Channel Islands National Park

We have a winner! Our book Channel Islands National Park won the Gold Award for Guide/Travel Book at the PubWest Book Design Awards. The PubWest Book Design Awa...rds recognize superior design and outstanding production quality of books throughout North America. Our publishing team can't take all of the credit, though; Channel Islands National Park is a gorgeous park with a stunning variety of landscapes, both on land and underwater. To learn more about the book and where you can purchase a copy, visit https://bit.ly/36HnhQB.

Ready to explore Channel Islands National Park but don’t know where to start? Whet your APPetite Wednesday is here to help. Closest to the mainland, East Anacapa is a one-hour ferry ride from Ventura or Oxnard Harbor and offers the perfect place for a half-day, one-day, or short overnight camping trip. Immerse yourself in Anacapa’s native vegetation, wildlife and cultural history using the self-guided tour on the free Channel Islands mobile app. ... Follow these steps to #PlotYourPath: 1) Download the NPS Channel Islands app from the APP store or Google Play 2) Go to the Settings icon and select Download Offline Content 3) Return to the Home page and choose Tours 4) Scroll down to select Anacapa Island: Self-Guided Tour There are no services on the islands, so preparation is key. Be sure to review the app options for Anacapa like How to Get There and Services to plan your trip. Additional information is available on the park website at http://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/anacapa.htm. Photo: Aiden Young #ChannelIslandsNationalPark #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque #CHISAPP

Grab a favorite snack and find a comfy spot as you enjoy watching the park film, Treasure in the Sea, available on the park website and YouTube. Let stunning footage take you across the Santa Barbara Channel, to mountainous island peaks and the depths of the kelp forest. Narrated by actor Kevin Costner, the 25-minute long film provides a great overview of the cultural and natural resources of Channel Islands National Park. When the mainland visitor center resumes normal op...erations, the park film is available for viewing in the visitor center auditorium. Watch on the park website at: https://www.nps.gov//photosmulti/a-treasure-in-the-sea.htm Photo Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com #ChannelIslandsNationalPark #FindYourPark #SentimentalSundays

The earth laughs in flowers. Ralph Waldo Emerson Winter showers bring springtime flowers! Keep your fingers crossed that, with the recent rain, the islands will be a splendor of color in the upcoming months. On this #FloraFriday, admire these California poppies (Eschscholzia californica), Indian pink (Silene laciniata), and silver bush lupine (Lupinus albifrons) from a prior April at Carrington Point on Santa Rosa Island. Peak wildflower season on the park islands is fr...om mid-February to mid-May. For more about wildflower viewing (including a plant checklist) at Channel Islands National Park, visit https://home.nps.gov/c/planyourvisit/wildflower-viewing.htm Photo Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com #ChannelIslandsNationalPark #Wildflowers

Now that the California Regional Stay at Home Orders have been lifted, all Channel Islands National Park campgrounds, except Scorpion Canyon campground, are reopen for reservations as of Friday, January 29, 2021. The park's transportation concessioner, Island Packers, will resume boat service to the islands on this date as well. All park visitor centers will remain closed until further notice.... Please visit our website for more information: https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/conditions.htm Photo: Anacapa Island Campground Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com #ChannelIslandsNationalPark #IslandCamping See more

Happy #InternationalMountainDay. The islands form the westernmost edge of the Transverse Ranges, one of the most complex and diverse mountain ranges in the states. The Transverse Ranges include @santamonicamountainsnps which extend offshore to form the Northern Channel Islands Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel. If you're interested in peak-bagging on the islands here are some noteworthy and accessible summits: Santa Cruz... Although El Montañon (1808 ft) isn’t the highest point on Santa Cruz, it’s the highest summit accessible to our visitors. The trek to the top of El Montañon spans several historical areas including the abandoned oil derrick and remnants of a WWII-era plane wreck. This footpath also offers commanding views of the island (9 mi. roundtrip loop). Anacapa Inspiration Point (248 ft.) is one of the most iconic views of the islands. Located on the western point of Anacapa’s eastern islet, Inspiration Point features sweeping vistas of nearby islets, craggy volcanic rocks jutting out of the Pacific, as well as Santa Cruz (.5 mile loop). Santa Rosa This trek offers stunning views of Bechers Bay, Carrington Point, Cherry Canyon, and Water Canyon. The typical route to the top of Black Mountain (1298 ft) starts at the Water Canyon Campground and follows the Cherry Canyon Trail. Hikers will eventually cross over Telephone Road to reach the summit (8 mi. out and back). Photo Aiden Young

