Volunteering to participate in wildlife conservation is a great way to get involved in scientific research, promote environmental education, and gain experience working with animals.

Today, there are many volunteer opportunities available, both locally and internationally. These opportunities range from volunteering at your nearby forest preserve to traveling to a distant country to participate in a long-term research project. In an ongoing series of articles, we'll examine the volunteer opportunities available to you and help you to identify the project that works best for you and the environment.

This week, I'd like to identify some of the larger volunteer and research programs available. Many of the opportunities they offer are short term projects, enabling volunteers to participate during a short holiday from their regular profession or while on break between school terms. Projects are available in dozens of countries and are scheduled at various time throughout the year.

Please note, many of these expeditions require volunteers to pay their own way, so you may consider initiating fundraising efforts to help you cover the necessary costs.

Earthwatch

Earthwatch sponsors dozens of wildlife research, conservation, and educational projects in over 40 countries. They enable volunteers to join expeditions and in doing so participate in the field studies of their choice. Please note, volunteers who join an expedition are responsible for funding their portion of the expedition costs (including travel expenses). Earthwatch publishes an Annual Review which is a good way to find out more about their recent conservation and research projects.

Find out more: Earthwatch

Earth Island Institute

Earth Island Institute offers a range of employment and volunteer opportunities in environmental conservation, preservation, and restoration.

Find out more: Earth Island Institute

Global Vision International

Global Vision International is an organization that provides volunteers a way of working to fill voids in environmental research, education, and conservation as well as education and community development. Global Vision International offers a wide range of expeditions, projects, courses, and internships from which to choose.

Find out more: Global Vision International

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