In July 2002 I participated in a work camp about ecology in the Russian Urals. Due to visa problems my fellow international volunteers did not manage to arrive in the camp and so I appeared to be the only foreign volunteer. Although there were some communication problems, I had a perfect cultural exchange with a fantastic group of lovely Russians and of course I had a challenging Russian language drill. From now the Russian countryside has no secrets anymore for me: I will never forget the taste of freshly made honey or of the excellent fruits that were growing near the camp site.

The project will take place in Gusel'nikovo, a small village about 120 km from Perm' in the southeastern part of the Perm' region. The Perm' region is famous for its natural resources: caves, endemic and relic plants, picturesque rocks in the Sylva valley. The Kishert district is located in the most beautiful part of the Sylva valley. Together with students of Perm' University, the volunteers will do ecological work: cleaning forests and cutting trees in preserve of young forest.