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International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) Ecological Conservation and Restoration in the Galapagos Islands (Directory Program)

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  • Locations: Galapagos, Ecuador
  • Program Terms: Fall, Fall 11 Week, Fall I, Fall II, Fall III, Fall IV, Fall Trimester, J-Term, Jan Term, Janterm, May Term, Semester, Semester I, Semester II, Spring, Spring 11 Week, Spring Break, Spring I, Spring II, Spring III, Spring IV, Spring Toscana, Spring Trimester, Spring V, Summer, Summer A, Summer B, Summer I, Summer II, Summer III, Summer IV, Summer V, Trimester, Winter, Winter Break
  • Program Sponsor: International Volunteer HQ 
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English, Spanish Click here for a definition of this term Class Status: 1-first year, 2-sophomore, 3-junior, 4-senior, 5-grad student, 6-other
Housing Options: Homestay Click here for a definition of this term Areas of Study: Agriculture, Botany, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Foresty, Sustainability
Program Type: Volunteer Abroad Click here for a definition of this term Program: Direct
Program Description:
IVHQEcologicalConservationGala
Join International Volunteer HQ, the world’s leading volunteer travel organization, and support the Ecological Conservation and Restoration Volunteer Program in the Galapagos Islands.

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Program Information

Support the Galapagos National Park in the operation and maintenance of plant nurseries that are located in the Highlands of Isabela Island. Volunteers play a key role in the conservation of Isabela Island’s endemic plant species, threatened by invasive plant species, pollution, and climate change, with key focuses being on research, restoration, and education.

This program ranges from 2-12 weeks and has start dates every Monday throughout the year.

Your fully-hosted experience includes pick-up upon arrival at Isabela Island, orientation, accommodation, meals, and onsite student support. See our full list of fees and inclusions on our website.

Eligibility Requirements

Volunteers who have a keen interest in horticulture and restoration within a fragile ecosystem.

Your Impact 

You will have the unique opportunity to assist in horticulture restoration projects within the purpose built nursery, where you can expect to assist National Park Rangers with tasks including, but not limited to:
  • Transplanting of seedlings, pruning, and prepping of 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
Volunteers gain experience in landscaping and ecological restoration through their support of the National Park Rangers through the cultivation of the endemic and threatened Scalesia plant. Additional species you’ll work with include the giant daisy tree (Scalesia pedunculata), rodilla de caballo (Volkmeria mollis), the button mangrove (Conocarpus erectus), and the cats claw (Zanthoxylum fagara).

This project requires a high level of physical fitness and comfort working outdoors with sun and warm temperature exposure.

While Spanish is not required to join this project, you are encouraged to come with a basic to intermediate level to aid in the placement work.

Program Highlights 

IVHQ's Galapagos Islands programs are available year-round, with start dates every Monday.

IVHQ provides the most affordable and top-rated programs. Check out our volunteer reviews on our website.

Support impact-driven volunteer projects run by locals within your host community.

Academic credit is available for all experiences, through our School of Record partnerships with University of Montana (1-5 credits) and Warren Wilson College (6-16 credits). Check in with your academic advisor to understand if you can apply these transfer credits toward your degree at your home institution.

We offer flexible booking and free changes so you can register with confidence. 

How to Apply

Apply for free: Complete an online application form via the IVHQ website.

Select your start date and duration: All IVHQ programs are available year-round and you can choose to volunteer for durations on this program ranging from 2 to 12 weeks.

Complete your registration: After you have been accepted on your chosen program, you can secure your place by paying the Registration Fee.

Pay your Program Fee: This is due 30 days before your program starts.

Need to make changes to your booking? You can make free unlimited changes to your destination, project and dates up until 30 days before you start.

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