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; 13,000­year­old 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 on West Ana­ and feeding grounds for 99 percent capa survived. Scientists pinpointed of seabirds in southern California. DDT as the cause and listed the Eleven seabird species nest on the brown pelican as an endangered islands, including the only major species in 1970 and banned DDT in breeding colony of California brown 1972. The fight to save these birds pelicans in the western United States. led to a remark­­able recovery and in Not long ago they faced extinction. 2009 they were removed from the endangered species 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 mainland visitor center. On the park website and newspaper for 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 islands they are allowed only by per- details about safety and regulations. 305 Durley Avenue westerly winds, fog, and severe weather from the open its gulls, barking sea lions, and tiny use the park website (nps.gov/chis) mit from the superintendent. • Weather conditions change rapidly; Camarillo, CA 93010 ocean. The cold, nutrient-rich water surrounding the creatures. Take time for a visit. and the free park newspaper, The dress in layers. • There are no supplies 805-987-1301 9,491-acre, eight-mile-long and four-mile-wide island is Island Guide, to plan your visit. They Things to See and Do Visitors to the on the islands. Take water, food, and www.flycia.com home for a diversity of sea life. Submerged rocks make the The eight Channel Islands span 160 describe the many tour options that islands may swim, snorkel, hike, camp, other necessities. • Watch your step— nearly 28-mile coastline a mariner’s nightmare. Rough seas miles off the coast of southern Cali- are available and include information watch wildlife, kayak, sail, and explore lad ders, railings, and stairs may be Island Packers, Inc. and risky landings did not daunt the Chumash who lived fornia (see map at left). There are about boat and airplane concessioners tidepools, beaches, and rugged can- wet. • Stay back from cliff edges; 1691 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 105 B here, nor did they deter the first European explorer, Juan four northern islands—San Miguel, that can take you to the islands. They yons. Naturalists lead hikes. The kelp they may be crumbly or under cut—a Ventura, CA 93001 Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, and Anacapa, have detailed information about forests, caves, clear water, and rich fall could be fatal. • Do not approach 805-642-1393 Rodrí guez Cabrillo, in 1542. Ranchers raised sheep from and four southern islands—San Nico- activities on the islands and in the diversity of animals and plants make marine mammals like whales, seals, www.islandpackers.com 1850 to 1948. Later the Navy used the island for a bombing las, Santa Barbara, Santa Catalina, water, boating safety, weather, park this one of the top scuba diving sites and sea lions. • Pets are prohibited on range. Today, native species are making a recovery in this and San Clemente. regulations, and more. Park staff can in the world. the is lands. • Check yourself for ticks More Information sanctuary. also help you plan your visit. Contact and watch out for poison oak. • For Channel Islands National Park Island Features: Chumash sites; Cabrillo Monument; caliche Visitor Centers The visitor center in a visitor center for information. Protecting the Islands The islands’ firearms regulations ask a park ranger 1901 Spinnaker Drive forest; seabird, seal, and sea lion rookeries. © TIM HAUF PHOTOGRAPHY Ventura has information, a film, an natural and cultural resources, includ- or check the park website. Ventura, CA 93001-4354 Each year over 100,000 seals and sea in door marine life display, exhibits Accessibility We strive to make our ing all seabirds, marine mammals and 805-658-5730 lions breed and haul out on San Miguel. about the natural and cultural fea- facilities, services, and programs other wildlife, plants and wildflowers, WARNING Deer mice on the islands www.nps.gov/chis tures of the islands, a native plant accessible to all. For information go artifacts, struc tures, rocks, fossils, may carry diseases, including deadly garden, and a bookstore. A small to a visitor center, ask a ranger, call, shells, and shipwrecks are protected hanta virus.