Discover what’s under your national parks! The National Park Service is joining in the celebration of The International Year of Caves and Karst (IYCK) to help raise the level of understanding and respect for caves and karst as globally important physical, ecological, and cultural systems. Look for posts throughout the year that will help you learn about and safely explore the caves at #ChannelIslandsNationalPark and other national parks. Explore resources for #IYCK2021 at: h...ttps://www.nps.gov/subj/caves/nps-celebrates-2021-iyck.htm TEACHERS! The IYCK website offers educational and outreach materials at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/caves/cave-karst-education.htm Around the Channel Islands, you will find sea or littoral caves. These are formed by the action of waves pounding against rocks that line the shores of oceans and larger lakes. These types of caves are evidence of the enormous power of waves and may be further modified and enlarged by wave-carried sand and gravel. Kayaking around and through the sea caves on Santa Cruz and Anacapa Islands is a unique and rewarding way to experience the marine environment of the park. When planning your trip to explore these caves, please keep safety in the forefront of your mind. Protect yourself: Sea caves can be very dangerous-large waves or swells can fill a cave unexpectedly. Be extremely careful, wear a helmet, and evaluate sea conditions before entering any sea cave. Protect nature: You may not exit your kayak while in the sea caves. Do not disturb wildlife within caves. Please avoid use of artificial lights in caves. Learn more about kayaking: https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/kayaking.htm Interested in learning about more caves to explore in the national parks? Visit: https://www.nps.gov//cave-exploration-in-the-national-park Have you braved a cave? Share your spelunking experience below. Photo: Hidekatsu Kajitani #CaveExploration #CaveSafety

The furcast for today is extreme cuteness. This island fox pup just can’t kelp itself! Fur the fun of it, check out the Channel Islands National Park app. It’s whet your APPetite Wednesday. Follow these steps to explore: ... 1. Download the free app from the App Store or Google Play. 2. In the app, select What To See 3. Scroll down and explore the special places on the islands. 4. Note: Due to limited cell coverage, if you are visiting one of the islands, select the "Settings" option and tap the choice "Download Offline Content." Video Holly Lohuis #channeiIslandsnationalpark #FindYourPark #CHISApp

#Batweek is a great time to celebrate the park's furry flying mammals. There aren't many creatures that have been as misunderstood as the bat. Though they may be seen as spooky creatures of the night, bats play a vital role in the health of the ecosystem of the islands as rodent control, pollinators, and seed dispersers. The power of flight has made bats highly fit for island colonization.... Would you believe that of the 18 native mammal species found on the islands (excluding humans and marine mammals) over 60% are species of bats? Currently, capture or acoustic records have identified 14 bat species (56% of the 25 species known to occur in California) on 6 of the 8 California Channel Islands, with occasional sightings of flying bats on Anacapa and San Miguel Islands. To learn more about bats on the Channel Islands please visit: https://www.nps.gov/chis/learn/nature/townsends-bats.htm Image: Close up of a western yellow bat (Lasiurus xanthinus) Photo Juan Cruzado Cortes #Batweek#Westernyellowbat

