Description

The foundation has a non-profit purpose: to promote the maintenance, care and protection of the forest and the cultural landscape in mountain regions, especially through care and restoration during work assignments and by encouraging the public's understanding for the forest's concerns.

Instead of being debated about, the forest should be experienced in the forest. Through practical forest work, the participants get to know firsthand the habitat of the mountain forest as well as its chances and problems. The work is done in close co-operation with the local forestry services.

Highlights

Through tangible work, the participants experience the fascinating ecosystem of the mountain forest with all their senses. The importance of the protection forest and the measures for its care are experienced directly. Assignment participation allows meaningful action for the environment and shows the interrelationships in the mountain forest habitat. This contributes to the development of an ecological awareness and responsiveness to the forest's concerns.

Qualifications

No specific qualifications required. For the projects in German speaking regions basic German skills are required. For the ones in the French speaking part of Switzerland basic French skills are mandatory.

Languages

• French
• German

Cost in US$:

free

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• Registration fees
• Excursions

Program Fees Include:

Participation is free of charge for volunteers. The Mountain Forest Project covers accommodation, meals and project management. Simple group accommodation close to the working area are organised and provided. The Volunteers will have to pay for their journey to and from the location of the project. The Mountain Forest Project highly recommends the public means of transport.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

A typical Bergwaldprojekt work week is no holiday job nor for late risers and would look like this: arriving on Sunday afternoon, foot march to the lodging (luggage is usually transported by a vehicle), settle in, slide presentation and introducing yourselves. Monday to Friday: get up at six, copious breakfast, work in the mountain forest, which includes a half-day excursion as well as clearing the table after dinner and washing-up. At the end of the week, maintenance of working tools and cleaning of lodging. Feedback round, travel home on Saturday morning.

Age Range

18-88

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living
• Other

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 3-6

Application Process Involves

• Other

Typically The Application Process Time is

3 weeks

Bergwaldprojekt (Mountain Forest Project)'s Mission Statement

The foundation has a non-profit purpose: to promote the maintenance, care and protection of the forest and the cultural landscape in mountain regions, especially through care and restoration during work assignments and by encouraging the public's understanding for the forest's concerns.

Year Founded

1987