Organized by the Global Environment Center (GEC), there are a few different volunteer options made available for you. We were keen on the Raja Musa forest reserve rehabilitation program which allows for a larger number of people to participate together.
(The whole area to plant)
(getting a briefing on how to plant)
The Raja Musa forest reserve has gone through much including deforestation and burning for agricultural activities. So volunteers have been brought in to help plant Mahang trees. Its actually quite easy to plant them as they had already been cultivated beforehand. Your job (in a nutshell) is to dig a hole deep enough (you'll be able to hear water sloshing) stick the plant in and cover up the hole. Simple enough no?
(high ho high ho its off to plant we go)
Well getting there is a little trickier. Our bus essentially got lost and due to the drivers refusal to listen to us we ended up driving out for an additional 30 min and 30 min spent to turn back to the start. There is a map writte out quite clearly on the map. My only advice is to truly set your odometer to map exactly the distance you have travelled. Total travel time ~40 min from the city if you drive at a decent rate.
(From left to right - dig - plant - cover)
Volunteering for large groups of people (including companies) would require a donation to the center. No donations necessary for smaller scale volunteers.
Recommended gear - well essentially anything you dont mind getting dirty. Also a hat and sun block would be good. GEC provides rubber boots and gloves as well as all the tools.
Other things to note - there are no toilets there and it can get really hot in the afternoon so best to do it early in the morning. Bring a bottle of water and maybe a little cash (since an intrepid ice cream man comes by to peddle his wares in the mid morning... you will thank him for it)
More details check out : http://www.gecnet.info/index.cfm
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