Today we remember the bombing attack on Pearl Harbor and recognize the service, bravery and sacrifice of those involved. The repercussions of December 7th, 1941 would draw the United States into World War II (1941-1945) and usher in a strategic national defense role for the Channel Islands. Between the 1830s and 1941, the remote islands primarily housed ranching and recreational opportunities. Entry into World War II meant an increased military presence and strengthening of... Pacific defenses. Look out stations were quickly established on all of California’s channel islands. The U.S. Army also installed radar posts on Santa Barbara and Santa Rosa, utilizing the relatively new technology to help detect aircraft and ships and enhance communication. Radar technology continued to expand after the war. On Santa Rosa Island, the initial tower served as a building block for more complex systems that developed into the early warning radar operated by the Air Force and the Navy’s missile defenses, providing essential information and protection through The Cold War. More information about the Channel Islands involvement in World War II can be found in the Historic Research Study at https://www.nps.gov//CHIS-Historic-Resource-Study-FINAL.pdf Learn more about the 79th commemoration events at Pearl Harbor National Memorial at www.nps.gov//his/national-pearl-harbor-remembrance-day.htm. Photo: A radio antenna (left) and lookout tower on Santa Barbara Island, 1942/NPS #ChannelIslandsNPS #PearlHarborNPS

We are currently recruiting for a full-time, temporary Park Guide. For more information on how to apply download our job recruitment bulletin at: https://www.nps.gov/chis/getinvolved/workwithus.htm

Due to the State of California's Regional Stay at Home Order, the park's campgrounds are temporarily closed as of December 6th until further notice. The mainland and island visitor centers remain closed as well until further notice in accordance with CDC, state, and local public health guidance related to COVID-19. The five park islands are still open for day visitation. Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/conditions.htm Photo credit: Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com

Words of wisdom from a northern elephant seal: stay cool and don’t sweat the small stuff. Throw negative energy behind you and think of new possibilities. Maybe you’ve seen northern elephant seals and wondered - why are they flipping sand onto the back of their bodies? This behavior helps northern elephant seals regulate their body temperature and stay cool while on shore. Even pups sand-flip too! At Channel Islands National Park, you might see northern elephant seals at San...ta Barbara, Santa Rosa and San Miguel Islands. Currently, it is birthing and breeding season for northern elephant seals which occurs between December and March. In December and January, pregnant females come ashore and give birth to the pups they have been carrying since last year. San Miguel Island is home to the world’s largest elephant seal rookery, where over 50, 000 northern elephant seals breed and pup each year. To learn more about these marine mammals, please visit https://www.nps.gov/chis/learn/nature/elephant-seal.htm Photo Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com

It’s whet your APPetite Wednesday! First time visiting? Unsure which island to explore? Using our new mobile app, you can access Channel Islands National Park at your fingertips, including remote locations like San Miguel Island. This week’s tip highlights how to plan an upcoming trip: 1) Download the free app from the APP Store or Google Play... 2) In the app, select the specific island you are interested in learning more about 3) Explore the different tabs for information, such as How to Get There, What to See and Camping 4) Contact the concessionaire to book transportation to Channel Islands National Park. Reserve a campsite on Recreation.gov if staying overnight Photo NPS #channelislandsnationalpark #FindYourPark #ChannelIslandsApp

Channel Islands National Park, @islandpackerstours, and @USCSeaGrant were excited to collaborate on an educational program from the visitor center’s native plant garden. The program, delivered to nearly 3,000 3rd - 5th grade students, highlights the interdependency of the island fox and the manzanita shrub, encourages students to think as scatologists, and inspires students to think about our human impact on the islands. Watch the recording of the program at https://youtu.b...e/MyZ6cOxihv4 with the young minds you have at home and share with your child’s teacher. If you are an educator and would like to schedule a virtual program for your class please visit: https://www.nps.gov/chis/learn/education/index.htm. Photo: NPS #channelislandsnationalpark #islandpackerstours #distancelearning

