Forestry and gardening in Iceland

Hveragerði is a small town of about 1,700 inhabitants that lies some 45 km east of Reykjavík. This friendly little community sits on top of a highly active geothermal field which provides heat for hundreds of greenhouses where fruit, flowers and vegetables are produced throughout the year. Even bananas grow in these greenhouses! The name Hveragerði means 'hot springs garden'. Geothermal energy is Hveragerði's lifeblood, and you probably won't find such a natural wonder in the middle of a populated area anywhere else in the world. Nearby you will find an even more geothermally active site: Gufudalur, the lovely 'Steam Valley' behind the town. This whole valley is full of hot springs, geysers, mud pots, fumaroles and steaming vents.

Our host is the Rehabilitation and Health Clinic which is a part of the Nature Health Association of Iceland. Every year approximately 2,000 patients and other guests enjoy their diverse rehabilitation programs, which are focused on an approach that builds self-confidence and personal responsibility for the patients' own health. The Clinic has earned a solid reputation, both in Iceland and internationally, since its foundation in 1955 for personal and effective care of patients. It is the oldest and one of the two most important rehabilitation clinics in Iceland.

The Natural Health Association has a horticultural and environmental department, including forestry, gardening, and greenhouses, which is where the international volunteers will work most of the time.

Project dates:
February 11 - February 25, 2013 ◆ February 25 - March 11, 2013 ◆ March 11 - March 25, 2013 ◆ March 25 - April 8, 2013 ◆ April 8 - April 22, 2013 ◆ April 22 - May 6, 2013 ◆ May 6 - May 20, 2013 ◆ May 20 - June 3, 2013 ◆ June 3 - June 17, 2013 ◆ June 17 - July 1, 2013 ◆ July 1 - July 15, 2013 ◆ July 15 - July 29, 2013 ◆ July 29 - August 12, 2013 ◆ August 12 - August 26, 2013 ◆ August 26 - September 9, 2013 ◆ September 9 - September 23, 2013 ◆ September 24 - October 8, 2013 ◆ October 8 - October 22, 2013 ◆ October 22 - November 5, 2013 ◆ November 5 - November 19, 2013 ◆ November 19 - December 3, 2013

Location: Hveragerði, 45 km east of Reykjavík

More info at: http://www.cadip.org/volunteer-in-iceland.htm

Cadip volunteer project review: "Hi, I volunteered in Hveragerdi, Iceland in the greenhouses through July and wanted to leave a recommendation for those perusing Cadip because I had such a wonderful time. The organization is perfect for getting an international and enthusiastic crowd together; it was wonderful to grow vegetables and learn about so many cultures in such little time. I highly recommend Cadip to anyone wanting to travel and am planning my next trip for this July!" Samantha J., Cadip volunteer 2012

CADIP Volunteering Worldwide: www.cadip.org