Exotic Voluntourism At The National Tropical Botanical Garden in Kauai

August 31, 2009 at 3:19 PM | by cmb | Comment (1)

Love nature and digging in your garden? Have we got a volunteer vacation for you! The National Botanical Garden on the island of Kauai in Hawaii has been dedicated to preserving tropical plant diversity through research, education and by creating a safe haven for at-risk plant species for more than 30 years. Their headquarters at The McBryde Gardens features native Hawaiian Flora, orchids, palm trees and flowering trees that were wild-collected from tropical regions around the of the world.

Visitors to this eden are able to explore the garden via paths and bamboo bridges that cross over the park's natural streams and waterfalls. The garden is always looking for volunteers for the long-term or on a "vacation and volunteer" basis. There are endless opportunities available year-round using a variety of skill-sets. But that's not to say you need any special skills to help out, the garden's staff provides on-the-job training for newbies.

Though the National Botanical Garden doesn't provide accommodations for volunteers, they do partner with Starwood's Sheraton Kauai Resort for several community projects throughout the year. Every Monday at 1:00pm, a representative from the garden holds a meeting at the hotel for locals and hotel guests about the island's South Shore, the Botanical Garden and volunteer opportunities.

Being a NTBG volunteer does perks like special newsletters, invitations to special events and behind-the scenes-access to the gardens. To become a volunteer, contact NTBG at volunteer@ntbg.org and a staff member will fit you to the best volunteer position based on their needs and your interests.

The Sheraton Kauai doesn't provide discounted room rates for volunteers but they are commemorating the 50th anniversary of Hawaii Statehood through the end of the year with their 5050 Offer that includes 50% off published room rates, 5th night free for stays longer then 5 nights, $50.00 daily food & activity credit and 2 for 1 surf lessons with Hawaiian Surfing Adventures. To reserve the package, call 866-716-8141 and ask for rate plan 5050PKG.

Related Stories:

· National Tropical Botanical Garden [Official Site]
· Volunteer Tropical Gardens [Intern Abroad]
· National Tropical Botanical Gardens [Sheraton Kauai]
· Volunteer Travel [Jaunted]

[Photo: webshots.com]

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