your ability to communicate and integrate with community members. IOI staff are English speakers but the farm families speak very basic English thus we highly recommend that you brush up on your Spanish skills to make the most of your experience. If you would like to add a 1 or 2 week long Spanish course prior to your arrival to Galapagos, please let us know so we can help you arrange this.
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING in the Endemic plant species nursery? FOLLOW THESE 3 EASY STEPS.
Step 1: Apply Now & Reserve. Fill out an application and pay the reservation deposit. The deposit holds your spot in one of our programs and goes towards your final program fee. The deposit is already deducted from the prices you see below. The application and deposit do not guarantee the dates you anticipate joining us. Once we receive your application, we will contact you with any follow-up questions and confirm your dates.
Not ready to fill out an application but have questions? Contact us.
Step 2: Reserve your space by making your $200 deposit
Step 3: Pay the program remaining balance fee 8 weeks before your trip.
