Volunteer Group Events
PLEASE NOTE - that FORRU-CMU is primarily a research unit. We therefore cannot provide bespoke "volunteering" group events for for-profit tour agencies or corporates.
Hands-on experience is a great way to learn the art and science of forest-ecosystem restoration, and to help out FORRU-CMU's hard pressed small staff, when they become overwhelmed at busy times of the year. So, we arrange occasional working bees (Australian style) for volunteer groups, to share the load. Volunteers of all nationalities are welcome. Instructions are provided in both English and Thai languages.
Volunteer groups help out with seed collection along forest trails or with simple nursery tasks e.g. seed cleaning, scarification and germination: seedling potting and care; preparing planting stock for out-planting etc. In the rainy season, we sometimes need help with weeding young restoration plots and monitoring the performance of planted trees. Such hands-on activities both inform and motivate participation in the many steps of forest-ecosystem restoration. Volunteer group days usually wind down with more relaxing activities, such as visiting view-points or short nature trails.
Come and join us - learn new skills, make new friends and help offset your carbon footprint.
Click on any photo for a slide show.
Venues include:
- Doi Suthep Research Tree Nursery : about 30-minute drive from Chiang Mai, opposite Wat Prathat Doi Suthep.
- Ban Mae Sa Community Tree Nursery : about 60-minute drive from Chiang Mai on the Mae Rim road
- Field Plots : most are in the Upper Mae Sa Valley - Ban Mae Sa, Mon Cham, Mon Long, Ban Mae Khi and Ban Pong Khrai.
Group size is usually about 10 people. FORRU-CMU provides transportation (by sorngtaew) supervisory staff, drinks and snacks, equipment, materials and sometimes printed information. Field work can be physically demanding, but nursery work can be enjoyed by those of all ages and fitness levels.
Volunteer group days are run sporadically, when FORRU-CMU staff need helping hands. Upcoming events are advertised on FORRU-CMU’s Facebook page, 1-2 weeks in advance, on a first come first served basis. So, if you are interested, please keep an eye on the FB page (click on the link below). Or send an enquiry through the "Contact Us" page.
PLEASE NOTE - that we DO NOT run bespoke "volunteering" events for for-profit tour agencies or corporates.
Thanks to Ally Taylor for this VDO of typical volunteer day with FORRU-CMU