Trails

Giving volunteers and researchers access to the different parts of the Fazenda

Our network of trails provide access to different parts of the Fazenda for researchers and volunteers, as well as being used on our Environmental Education and Outreach program. The easier it is for everyone to get access to the forest, the easier it is for people to understand the area and provide information which feeds into our mission. From the trails which go through our private reserve to the one which leads to the rock pool they all serve a purpose. The easier it is for researchers and volunteers to get to the plants, animals and eco-systems they are studying the better.

Ongoing work

Current priorities

Time frame

This is a project that needs work on it year round. During the wet season the trails get overgrown more quickly - so during this time of year the majority of the work involves keeping the trail clear. Outside of this period more structural work is done to improve the safety of the trails, as well as work on the signs and information boards. The dry season is also a good time to work on the trail guides.

Project update

Work has started on the first of our trail guides: for the Eucalyptus Trail. The trail guides will provide information on the general layout of the trail with a map and description of the terrain, plants and animals of interest you could be able to see along the trail. The guides will also link together research that has already been carried out relating to things you could see on the trail.

The trails are now much more clearly marked, using different coloured ribbons where appropriate. Steps have been made for one of the trails - the Nature Trail, which is one of the most used, particularly for the Environmental Education program. The other trails are clear again after the wet season which sent the plants into a growing frenzy.

Day in the life

Sign maker, trailbreaker, vista taker- it is all part of the job. I can wield a soapy sponge and a bucket of water, a note pad or the usual machete, with a deadly accuracy - though my maps do need a little work. My day is devoted to clarifying the trails, either where they go (trail clearing) or what they are about (guides).

Officially my work day starts at nine o'clock: I usually do manual trail work in the morning and research for guides or organization of material in the afternoon. However I am a little over-eager so I leave a message for the Project Coordinator about my plans for the day and set off early armed with bug spray, a machete, and sun cream (given in order of importance) to clear the trails. Today we are going towards the High Trail: it is the farthest trail to access, it goes through the oldest part of the forest, and I haven't been to clear it for a while. As expected the trail has sweet revenge for having been ignored and I spend the next few hours chopping down the miniature ecosystems that have grown up on the path. There are some rather cool things to see along the way. Enormous bromeliads display themselves across old tree trunks, unusual orchids appear nestled amongst the flora and, if I am really lucky, some of the beautiful bird-life that hide in the canopy.

I come to the sign post for the Irish Loop, it is a brilliant path, I feel like Jungle Jane's little sister as I creep my way between the prehistoric palm tress and great mossy boulders. The Irish view of Iracambi Valley is stunning and I release 'yu-up' to celebrate it. The rest of the loop is a bit of a challenge and in my Wellingtons I literally ride my way down the slope of loose soil and mossy rocks. My stomach tells me I should head back towards Centro for lunch. I take the Eucalyptus trail home and discover three logging roads that were not there last week - I shall have to make some alterations to the map.

There is no food like Carminha's, she is our Brazilian neighbour and she cooks lunch for us from Monday to Friday and sadly no more. Having eaten too much again I negotiate for some computer time in the afternoon. I make everyone a cup of coffee so that I can sneak out and start working before they realize what has happened. I keep a trail diary for my heir. I went on a tour of the Medicinal Plant trail yesterday with its Dorset Herbal Lady creator. I had compiled information about the trail but the guide showed me the heart of the trail so I try to introduce that to my guide this afternoon. Tomorrow I hope to paint trail maps for the beginnings of the trails!

When I am booted off the computer I pick up (another-shh) slice of bolo and a cup of coffee to do some layman's reading about the jungle. I do this to inform myself and the guides. The day ends at five but I sometimes carry-on with reading or computer work or turn towards more exciting things like doing my laundry, socializing, or I might go for a plunge in Cachoeira, the Iracambi water-hole which is alone worth coming out here for. We share out the pleasure/duty of cooking supper at night. The food is good, definitely not like home (wherever that may be) and everything is brazilian style, though this might raise a few brazilian eyebrows. The evening is our own, read, movies, cards…festa! It is a beautiful job, there is the obvious perk of a machete, but there are the amazing views of the local area and the unexpected pleasure of gaining some insight into both the complex ecosystem of Mata Atlantica and the whole-hearted organization of Iracambi.

I came because I wanted to see something of the rainforest and put energy into helping promote and protect it. Iracambi has given me the opportunity, the machete and sometimes the computer to do just that.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying to volunteer on this project, you need to e-mail us on iracambi@iracambi.com with an up to date copy of your CV/Resume and give us the following details:

• How do you feel you can benefit the project?
• What interests you about our project?
• What relevant experience and interests do you have?
• What other interests do you have?
• What expectations do you have from your time here?
• What language skills do you have?
• What date are you planning to come to Iracambi and how long are you going to stay?
• How did you find out about Iracambi?

We look forward to hearing from you soon.