Next-Gen | Volunteer Projects
Back

Ranger Conservation Camp

Sierra de Los Agustinos, Mexico

In partnership with

The Sierra de Los Agustinos, located in Guanajuato, Mexico, is a Protected Natural Area that hosts a rich diversity of flora and fauna and plays a key role in environmental balance and the well-being of nearby communities. However, it faces several challenges, including loss of vegetation, forest fires, pests, erosion, and the impact of unregulated human activities.

Although there are park rangers working to protect the area, the number of personnel and available resources are not enough to address the scale of these challenges. Therefore, the conservation of this natural space requires continuous efforts and the active involvement of more people committed to the environment.

This project aims to support the protection and restoration of the area through the participation of volunteers, who will collaborate in hands-on field activities alongside local rangers. At the same time, it offers an opportunity to learn, raise environmental awareness, and connect meaningfully with nature.


Description of the Work

Volunteers will take part in hands-on activities alongside local park rangers, contributing directly to the conservation and restoration of the natural area. The work is mostly outdoors and involves teamwork, physical activity, and a willingness to learn practical environmental skills.

Support conservation and restoration actions (reforestation, erosion control, and habitat recovery)
Assist in biological monitoring and environmental protection tasks
Participate in forest fire prevention activities (firebreaks and trail maintenance)
Contribute to cleaning, waste collection, and general maintenance of the area
Support environmental education, signage, and awareness activities
Help with the upkeep of trails and the ecotourism park


Accommodation & Food

Volunteers will be accommodated in cabins located within the forest.

Food will be provided for the volunteers in the form of basic ingredients and supplies. Volunteers will be responsible for preparing and cooking their own meals.


Location & Leisure

Location
The Sierra de Los Agustinos is a Protected Natural Area of great environmental importance, as it contributes to water production, aquifer recharge, and carbon capture, and is also part of the migratory route of the monarch butterfly. This ecosystem hosts a high diversity of flora and fauna, including birds, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians, many of which are protected or endemic species. Its vegetation is mainly composed of oak forests and tropical deciduous forest, with hundreds of plant species.

Lasure Time
During their free time, volunteers will be able to enjoy various recreational activities, some options include:
Visits to the town of Jerécuaro, where they can explore the main square, learn about the local culture, and try traditional food
Excursions to Acámbaro, known for its traditional bread and a wider variety of restaurants and shops
Hiking and walking in the sierra, exploring its natural landscapes


Requirements

This camp is open to everyone who is sensible and open-minded. It is crucial for the participants to respect, open to learning and appreciate the conditions of a different culture.


Host Organization

Vive Mexico is a non profit-making, non-governmental organization that has been organizing International Voluntary Service Projects since the year 1996. Vive Mexico was officially established in March 1997 as a non-profit, non-governmental organization recognized by the Mexican laws and authorities as a volunteer’s organization. Founded in 1994 and legally constituted in 1997, Vive Mexico was born as an initiative of students from the Economics Faculty at the Michoacan University. It is the first organization legally constituted in Mexico and had became the biggest organization in Latin America dedicated to promote international co-operation and the development of the International Voluntary Service Activities. Vive Mexico has great experience in the development of international voluntary service projects in Mexico and Latin America. It had been coordinating short, medium and long term projects since 1994 as well as special co-operations between Mexico and more than 45 countries of the world. It had also coordinated a wide variety of seminars and congresses as well as leader trainings to help in the creation of international initiatives to promote the International Voluntary Service in Mexico and Latin America.