Nature Parc Ela - Reconstruction of dry stone walls (Savognin GR)
Description: Parc Ela is a regional nature park in the east of Switzerland in the canton of Graubünden. It is located in the middle of the Alps. The nature parks organisation is committed to preserve the cultivated landscape, support local sustainable economy and cultural heritage. The park maintains diverse wildlife from 74 to 3418 meters above sea level. One of the Parc Ela's projects is to maintain and reconstruct dry stone walls that characterize the landscape and historic routes for centuries.
Type of Work: Together with professionals from Parc Ela, you will reconstruct dry stone walls along a historic road. Dry stone walls are built only with stones. Although no concrete or cement is used to build walls, it can last for centuries. You will learn a handcraft that is known for generations. You will help us to preserve this cultural heritage which provides biotopes to highly adapted plants and animals. Please be aware that the work can be physically demanding. For two days you will promote the maintenance, care and protection of the alpine biodiversity by supporting organic farmers and their daily work.
Study Theme: Every day you will receive various inputs with interesting information about your tasks, local wildlife and regional history. Topics will be adapted to the volunteer's interest. These informative inputs will be an integral part of your work time and last up to an hour per day.
Accommodation: All volunteers will stay in a spacious underground accommodation (sleeping rooms are in a civil protection shelter - see pictures) with 2 sleeping rooms. Mattresses, woolen blankets, and bedsheets will be provided. If possible, bring your own warm sleeping bag and slippers, as it can be a bit cold during the evening and night. The accommodation is fully equipped with a washing room, multiple toilets and showers. Access to the Internet cannot be guaranteed at all times as there is no Wi-Fi in the accommodation. If it is necessary we can provide a mobile hotspot for several hours a day.
Language: Camp language is English. Local languages are Romansh (regularly spoken by only 60'000 people) and Swiss German. Spoken languages at the camp site are English, Romansh or German.
Requirements: For work, it is necessary to wear hiking or working boots that cover the ankles.
INCOMING/ADDITIONAL FEE for volunteers applying via Partner organisations & Contacts of SCI: https://scich.org/en/incoming-fee/
Notes: Max. 3 minor volunteers can be accepted. Volunteers cook the food that can be bought at the local grocery store (and therefore mostly from regional and sustainable resources) on their own. We recommend you to limit your meat consumption, so as to contribute to the camp’s principle of sustainability. You will get an introduction to the Romansh language, receive information about its history and learn some basic words. On Sunday August, 13th the traditional Felsenfest (Rock and Stones Festival) takes place in Bivio, where the African and Eurasian continents meet. You can visit the festival, enjoy some local meals, meet locals and visitors and experience the fascinating world of stones and rocks.
Camp Photographs
