Most conservation projects focus on protecting nature. At Las Nativas, we go a step further by practicing rewilding: restoring natural processes so ecosystems can recover their own capacity to regenerate.
As a volunteer, you will become part of a pioneering private rewilding initiative in Uruguay. Your contribution will support biodiversity recovery while giving you the opportunity to understand how healthy ecosystems function and how people can rebuild a meaningful relationship with nature.
Depending on the season and current priorities, volunteers may participate in:
- Biodiversity monitoring and wildlife observation.
- Habitat enhancement and ecological restoration activities.
- Native tree and vegetation care.
- Trail maintenance and regenerative land stewardship.
- Citizen science and ecological data collection.
- Supporting educational and nature connection activities.
Every activity contributes to the long-term regeneration of the landscape.
The program takes place at Las Nativas, a 160-hectare private rewilding initiative in the Sierra de Carapé, one of Uruguay's most beautiful rural landscapes.
Volunteers live immersed in nature, surrounded by native grasslands, forests, streams, wildlife and free-ranging horses. The environment is peaceful, safe and ideal for disconnecting from urban life while experiencing the rhythms of nature.
You will work alongside the founders of Las Nativas and a small multidisciplinary team committed to rewilding, regenerative land stewardship and environmental education.
Because we host small groups, volunteers receive personal guidance and have the opportunity to learn directly from the people leading the project.
We welcome curious, respectful and motivated people who enjoy being outdoors and are willing to participate in practical conservation work.
No previous experience is required. What matters most is an open mind, a collaborative attitude and a genuine interest in nature.
Please bring comfortable outdoor clothing, sturdy walking shoes, sun protection and a reusable water bottle.
The Experience....
From day one, we invite you to perceive Las Nativas as a living system where everything is interconnected: animals, plants, fungi, insects, water, air, soil and human beings.
Observe Before You Act
One of the fundamental principles of rewilding is learning to observe before intervening. Deep observation allows us to understand natural processes and discover how we can become part of the living community rather than simply managing it.
Let Nature Lead
Through walks, wildlife observation, tracking and biodiversity monitoring, you will discover how ecosystems recover when natural processes are allowed to unfold.
Why Rewild?
Throughout the program we create spaces for reflection on the meaning of rewilding. Why restore natural processes? Why recover biodiversity? What role can humans play in healing ecosystems? We believe people protect what they understand, and understand what they experience.
Humans as Part of Nature
Rather than seeing humans as separate from nature, we explore how we can become positive participants in ecosystem regeneration through thoughtful action, humility and care.
Internalize the Experience
Each day includes moments of silence, reflection and dialogue to help transform practical work into a deeper personal understanding of our relationship with the living world.
