More than 4,000 people from the United States and beyond volunteer at the Earthwatch Institute, an international organization that strives to recruit volunteers to conduct research benefiting the Earth. Although volunteers are needed for projects taking place in foreign countries, such as Madagascar, the Earthwatch Institute does host expeditions in the United States. Examples of domestic volunteer vacations include searching for Diamondback Terrapins in a salt marsh in Philadelphia, and researching ecosystems in New York.
Earthwatch Institute
114 Western Ave.
Boston, MA 02134
978-461-0081
earthwatch.org
The American Hiking Society hosts volunteer vacation experiences for groups of six to 15 people to assist with trail-building projects in the nation's public lands and parks, its website reports. Volunteers are provided with supplies and tools, and the AHS provides crew leaders to supervise and manage the projects. "Volunteer Vacations fosters public land stewardship and provides volunteers the opportunity to give back to the trails they love and have a great time doing it," according to AHS. Volunteer vacation projects vary; schedules can be found online.
American Hiking Society
1422 Fenwick Lane
Silver Spring, MD 20910
800-972-8608
americanhiking.org
Global Volunteers, a company that organizes worldwide volunteer vacation experiences, hosts excursions in Montana, West Virginia and Minnesota. Global Volunteers connects individuals with local people from these areas in need of a community project benefiting youth and families. These volunteer vacations are week-long experiences. Projects range from providing health care services and painting buildings to working with community elders. Interested volunteers are encouraged to submit an online application.
Global Volunteers
375 E. Little Canada Road
St. Paul, MN 55117
800-487-1074
globalvolunteers.org
