It has been an interesting adventure, just returning to the States during a time of war. I was considering waiting out the war in the Amazon! I truly had the most amazing adventures in Ecuador. I am grateful for the experiences I had in Ecuador, my interactions with the people at the Amazon station, the knowledge I gained about Amazonian plants, agriculture, and lifestyles. It really opened my eyes to opportunities in the world and what it is I want to explore further!

I was very excited to embark on this adventure! I am grateful for the well-organized volunteer opportunity that allowed me to travel to Ecuador. It was wonderful to explore the area and contribute my time and energy toward conservation efforts as a volunteer instead of as a regular tourist! I loved everything. The living conditions were incredible and I loved being in the Amazon. I hope to return to the Station again in the future!

I was immediately chosen to work with an Ecuadorian researcher studying Inga. tree species planted in agricultural plots to enhance the organic material in the soil. Nixon and I traveled to small communities to measure to trees and observe the health of the crops. This is what I am going to be studying for my Ph. D project in Costa Rica, so it was an amazing "coincidence" to be able to work with Nixon at the Amazon station!

The only comment I have regarding the station is that at one point there were too many volunteers there. I understand that it is difficult to turn away volunteers, but when it starts diminishing the volunteer experience, then maybe a limit should be established for how many people should be at the station at any given time. For example, there were more people than there was work because it was too difficult for the workers there to create enough projects for the volunteers. As I became friends with the residents of Amazon, I saw their stress over the amount of volunteers that were at the station.

I would love to volunteer again as it was the most rewarding activity I have taken part in. I was working hard under the guidance of knowledgeable, LOCAL Ecuadorian people. I learned from them and helped them pursue long-term goals in education and conservation!! It was amazing and all of the people at Amazon are amazing, from the las mujeres de la cocina a el Shaman!

Thanks Colin for doing such a great job organizing volunteer opportunities and making these opportunities accessible to us. It was an amazing experience and I only wish I could have stayed longer.

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