Forestry and gardening activities in the Rehabilitation and Health Clinic in Hveragerdi

This friendly little community of Hveragerði sits on top of a highly active geothermal field which provides heat for hundreds of greenhouses where fruits, 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 part of the Natural 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 for patients. It is 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 work most of the time. Volunteers will be working in the greenhouses planting and harvesting vegetables, such as tomatoes and cucumbers, as well as making tea from Icelandic herbs. The work will also include weed control and gardening, environmental work on the property and renovation when needed. The agriculture that is practiced in the center is organic/bio.

Main activities include but are not limited to: Agriculture (cultivating soil, planting, raising and harvesting crops), Horticulture (growing fruits, vegetables and plants), Renovation around the property. During winter, the work might include snowplowing.

We will give special focus on global warming and workshops about climate change will take place in the late afternoon. Humanity must act in a more environmentally friendly way. The main goal of this project is to improve the environmental education and consciousness of the project participants. Within the project, we will learn about green energy, sustainable householding, waste treatment, nutrition, the effects of consumption and lots more. If we want to change something, develop solutions or inspire others, we must understand the issues and tasks first. Take part in this promising project and spring into action against climate change!

Project dates:

• September 30 - October 14, 2024
• October 14 - October 28, 2024
• October 28 - November 11, 2024
• November 11 - November 25, 2024
• November 25 - December 9, 2024

Location: Hveragerði, 45 km east of Reykjavík

More info at: https://cadip.org/volunteer-in-iceland

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

CADIP Volunteering Worldwide: https://cadip.org