Channel Islands National Park National Park Service Channel Islands California U.S
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The Channel Islands from the Ice Ages to Today Nowhere Else On Earth Living Alone Lower ocean levels Kinship of Islands and Sea A islands, and Gabrieliño/Tongva in the 1800s fur traders searched Protection and Restoration Something draws us to the sea and its islands. during the ice ages narrowed the powerful bond between the land settled the southern islands. the coves for sea otters, seals, and Pro tection for the islands began distance across the Santa Barbara and sea controls everything here, Prosperous and industrious, the sea lions, nearly hunting them to in 1938 when Anacapa and Santa Maybe it is the thrill of traveling over water to an Channel and exposed some of the from where plants grow to when tribes joined in a trading net work extinction. Barbara became Channel Islands unfamiliar land or the yearning for tranquility—to seafloor. The land offshore, easier seals breed. Together, water cur- that extended up and down the National Monu ment. In 1980 Con- walk on a deserted beach with birds, salty breezes, to reach then, allowed some spe- rents, winds, and weather create coast and inland. The island Chu- By 1822 most Chu mash had been gress designated San Miguel, cies to venture into this new terri- an eco system that supports a rich mash used purple olivella shells to moved to mainland missions. Fish- Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Ana capa, and the rhyth mic wash of waves as our compan- tory. Mammoths swam the chan- diversity of life. Among the 2,000 manufacture the main currency ing camps and ranching had be- Santa Barbara, and the submerged ions. You don’t have to go far to find such a place. nel. Mice and foxes drifted over species you will find here are used for this commerce. The come economic mainstays by the lands and waters within one nauti- on rafts of veg etation. Plants and northern fur seals, bright orange region’s temperate climate and late 1800s. In the 1900s the military cal mile of each island as Channel Off the coast of southern California the Channel seeds floated. Birds flew. Later, garibaldi (California’s state marine bountiful natural resources later set up lookouts on Anacapa and Islands National Park. The waters Islands seem to float on the horizon like ribbons of water from melting glaciers raised fish), some 28 species of whales attracted Spanish explorers, mis- Santa Barbara and practiced bomb- extending out six nautical miles dark rock. Named for the deep troughs that sepa- the sea level. This widened the and dolphins, intertidal dwellers sionaries, and ranchers. ing raids on San Miguel. These from each is land are a National channel again and increased the like sea stars and surfgrass, and activities had devastating effects Marine Sanc tuary. Channel Islands National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior rate them from the mainland, the eight islands and isolation of animals and plants squid, a major link in the food In October 1542 Juan Rodríguez on the island ecology, introducing Nation al Park monitors and pro- their encircling waters are home to over 2,000 spe- from the mainland. chain as predator and prey. Cabrillo sailed into the Santa alien plant and animal species that tects threatened and endangered Bar bara Channel. His expedition threatened to destroy the ecologi- species, re stores eco systems, and cies of animals and plants—145 are found nowhere Many species evolved over time People on the Islands The islands wintered on an island he called cal dynamics of the islands. Today, preserves the natural and cultural else on Earth. Isolation over thousands of years and and adapted to the isolated en- attracted seafaring people long Isla de Posesión. On Jan uary 3, ranching and other commercial resources for you and for genera- the mingling of warm and cold ocean currents give vironment. Mam moths evolved to ago; 13,000-year-old remains 1543, Cabrillo died from injuries and military activities have ceased tions to come. a new species of pygmy mammoth, of a human leg bone found on and may have been buried on one and the islands are regain ing some rise to the rich biodiversity of these islands. Today, and gray foxes shrank to the size of Santa Rosa record the earliest of the islands, although his grave of their natural diversity. five of the islands, their submerged lands, and the house cats, becoming today’s island known human presence in North has never been found. Capt. This illustration is a composite of the fox. Species of mice, scrub jays, and America. Over time Chumash George Van couver gave the islands park’s five islands. NPS / MICHAEL HAMPSHIRE waters within one nautical mile of each island are many plants grew larger. Indians settled on the