Volun­teering USA California – Dominik

Profile

Name: Dominik

Age: 24

Project: Nature conservation in the USA

Locations: Big Sur and East Bay, California/USA

Duration: End of August until end of October 2019 – 8 weeks

Rating

Support from the Natucate-Team:

Arrival:

Project partner:

Accommodation:

Volunteering in California – Feedback: Eight questions for Dominik

1) Could you give us a short overview of your tasks in the project?
We laid a path made of logs and rocks to protect the ground from erosion. We also repaired existing paths, brought them into shape and trimmed the vegetation. In another project we carried soil to a small peninsula in order to be able to plant vegetation later on.

2) What were the biggest challenges for you during the project?
The biggest challenge was the climate and the associated problems, such as finding enough shade or having enough water with you at all times. In addition, all the personal stuff had to be carried during a working day.

3) Was there anything you liked in particular? Or something you remember particularly negatively?
I really liked the landscape and working together with the other volunteers.

4) Did you have certain expectations before you travelled to the project?
I didn’t have any expectations but simply wanted to “throw myself” into the adventure

5) Have you done anything in your free time that you can recommend to future participants?
We teamed up with other volunteers and travelled to Yosemite National Park, Oregon, Washington, Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon and Death Valley. California and the surrounding states have a lot to offer, whether it’s cities, culture or landscapes; there is always something to admire.

6) What recommendations would you give to other participants?
The price for a rental car for 5 or 6 days is about 100 dollars, given the fact that no fellow traveller is over 25 years old. Otherwise it is cheaper. California is quite an expensive state, the food can be even more expensive. Prior arrangements, planning and booking for the days off is helpful.
Comfortable shoes and trousers are recommended, it is best to have worn both a few times before.

7) Can you estimate how many additional costs you had on site?
With 4 to 5 persons I paid about 100 dollars per trip for the car (150 with 4 persons, SUV), plus the overnight stays with about 20 to 30 dollars in the hotel and a few dollars (2-7) for camping. Fuel is quite cheap – we paid about 40 dollars per trip per person. Food is cheapest at Wal-Mart where you can get a full day's food for $10. Souvenirs and attractions can be made cheaper with vouchers or (group) offers (3 t-shirts instead of 1).

8) Here is still room for other idea or stories from you:
Since this is a conservation project and nature conservation is the main focus, I think that the diet should be adapted to this.