Channel Islands National Park is soliciting proposals with the release of a Request for Expressions of Interest for a potential business opportunity at the historic Main Ranch on Santa Rosa Island. Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/chis/learn/news/pr102720.htm https://www.nps.gov/chis/getinvolved/leasing.htm

It’s Bat Week! These fascinating creatures of the night can sometimes be elusive. This Townsend’s big-eared bat sculpture awaits you in the native plant garden at our mainland visitor center in Ventura Harbor. The origami-style sculptures of local artist BiJian Fan help visitors connect to the unique wildlife of the Channel Islands, including the island fox, island spotted skunk, and pygmy mammoth. Explore the sculptures with our free Origami Scavenger Hunt and Native Plant G...arden Bingo available at the entrance to the garden. In Channel Islands National Park, this species of bat is only found on Santa Cruz Island, with a breeding colony at Scorpion Ranch. Park staff continue to monitor the health and status of the Townsend's big-eared bat population. We hope you continue to learn more about bats and help protect these amazing mammals by not disturbing areas where they rest, such as caves. There are more than 1,400 bat species worldwide, living almost everywhere on Earth. Have you seen bats where you live? For more information about the Townsend's big-eared bat, visit http://ow.ly/51Yi50C1NHy Photo NPS #ChannelIslands #NationalPark #BatWeek

Baja California treefrogs, found on Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and Catalina islands, are the only native frogs known to inhabit the Channel Islands! Curious what other wildlife you might encounter at the park? It’s whet your APPetite Wednesday. Follow these steps to access the animal guides for each island: 1) Download the free app from the App Store or Google Play. 2) In the app, select one of the five islands in the park. ... 3) Scroll down and tap Animals. Use this handy list to learn more about island specific animals or flag your favorites to create a custom wildlife guide in the Saved option. Photo Charles Drost #ChannelIslandsNPS #FindYourPark #ChannelIslandsApp

This Blue Whale was sighted by @islandpackerstours in the Santa Barbara Channel. Did you know that a blue whale heart is the size of a Volkswagen Beetle and pumps 10 tons of blood through the massive blue whale body? A blue whale aorta (the main blood vessel) alone is large enough for a human to crawl through. To learn more about blue whales visit https://www.nps.gov/chis/learn/nature/blue-whale.htm. Video: Holly Lohuis... #channelislandsnationalpark #bluewhale #MarineMonday

We are currently recruiting for a full-time, temporary Administrative Support Assistant (Logistics). For more information on how to apply download our job recruitment bulletin at: https://www.nps.gov/chis/getinvolved/workwithus.htm

There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs. - Ansel Adams Every picture tells a story and Channel Islands National Park is looking for your narrative. The park’s online exhibit Share Your Story highlights the islands through the visitor’s lens. Share your adventures, past or present, by tagging #ChannelIslandsNationalPark or @channelislandsnps on social media or by sending your photos to [email protected]. Photo requirements, details,... and virtual tour at https://www.nps.gov//learn/photosmultimedia/sharephotos.htm Photo Jen Bauer #ChannelIslandsNationalPark #ShareYourPhotos #FindYourPark

On #NationalFossilDay we want to share the mammoth task of excavating some unique island fossils. The Channel Islands, particularly San Miguel, Santa Rosa, and Santa Cruz, contain numerous plant and animal fossils that illuminate the past natural history of the California coastal region. The most notable and best studied animal fossils are the pygmy mammoth (Mammuthus exilis). In 1994 a nearly complete adult skeleton was discovered and excavated on Santa Rosa. Pygmy mammoths... descended from full-sized Columbian mammoths that swam across the Santa Barbara Channel to the islands during the Pleistocene epoch. It is believed that during this period the northern Channel Islands were connected into one large island (Santarosae) because of the lowered sea levels. Pygmy mammoth fossil bones have been found on more than 140 sites on San Miguel, Santa Rosa, and Santa Cruz! These are the only known remains in the world. You can view a cast of this fossil and grab a Prehistoric Life coloring book or a Junior Paleontologist booklet by stopping by our visitor center or learning more here: https://www.nps.gov/c/learn/historyculture/pygmymammoth.htm and https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossilday/index.htm Photo Don Morris #PygmyMammoth#Fossils#SantaRosaIsland

