Santa Cruz Island Reserve

29 Jun, 07 AM - 06 Jul, 09 AM

Throughout human history islands have been magical and inspiring locations, and Santa Cruz Island is no exception. With their close proximity to the California mainland, yet isolated off the coast, the California Channel Islands have a unique assemblage of species and a diverse human history. Over time numerous plants and animals have naturally colonized these islands and due to their isolation from the mainland, many have evolved into unique endemic species. Currently more than 1000 plants and animal species inhabit Santa Cruz Island, the largest and most diverse of the Channel Islands, including more than 60 species that are found nowhere else on Earth. The islands isolation has impacted the ecology of the native species, yet it has also made these same species vulnerable to the impacts of introduced species and humans settlements. Over the past two centuries of ranching on the island, plants and animals have intentionally and unintentionally been introduced, many of which have had severe impacts on the native flora and fauna. To save many important species and significant archeological sites, the National Park Service and The Nature Conservancy, who combined own the entire island, have embarked upon a multi-year program to restore Santa Cruz Island. We will spend the first week of our course exploring the eastern side of Santa Cruz Island, which is owned by the National Park Service. During this section we will spend our mornings and afternoons hiking around the island, exploring and learning about different vegetation communities, and sharpening our identification and observation skills. In the afternoons and evenings we will learn about island ecology, island biogeography theory, the human history of the island, and the impacts that invasive species have had on the natural flora and fauna. Halfway through the course we will leave the National Park side behind us and travel to western side of the island, which is owned by The Nature Conservancy. Here we will stay at the University of California Santa Barbaras Field Station in the central valley of the island and at the historic Christy Ranch on the western end of the island. During this time we will spend our mornings and afternoons hiking and volunteering on a number of different research and restoration projects. In the afternoons and evenings we will discuss the historical decline of bald eagles and island foxes, the eradication of feral pigs, and the restoration goals and management decisions that have been made in the past decades. We will also have guest lectures about the current projects underway on the island such at bald eagle reintroduction, island fox and island spotted skunk research, and Argentine ant eradication. In the process, students will acquire skills in making wildlife observations, identifying native flora and fauna, and reading, analyzing and discussing research articles. Our hands-on field activities will be complimented by exchanges with wildlife experts, conservation scientists, and land managers as we explore the ecology and restoration of Santa Cruz Island. Although this course is not taught in a classroom, the academic expectations are high. There will likely be additional challenges posed by factors such as long days, inclement weather, logistical changes, and physically demanding conditions. As such, we will get the most out of our experiences together if we bring along flexibility, ample patience, a sense of humor, self-motivation, and perhaps most importantly, the desire to work as a team towards a common goal.

Visit #35766 @Santa Cruz Island Reserve

Approved

Under Project # 29101 | Class

WILDLIFE RECOVERY AND REINTRODUCTION: THE CALIFORNIA CHANNEL ISLANDS PROJECT

graduate_student - Colorado State University

Reservation Members(s)

Adam Dillon Jun 29 - Jul 6, 2014 (8 days)
Annie Dillon Jun 29 - Jul 6, 2014 (8 days)
Group of 14 Undergraduate Student Jun 29 - Jul 6, 2014 (8 days)

Reserve Resources(s) | Create Invoice

University Level Class : Bunkroom/Camp 14 Jun 29 - Jul 3, 2014
Christy Ranch Facilities Use 16 Jul 3 - 6, 2014
Dock to Reserve Round-Trip 16 Jun 29 - Jul 6, 2014
Vehicle Use - By Day 1 Jul 3 - 6, 2014
Vehicle Mileage 67 Jul 3 - 6, 2014
Private Room 2 Jun 29 - Jul 3, 2014
Vehicle Use - By Day 1 Jun 30 - Jul 5, 2014
Vehicle Mileage 128 Jun 30 - Jul 5, 2014