| La Hesperia Project | | Print | |
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ABOUT THE STATION
The station works in natural conservation, combating deforestation, protecting existing forest, restoring degraded areas and searching for sustainable farming and commercial activities that enable us to support the reserve and to offer a better way of life for the local community as well as those who work and live at the reserve. (See map)
GOALS
La Hesperia’s main goals are:
LOCATION
La Hesperia is located in
FLORA
Some of the common animals are: White-fronted capuchin monkey, Tayra, Agouti, Paca, Peccary, Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Wattled Guan, Pale-mandible Araçari, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, and Lineated Woodpecker. There are also records of some of the Chocó endemic birds like: Dark-backed Wood-Quail, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Empress Brilliant, Violet-tailed Sylph, Tucan barbet, Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Chocó Toucan and Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager.
PROJECTS
Description of recent projects
FUTURE PROJECTS
Expanded visitor opportunities,
FACILITIES
Accommodation
Volunteer House: It has a capacity for 25 volunteers or students in seven rooms. The house has running water, electricity, four bathrooms and hot showers, telephone for emergencies and excellent views of the forest.
Hacienda House: The house is used for visitors, researchers, families and student groups. It has a capacity for 21 people.
SERVICES
VOLUNTEERS PROGRAM Conservation in the Cloud Forest Program: activities include reforestation, research, trails and botanical gardens maintenance, nursery work, collecting seeds from the forest, transplanting seedlings and opening reforestation lines with a machete. On the Way to Sustainability Program: activities include sustainable wood production, alternative animal production, organic agriculture, bio-food production, alternative energy and eco-construction.
Social Development Program: activities include teaching in the local Children Nursery or Elementary School, helping in the Medical Centre and helping writing proposals for social projects and fundraising.
INTERNSHIP AVAILABLE
Assistant Reserve Manager: Position available for a minimum of three months and six months is recommended. Qualified and motivated person will assist the reserve manager with her duties and with compliment the volunteer coordinator in his work. Room/ board and a stipend are offered. Call or write for details. This position may qualify as study abroad for credit.
TRAVELING-VOLUNTEERING-LEARNING PROGRAM
The Traveling, Volunteering and Learning Program (TVL) is ideal for those who do not have much time to travel (two weeks), but still want to do something worthwhile.
In our TVL program, participants will have the opportunity to learn about the conservation efforts that are being made at La Hesperia, as well as about the ecology of the cloud forest and the wildlife of the area. Not only will they be able to learn and ask questions, they’ll also have the chance to experience conservation hands on through reforestation and eco-construction projects. In the forest, hiking and observing, they’ll develop an understanding of the importance of conservation and the problems that we are working against. Trips to the town and to a local indigenous community will round out their time at La Hesperia, giving them a chance to experience the culture and traditions of
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
At La Hesperia we design educational programs according to the interest and needs of schools and universities. We work on a regular basis with the
SPANISH CLASSES
YOUR CONTRIBUTION The station has with limited resources, therefore, volunteers must pay their own expenses, including airfare to
The cost for volunteering is:
2 weeks: $ 255 USD
3 weeks: $ 360 USD
4 weeks: $ 475 USD
5 weeks: $ 570 USD
6 weeks: $ 680 USD
7 weeks: $ 770 USD
8 weeks: $ 855 USD
9 weeks: $ 960 USD
10 weeks: $ 1050 USD
11 weeks: $ 1155 USD
12 weeks: $ 1240 USD
NOTE: If you have been recommended by an ex
* Fees include: 3 meals a day plus lodging in cabins that are shared with other volunteers and researchers. Also includes permanent coordination. Volunteer fees must be paid in advance. Fees are non-refundable.
Application fee: USD $ 47.
Payments: Volunteer's fees can be paid in cash or traveller’s checks
AGREEMENTS
2003 Cooperation Agreement with the Jatun Sacha Foundation
2005 Fundraising with the GVN Foundation
2007 Agreement with Earth Restoration Service (
2008 Instituto Nacional de la Niñez y la Familia INNFA
2009 Cooperation Agreement with the Tangaré Foundation
2009 Agreement with the Geophysics department of the
2009 Agreement with the Municipio de Mejía for tourism development
2009 Agreement with Great Wilderness
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The work we do at La Hesperia preserves the biodiversity of the cloud forest and protects local watersheds. Our work focuses on protecting existing forests through reforestation, monitoring human activity and its impact and conducting environmental education. La Hesperia is also striving to become a model of integrated farming where agricultural practices complement our primary objective of preserving the natural forest. Combining conservation and agriculture will enable us to sustain the reserve and promote economic activities that are environmentally friendly and beneficial for the local inhabitants.
La Hesperia encompasses three types of forest: pre-montane evergreen, low montane and high montane (cloud forest). Within the boundaries of the reserve there are 296 species of birds, 40 species of mammals, and 63 genera of butterflies (we have several lists available). The vegetation is typical of the cloud forest, which has the highest diversity of epiphyte plants. In the nursery several endangered tree species are reproduced.
The station offers 
To improve the experience of our visitors and volunteers we offer Spanish classes at a reasonable cost. 
