The Galapagos Islands is an extremely special and unique place, however it is facing environmental problems in the form of aggressive, quick spreading invasive plant species that destroy the local habitat.   

Santa Cruz is the most habited and visited island of the Galapagos, which also makes it one of the islands with the worst case of invasive and introduced plants.  It is presumed the introduction of exotic species began in the 17th century when the islands were first visited, however the 19th century brought the most drastic change to the islands when humans began to colonize, bringing with them plants and species from the mainland.   Today, introduced and harmful plants such as blackberry, guava and elder cover extensive areas of the Islands and represent a real threat to the native and endemic flora and fauna of the Galapagos as they compete for light, water and nutrition. The invasive plants change the biological diversity of the area by competing and killing off native plants and displacing native animal species.   

This project aims to help local farmers and residents to rid their land of introduced plants, which is a hard and costly job.  After the plants are brought under control, the project works to reforest the area with endemic, native plants such as scalesias, miconias and ferns to help restore the Islands original ecosystems.  So far this project has been of great success and has helped native animals such as Galapagos tortoises and bird species to return to their natural habitat that they had previously deserted due to a lack of food.      

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES  

This project is varied and depending on the time of year you travel to the Galapagos you will carry out different environmental activities.  These activities may include:   Removal of introduced species on the island such as blackberry and guavaPreparing the ground for sowingFertilize the soilPlant crops of native plantsIrrigation of plants in dry seasonHelp in the plant nursery to grow and nurture native plants and then move them to their permanent locations.Improve trails and pathsHelp local farmers with a new sustainable project of organic coffee plantationsRecover endemic plant species that are on the verge of extinction.

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