northern their pres ent names in 1793. Early protected as Channel Islands National Park. Channel Islands National Park California A Safe Haven for Seabirds The islands provide essential nesting In 1970 only one chick survived on and feeding grounds for 99 percent West Ana capa. Scientists pinpointed of seabirds in southern California. DDT as the cause. They listed the Eleven seabird species nest on the species as endangered in 1970 and islands, including the only major banned DDT in 1972. The fight to breeding colony of California brown save the birds led to a remarkable pelicans in the western United States. recovery. In 2009 they were removed Not long ago they faced extinction. from the endangered list. Channel Islands Visiting Channel Islands National Park The National Park Islands at a Glance When was the last time you gazed at Planning Your Visit? Whether you go details. Service animals are welcome For Your Safety Be sure to check the Commercial Service to the Islands San Miguel Island the ocean? Did you see the islands? to the islands on your own boat or in the visitor center at Ventura. On park website for details about safety Channel Islands Aviation This westernmost island receives the brunt of the north Feel them call you? Savor the sea— with a park concessioner, you should the islands they are allowed only by and regulations. • Weather conditions 305 Durley Ave. westerly winds, fog, and severe weather from the open its gulls, barking sea lions, and tiny use the park website (www.nps.gov/ permit from the superintendent. change rapidly; dress in layers. • There Camarillo, CA 93010 ocean. The cold, nutrient-rich water surrounding the creatures. Take time for a visit. chis) to plan your visit. It describes the are no supplies on the islands. Take 805-987-1301 9,491-acre, eight-mile-long and four-mile-wide island is many tour options that are available Things to See and Do Visitors to the water, food, and other necessities. www.flycia.com home for a diversity of sea life. Submerged rocks make the Eight Channel Islands range along and includes information about boat islands may swim, snorkel, hike, camp, • Watch your step—lad ders, railings, nearly 28-mile coastline a mariner’s nightmare. Rough seas the coast of southern California for and airplane concessioners that can watch wildlife, kayak, sail, and explore and stairs may be wet. • Stay back Island Packers, Inc. and risky landings did not daunt the Chumash who lived 160 miles. San Miguel, Santa Rosa, take you to the islands. It has detailed tidepools, beaches, and rugged can- from cliff edges; they may be crumbly 1691 Spinnaker Dr., Suite 105 B here, nor did they deter the first European explorer, Juan Santa Cruz, and Anacapa are the information about activities on the yons. Naturalists lead hikes. The kelp or under cut—a fall could be fatal. Ventura, CA 93001 northernmost. Four islands lie to the islands and in the water, boating safe- forests, caves, clear water, and rich • Do not approach marine mammals 805-642-1393 Rodrí guez Cabrillo, in 1542. Ranchers raised sheep from south—San Nicolas, Santa Barbara, ty, weather, park regulations, and diversity of animals and plants make like whales, seals, and sea lions. • Pets www.islandpackers.com 1850 to 1948. Later the Navy used the island for a bombing Santa Catalina, and San Clemente. more. Park staff can also help you this one of the top scuba diving sites are prohibited on the islands. • Check range. Today, native species are making a recovery in this plan your visit. Contact a visitor cen- in the world. for ticks and watch out for poison More Information sanctuary. Visitor Centers The visitor center in ter for information. oak. • For firearms regulations ask a Channel Islands National Park Island Features: Chumash sites; Cabrillo Monument; caliche Ventura has information, a film, an Protecting the Islands The islands’ park ranger or check the park website. Robert J. Lagomarsino forest; seabird, seal, and sea lion rookeries. © TIM HAUF PHOTOGRAPHY in door marine life display, exhibits Accessibility We strive to make our natural and cultural resources, includ- Visitor Center Over 100,000 seals and sea lions breed and haul out on San Miguel. about the natural and cultural fea- facilities, services, and programs ing all seabirds, marine mammals and WARNING Deer mice on the islands 1901 Spinnaker Dr. tures of the islands, a native plant accessible to all. For information go other wildlife, plants and wildflowers, may carry diseases, including deadly Ventura, CA 93001-4354 garden, and a bookstore. A small to a visitor center, ask a ranger, call, artifacts, struc tures, rocks, fossils, hanta virus. Avoid all contact with 805-658-5730 visitor center in Santa Barbara has or check our website. The Ventura shells, and shipwrecks are protected mice and other wild animals.