We are currently recruiting for a full-time, temporary park guide position. For more information on how to apply download our job recruitment bulletin at: https://www.nps.gov/chis/getinvolved/workwithus.htm

During #EarthScience week we dug up some rockin' geology to share with you! The caliche forest is a spectacular sight for visitors to San Miguel Island. Where trees once grew, fine particles of sand and wind have created calcium carbonate casts. This is one of the few places in the world where you can view these types of eerie ancient arrangements. To learn more about the geology of the park please visit:... https://www.nps.gov/chis/learn/nature/geologicformations.htm Photo Tim Hauf

On #IndigenousPeoplesDay we'd like to celebrate the park's rich indigenous history. Hundreds of years ago, the indigenous island Chumash traveled the ancient waters of the Santa Barbara Channel for hunting, fishing, and trading. They built canoes, called tomols, from redwood trees that drifted down the coast, fastening the cut planks together with animal sinews (tendon rope) and sealed with a tar-like substance called yop. The tomol is central to the Chumash heritage, const...ructed and paddled by members of the Brotherhood of the Tomol. The historic Brotherhood disbanded in 1834, but in 1976, a contemporary group built Helek, which means Peregrine Falcon, based on ethnographic and historic accounts of tomol construction. It was the first tomol built in 142 years and the modern paddlers travelled from San Miguel Island to Santa Rosa Island, and finally to Santa Cruz Island. Twenty years later, the Chumash Maritime Association completed a 26-foot-long tomol which they named ‘Elye’wun (pronounced El-E-ah-woon), the Chumash word for Swordfish. On September 8, 2001, ‘Elye’wun made the historic crossing from the mainland to Santa Cruz Island. Over 150 Chumash families and friends gathered to greet the tomol and paddlers on the beaches of Santa Cruz. Each day, commercial and private boats take visitors across the Santa Barbara Channel to the shores of the Channel Islands. Can you imagine making that same journey in a canoe? Learn more about the island Chumash at: https://www.nps.gov///historyculture/nativeinhabitants.htm Photo Robert Schwemmer #ChannelIslandsNationalPark #Chumash

Imagine living on an island ranch herding cattle on the grasslands, sandy beaches, and steep canyons of Santa Rosa Island. For more than 35 years, this was the experience of Jesus Bracamontes (photographed on right, rancher Al Vail on left). Jesus worked as a cowboy and ranch hand for the Vail and Vickers Company, which owned and operated ranching on Santa Rosa Island from 1901 - 1998. Bracamontes was born in Sonora, Mexico in 1925. He started working on Santa Rosa Island in... 1952 when he was twenty-six years old, leaving and later returning to work on the island ranch in 1962. While on Santa Rosa Island, Jesus drove a truck called el Comando and enjoyed fishing along the shore. He would ride on horseback over the mountains to locations like China Camp, spending two or three nights there to check on the cattle. Bracamontes and his wife Virginia had six children who grew up on the mainland, spending summers on the island. When the children were grown, Virginia moved to Santa Rosa Island and stayed with her husband in the old schoolhouse. Jesus retired from island ranching, moving back to the mainland with his wife. Following Virginia’s passing, Jesus was rehired by Vail and Vickers, returning to Santa Rosa Island. With the removal of the last herds of cattle and the cattle operation ending on Santa Rosa Island in 1998, Jesus retired to Tecate, Mexico. To learn more about the ranching history of Santa Rosa Island, please visit https://www.nps.gov//le/historyculture/santarosaisland.htm Photo by Bill Dewey. Santa Cruz Island Foundation Archives #HispanicHeritageMonth #ChannelIslands #SantaRosaIsland