In 2022, some camps are organising camp experiences for you to participate in. We are hopeful that they will be able to go ahead. Camps will follow the local conditions closely, and may have to cancel activities if the local COVID-19 situation forces them to do so. If you have already signed up for a camp-activity you will be informed when this happens. We will update the website also, when such decisions are taken. Please check your own local authority travel advisory to see if you can travel to or return from the camp after the activity. At all times, when at camps, please observe it’s COVID-19 policy (such as wearing masks, social distancing, washing hands, etc).
CAMP EARTH CONNECTION
Molas, Yucatan, Mexico
About the camp
Situated in the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico, Camp Earth Connection is a biological reserve with a Cenote and Mayan ruins. The camps is restoring 39 hectares of tropical forest in this region, bringing an abundance of life back to the area with extensive planting of native species. They are also experimenting with various forms of agroecology, with the creation of a food forest and other regenerative methods for growing food.
The property was initially cleared of trees and used as a cattle ranch for many years. When the project started, the bare soil was red and exposed from cattle grazing in the dry season. The only trees and shrubs growing were the thorny vegetation that the cows wouldn’t eat. Once the cows were excluded from the property, the vegetation started to grow again. The ground was covered by early succession species and the soil gradually turned darker. Earth Connection established a small nursery to grow local native vegetation and grow 100s of species.
Camp Earth Connection is also establishing regenerative agricultural practices and hope to be food independent in the coming years. The camp takes on interns doing research and hopes to motivate more students to come and participate in tropical ecological restoration and regenerative farming practices. Their end goal is to expand their impact by sharing the successes with the local Mayan communities, ideally helping to restore 1000s of ha.
Who is needed
Researchers, community outreach and fundraisers
Camper opportunities
Go here to learn more details about camper opportunities.
What to expect at camp
Rustic living in the tropical forest. Lots of birds and other wildlife. Mayan ruins scattered around the property, and of course the beautiful cenote!
Vision and socio economic context
Earth Connection brings together the aspects of Education, Research and Action
Education focused on biology, ecological restoration, regenerative agriculture
Research focused on biodiversity, restoration ecology and eco-agronomy
Action focused on ecological restoration, increasing biodiversity, and carbon recapture
Achievements to date
Education
– Biochar Production
– Ecological restoration
– YouTube Videos
– Community training and outreach – Needed
– 260+ visitors, students and volunteers involved from 19 countries
– 3 thesis projects with 2 universities.
Restoration work
– Tropical Jungle Restoration – 20 Ha
– Food Forest – 3 Ha
– Drinking pools for wildlife
– 3 acres of food forest with irrigation
– Native tree and vegetation planting: 335 trees in food forest (60-70 species), 1000+ trees planted, 300+ plants, 8 ha seeded
Research
– Mexican student thesis Internships
– Student biodiversity thesis on ants, 50 new species for the Yucatan added
– Botanical garden of local native plants –
– Laboratory – In progress
– Connecting and partnering with local and international universities
Cost to stay and what's included
- Cabins in the biological reserve may be booked on Airbnb: Prices include the use of the cenote and trails. Dorm beds are also available on Airbnb.
- Amenities include a cooking area, sacred firepit, composting toilet, shower, washing area, trails, permaculture gardens, food forest and wildlife reserve!
- Mother Earth’s Kitchen offers traditional organic vegetarian meals. We harvest much from our organic gardens!
To book a stay at Camp Earth Connections, go here !
Established Camp
Organisations involved
Facilities
Camping (basic – bring your own tent)
Covered accommodation (bunk beds)
Sanitation (advanced)
Cellphone/
mobile signal
WiFi
Habitat creation
Electricity
Restoration activities
Water retention
Tree planting
Composting
Soil restoration
Food planting
Building
Natural building
Fire prevention
Restoration holidays
Cover cropping
Agroforestry
Water retention
Regenerative agriculture
Ecological Restoration
Research internships
Latest News From The Camp
Want to ask a question about this camp?
Please complete the form below to express your interest in joining the camp
READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Follow us on Social Media
What you must do to ensure your own safety at an Ecosystem Restoration Camp
Your safety is very important to us. Most camps are in locations that are completely safe for you to travel to. Some camps are in locations where there is civil unrest, higher levels of crime, or in areas where there could be severe nature events (earthquakes, tornados, vulcanic eruptions). We strongly advise you to check with your national authority’s travel advisory service to see if there are specific travel advisories for the region you are travelling to. We strongly advise you to comply with that travel advisory. If there is a negative travel advisory for the area you plan to go to, we want to impress on you that it is your decision to not heed the warnings and go. ERC can then not be liable in that situation if something happens to you.
Work at camps is usually safe. The camp coordinators make your safety their highest priority too. But you will be working with tools and sometimes even (heavy) machinery. Sometimes the terrain can be slightly treacherous. Heat or cold can become a problem for people at work that do not take the necessary measures to prevent injury from weather conditions. Especially in remote locations, all people at an Ecosystem Restoration Camp will need to watch out for eachother’s safety. For this reason we ask you to also sign our Code of Conduct, through which you commit to contributing to a safe environment at camps for all that are there with you. Take yours and all other camper’s safety seriously! Together, while watching over eachother, we can restore our ecosystems safely and successfully.
