Paddling Around the Channel Islands

Nature lovers gathered at The Bunker on August 15 to hear the entertaining photos and stories shared by photographer Chuck Graham about his adventures over the decades paddling his kayak around the Channel Islands National Park.The presentation was part of Ecologistics’ Critical Conversations series.

Chuck not only paddles around the islands, but he also paddles to the islands from the mainland, crossing 27 miles of open ocean and two major shipping lanes. He described how eerie it is paddling through fog, not know if a large freighter is nearby, ready to run him over.

Chuck has frequented the islands over many years and has seen major changes there, including the eradication or removal of invasive species, such as feral pigs and golden
eagles, and the restoration of bald eagles and the incredibly darling island foxes. He showed us numerous great photos of the flora and fauna of the islands and videos of fox pups playing and fighting.

For more information about Chuck and his book “Paddling Into a Natural Balance click here. If you interested in watching the entirety of Chuck’s talk check out his video on our Youtube Channel.