Natucate
Volunteering USA California Nature Conservation – Till
Volunteer work USA: Till went to California to help protect the state's pristine natural landscapes. In his feedback interview he reveals more about his time.
Profile
Name: Till
Age: 18
Project: Nature conservation in California
Location: Sinkonye Wilderness Tribal Parl, Mauir Woods National Monument, Big Sur State Park and Point Lobos Natural Reserve in California
Duration: End of August until end of October – 8 weeks
Rating
Support from the Natucate team:
Arrival:
Project partner:
Accommodation:
Volunteering in the USA – Feedback: Eight questions for Till
1) Could you give us a short overview of your tasks in the project?
Building signs, moving redwood trees through freight trains, path restoration, rehabilitation of nature by closing a former hiking trail
2) What were the biggest challenges for you during the project?
Of course, the physical effort after 8 days in the project should not be underestimated. Camping every night and getting up early contributes to this challenge as well. However, the strenuous work was communicated from the very beginning, so I didn't expect anything else. For me it was also a rather good experience.
Probably the biggest challenge was to go to the toilet in the middle of the night without being surprised by bears or bobcats ;).
3) Was there something you liked most? Or something you're particularly negative about in your life.
You remember?
By eating, working, living, traveling directly with the Americans in the project, you are right in it. You'll get to know the American culture from a perspective you'd never see on a normal USA vacation. I've
had long conversations with Americans about diverse subjects and learned things that I would never have known otherwise. Getting to know all the people in the project was by far the best experience during the project.
4) Did you have certain expectations before you travelled to the project?
Working in the project was actually more or less what I expected. But what exceeded my expectations was the collegial bond that you develop with the people in the project. had. We got along perfectly with each other perfectly from the very first minute which is something I greatly appreciate.
When I joined the project, I had the expectation to have the time of my life. This expectation was met 100%.
5) Have you done anything in your free time that you can recommend to future participants?
On all "Off-days", which usually lasted 6 days, we went to a different part of America. I was driving.
Altogether we’ve been to San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Los Angeles, San Diego,
Portland, many beautiful national parks in Oregon, of which I unfortunately don't remember the names and in Seattle. All these places were well worth seeing. But as a big fan of American football,
I liked visiting a game best.
Since my team mate Niklas and I travelled one month further in America after the project, I would like to recommend using the grace period of the visa to further explore the USA.
6) What tips would you give to other participants?
Throughout my time in the USA, my only problem was the money – as I didn’t take enough with me.
It would have been helpful to get some advice before travelling to the project. On the other hand, this probably depends completely on the individual.
7) Can you estimate how many additional costs you had on site?
Haha, that's funny, that fits exactly to what I wrote in the previous question. I'm really not sure at all, but I guess I spent about 2.500 €.
8) Here is still place for other suggestions or reports from you:
Everything was great!
