I have been researching the Mirador Basin Project to see if there is anything that can be done there as a volunteer. I sent an email to the info@miradorbasin. See below for [email]
I also read an article found in the LA Times that made me think that it may be a little too rough of an ambition at this stage in the project. The demands of getting to the site, the jungle with its poisonous snakes, sinking mud, malaria-infested mosquitos, etc may not make it the most pleasant experience.
Article link: http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-tr-mirador7jan07?page=1
The site for the project is:
http://www.miradorbasin.com/
I guess this is a start. There may be another site that would be more accessible though. Perhaps I could work on some restoration project. We shall see. I’ll be interested to see if they respond to my email and what they say.
[email]
Hi. My name is Dustin Webb. I am a student of Mesoamerican Art and Culture and have studied under the tootalage of Allen J. Christensen at Brigham Young University. I am fascinated with Mayan culture and am interested in finding out what field volunteer opportunities there are on the Mirador Basin project.
I understand that the Mirador Basin is the last tract of virgin rainforest remaining in Central America and as it is the cradle of Mayan civilization there is great urgency and importance behind the motives of this project.
I am writing you because I would very much like to travel down to Guatemala and be a part of the project in some way, particularly with the archaeological sites.
I do have limits on my time because I am soon to attend dental school in Mesa, Arizona. However, if you could at least provide me with some information on who I might contact or what I might do to set up a volunteer opportunity, I would greatly appreciate it.
I envision organizing a small team of people to come with me and travel down to Guatemala for about a week to provide extra hands where needed on the project. I believe this would not only provide on-site help during our stay but would also promote awareness to the needs of the project and its long-term goals. Please let me know if this is a realistic idea.
I look forward to hearing your response.
Sincerely,
Dustin Webb
jdustinwebb@yahoo.com