TRAVEL
leisurely walk took them through the col- orful coreopsis blossoms with vivid yellow bouquets and low-lying native plants. Doug described unique features of the three dis- tinct islets, noting that, over the years, waves had constantly eroded the volcanic island, creating towering sea cliffs, caves, and natural bridges, such as the forty-foot- high Arch Rock, the park’s symbol. The biggest problem he emphasized, “There’s no fresh water.” Having digested a tasty box lunch,
group members walked to various vantage points; took photos; inspected the exteri- ors of the five standing structures, includ- ing a modest visitors’ center and an abandoned lighthouse; queried their tour guide, and conversed amongst themselves or with the friendly gulls surrounding them. The voyage back to Ventura was en- hanced by the multitude of dolphins rac- ing along the sides of the boat. After hugs, handshakes, and hand waves, the tour con- cluded; the Channel Island adventurers de- parted. What were the highlights for these is-
land explorers? Steve Behmerwohld, Parks, Recreation & Senior Services Commis- sioner from the City of San Juan Capistrano was enthralled with Anacapa’s history and the enormous western seagull habitat. George Caravalho, President of San Clemente’s Friends of San Clemente Foun- dation, said, “Anacapa provided a beautiful view of the islands. At the tip, it was so
peaceful, almost like the begin- ning of planet earth. I could al- most see the is- lands rising up out of the ocean - It was awe- some: beautiful scenery, salt air of the Pacific, boat rides, and knowledgeable guides.” Tony Foster of Ocean- side appreciated the pre-tour lec- ture and helpful guides. “Anacapa was a neat geological venture, and I enjoyed the gulls,” said Ilse Bynes of San Juan Capistrano. And … everyone was impressed by the friendly fox.
The year 2010 celebrated the Channel
Island National Park’s 30th anniversary as the nation’s 40th national park. It is one of the few national parks to have a university named after it. Educationally, some 10,000 young people visit the islands each year. Sometimes called the North American Galapagos, 10% of the plant life and 30% of animals are endemic. California brown pel- icans, island fox, island scrub-jay, pin- nipeds, sea lions, and western gulls are dependent on the islands for breeding and
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Anacapa North Point.
raising their young. Isolation has protected them from much of the development and human impacts that have drastically re- duced natural ecosystems on the main- land. Wave-cut platforms are important habitats for marine life including clams, snails, sea urchins, sea stars, crabs, and bar- nacles. For recreation, water-oriented enthusi-
asts, and sightseers, swimming, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, whale and sea lion watch- ing, hiking, and rock-climbing are readily available, and the Park developed an under- water dive program 25 years ago. Channel Islands Park includes five is-
lands adjacent to California’s coast: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San
Miguel, and Santa Barbara. These is- lands harbor the biologic diversity of nearly 2,500 miles and are home to over 2,000 terrestrial plants and animals, of which 145 are found nowhere else in the world. Even within a day’s travel of over 20 mil- lion people, because of the privacy provided by the Pacific Ocean, this is the least visited of all of Amer- ica’s national parks and will always be a place where you can step back in time and experience what Cali- fornia’s coastline once was. The purpose of these tours
sponsored by the California Associ- ation of Park & Recreation Com- missioners & Board Members
(CAPRCBM) is to provide unique experi- ential educational opportunities for its members, professionals, and park aficiona- dos. Previous successful tours to state beaches and attractions along the Califor- nia coast and San Diego’s significant parks has introduced participants to such ideas as the broader use of volunteer services in lieu of staff, environmental concerns, alter- native fundraising activities, cost-savings measures, rise of non-profit organizations, and other useful learning opportunities. Future tours in the planning stages include California’s gold country and Yosemite in October, and weekend educational visits to parks in Santa Barbara, Catalina, and Fort Bragg.b
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