Volunteers at Las Casas de la Selva in
Puerto Rico
Join a unique rainforest conservation and sustainable forestry project in the mountains of southeastern Puerto Rico.
Volunteers at Las Casas de la Selva contribute directly to rainforest conservation, sustainable forestry, reforestation, trail construction and maintenance, native species protection, nursery operations, erosion control, watershed management, homestead landscaping, and ecological restoration within a tropical mountain rainforest ecosystem.
The forest continues to recover from major natural disturbances, including Hurricane Maria in 2017 and Hurricane Fiona in 2022. These events reshaped the landscape, creating both challenges and opportunities for restoration, landslide stabilization, forest enrichment, watershed protection, and infrastructure renewal. Volunteers play a vital role in this ongoing work. Every tree planted, seed propagated, trail maintained, drainage channel cleared, and research project supported contributes to the long-term health and resilience of the forest.
Planting a Swietenia aubrevilleana, mahogany tree
Much of what visitors see today—including trails, gardens, nurseries, research areas, and restoration projects—exists because of the dedication, creativity, and hard work of volunteers who have joined us over the past four decades. Working alongside staff, researchers, artists, students, and conservation practitioners, volunteers become part of a living experiment in ecological stewardship and sustainable land management.
The experience is immersive, practical, and rewarding. Volunteers live and work within the rainforest while gaining hands-on experience in forestry, conservation, regenerative land management, tropical ecology, and community living. It is an opportunity to learn new skills, contribute to meaningful environmental work, and build lasting connections with people from around the world who share a commitment to the future of the planet.
Whether you come as an individual for a few weeks or several months or join us as part of a school, university, research, or community group; we welcome your participation. Many groups spend several days or weeks with us, combining learning, service, research, and adventure in a remarkable rainforest setting. We can create an itinerary that reflects your groups needs.
Most importantly, volunteers often become long-term friends of the project. Many return year after year, maintaining a connection with Las Casas de la Selva and helping support its mission of conservation, education, research, and sustainable forestry for generations to come.
We would love to hear from you.
Visit the Las Casas de la Selva Website
