Environmental Conservation
Conservation Organizations protect and enhance parks and other natural areas through a variety of activities. Volunteers play a crucial role in assisting these organizations reach their goals.
Several of Red Leaf's Environmental Conservation partners are actively engaged in projects aimed at reducing C02 in the atmosphere. Offset your own carbon footprint by joining a selected Red Leaf partner program or by making a contribution to carbon offsetting projects.
Volunteer Profile
Volunteers must be curious and passionate about nature and be willing to be outside in changeable weather conditions. Participants must also be in good physical condition.
Responsibilities may include
• site restoration
• tree and wildflower planting
• invasive species removal
• maintenance and care of planting sites
• administrative assistance
• community education and special events
Organizations
Friends of the Rouge, Abbotsford Parks, Stanley Park Ecology Society, Green Legacy, Stewardship Rangers.
Yuki's Volunteer Story — Japan
“The best part of this program was that I had a lot of opportunities to meet Canadians! I really enjoyed volunteering with Canadians; chatting, learning about trees, joining the conversation, and laughing with them.”
“They were always helping me but at the same time they never treated me as an outsider or gave me special treatment.
It was really a pleasure to be with people who are highly motivated to help the environment.
I had many chances to talk with people and sometimes they asked me about Japanese culture. Through this short experience I became unafraid of using English and learned about Canada's multicultural make-up.
This challenge gave me the confidence to do anything!”
Fabienne's Volunteer Story — Switzerland
Q & A
Why did you choose to volunteer during your stay in Canada?
First I wanted to do an internship in a company but none of the possibilities really intersted me, then I discovered these volunteering possibilities and as I'm really interested in environmental protection I decided to do this!
What did you gain from this experience on a personal level?
I met people who are doing everything to make life on our planet a bit better, it was great to be part of it.
What was the best part of your volunteer experience?
I learned a lot about animals and plants in BC, I really enjoyed the bird counts! I would recommend the experience!
Christie's Volunteer Story — France
"I am 22 years old, I spent five weeks in Abbotsford, close to Vancouver. I carried out a volunteer position in the environmental field, working with a group of arborists.
I was completely satisfied with the (volunteering) I did, in fact, I loved it! It consisted of gardening, taking care of the trees in the towns…In the end, I don’t regret the experience as it ended up being very enriching!
Obviously my English improved considerably, even though I was only there for five weeks ”