Conservation Volunteering

Program includes hands on wilderness horseback and survival training upon arrival. This training will empower you to be self sufficient in all aspects as you complete your conservation volunteering program. The training is a requirement for all volunteers as we are located in the remote wilderness and most of our conservation is completed by horseback. During the training you will also learn the practical skills to get involved in various conservation projects and data collection.

Opportunities from your conservation volunteering program include but are not limited to:

• Gain experience in wildlife research through collecting data on wilderness horseback trips in the Canadian back country.
• Complete wildlife population counts for Mountain Goats, and California Bighorn Sheep.
• Collect grizzly bear hair for DNA analysis.
• Collect the cones of the endangered whitebark pine tree to replant in needed areas.
• Educate visitors about conservation and get them involved in conservation projects.
• Complete Wildlife research studies that support regulation and management of wildlife in the area.
• Respond to consultations and referrals, organize meetings with relevant stakeholders.
• Manage ongoing stewardship and resource management projects, plan future projects and secure funding for the Institute’s projects.
• Create and develop land plans which provide guidelines for wildlife, land and resource management.
• Educational marketing, for example: creating advertisements, photography, videography, website maintenance.

Each season provides different challenges and opportunities that arise from living alongside nature. As a ranch-based research centre there are many different activities that are interrelated and all contribute to the bigger picture. In addition to your conservation efforts, you will learn all the basics that are essential for living in a remote wilderness location that allows you to be self-sufficient. You will be required to contribute towards the daily ranch chores which includes cooking shared meals, general repair and maintenance, housekeeping, looking after the animals which includes horses, chickens, dogs and cats, and overall improving our self sufficient lifestyle.

Conservation Volunteering Requirements

The requirement for staying with us is your commitment and contributions towards our six principle philosophy and the self-sufficient lifestyle of our community.

You will receive a series of questionnaires, paperwork, and online courses designed to help you clarify your interests, set tangible goals, and help you discover your purpose as each activity you embark on will relate to the six principles. These resources will also provide you with the essential knowledge you will need to prepare you for your journey. All courses and paperwork must be completed prior to your arrival.

Our community studies, practices, and implements the six principles on a daily basis. They are timeless concepts, and those who join us contribute toward our growth and evolution. At first, you may be unsure of how you can contribute. We believe everyone has unique ideas, skills, and perspectives that are of value. As you progress through your transformational journey on our graduated process you will uncover your unique skills and reach self actualization. You will have the opportunity to practice reciprocity by giving back to the environment you are benefiting from.This is an incredibly rewarding experience that can occur at every stage of your journey.

For example, prior to your arrival, you complete research on land plan development. While you are here, you mentor others by sharing your new skills of saddliing your horse or recording data. After your journey, you write a blog story or create a video reflecting on how you felt empowered as you became a steward of the Chilcotin Ark.

Your contributions facilitate our continuous growth and evolution to future generations. This creates our ability, as a collective to contribute towards something bigger than ourselves. To live a life with purpose. This may be an unconventional approach, and it is not for everybody but that is how we do things here.

This conservation volunteering opportunity is right for you if you are:

• Ready to view challenges as opportunities to grow and learn, and take initiative to leave your comfort zone.
• Self – motivated, and ready to create your own schedule that meets your personal development interests and responsibilities.
• Ready to take responsibility for yourself, and for implimenting your own schedule that moves you towards your goals while considering all the variables within the community.
• Physically fit and willing to put in long hours of physical activities in a fast – paced enviroment.
• Ready to take responsibility for your Personal Development on a daily basis and create a positive environment around you.
• Someone who wants to be a part of somthing larger than yourself, contributing towards conservation projects and our communal lifestyle.
• Ready to support the community and get involved in group activities, such as weekly success reviews, daily meetings, planning communal activities and taking care of daily ranch chores.
• Ready to reflect on your journey by sharing inspirational insights, writing and sharing weekly blog stories, sharing pictures and videos.

Age: 18+
English: Beginner, learn English through immersion
Time Requirement: Monday – Sunday, 24/7 commitment to yourself and your goals. When you are not doing conservation activities, you are expected to invest in your personal development goals and daily chores of living in this environment. This is a volunteer opportunity only. This is not a paid position.
Rules/Restrictions: Strictly no smoking, drugs or alcohol policy at the ranch and throughout the duration of your program.

Volunteering Start

We offer this conservation volunteering opportunity year-round, but training programs are only held during the spring and summer months. All volunteers must complete training before starting, meaning your program must begin in either the spring or summer. From there you are welcome to complete your experience throughout the winter months. Duration of your stay must be confirmed before your arrival. This will be based on your interests and our available capacity.

We have a minimum 6 week requirement. To maximize your experience and take full advantage of the available opportunities, we recommend committing to a 14-week stay in the spring and summer. Winter months offer fewer activities and opportunities. We have a unique ecological environment with limited space so volunteers organize their experiences a long time in advance. Spaces are limited so we do not overtax the environment we are benefiting from.
Availability: Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

What’s Included

Transport: Shuttle pickup + return from / to Vancouver

Accommodation: Shared Prospector Tents

Food: 3 healthy and nutritious home cooked meals a day. You will be required to contribute towards communal cooking and daily dishes. Please note that due to our remote location, we are unable to accommodate specific dietary requirements. If you have particular food needs, you will need to bring those items with you.

Training and Development: Program includes hands on wilderness horseback and survival training upon arrival. The training is a requirement for all volunteers as we are located in the remote wilderness and most of our conservation is completed by horseback in the mountainous back country. During the training you will learn the use and care of horses and the practical skills to get involved in various conservation projects and data collection. You’ll have access to a variety of online training resources, in house procedure manuals and receive mentorship from our community partners. If there’s something you’re eager to learn, you can take the initiative and pursue it! Opportunities come with responsibility taken.

What’s not included

Visa : Requirements vary based on length of stay and activities. Recommended ETA Visa
Health Insurance : Full cover Health and Travel Insurance required for duration of experience.

To apply complete our Wilderness Readiness Survey on our partner, Trails to Empowerment’s website: