7 Re-Wilding Retreats: Volunteer to Restore Nature

7. College Hill Wilderness Sanctuary — New Wilderness Trust, Vermont, USA

The College Hill Wilderness Sanctuary, operated by the New Wilderness Trust in Vermont, is an example of small-scale North American land protection and restoration where volunteers can support rewilding-style work. Activities typically include invasive plant removal, native species planting, trail maintenance that minimizes habitat fragmentation, and local conservation outreach. Volunteer days and community events are common formats, with occasional longer stays depending on the sanctuary’s volunteer program. Accommodation for visiting volunteers is usually arranged off-site in nearby towns or in simple on-site arrangements when available. Research provided for this list indicated a gap in broad, retreat-style rewilding programs across North America compared with Europe, so projects like College Hill offer local hands-on options rather than large, marketed volunteer retreats. If you’re based in North America and want an immersive experience, contact New Wilderness Trust or similar local land trusts to ask about residential volunteer weeks, work-exchange possibilities, and seasonal schedules. Verify current volunteer opportunities and any training or tools required before traveling.