Experiencing the Channel Islands by Land and Sea

Channel Islands National Park is less than 30 miles from the coast of Los Angeles but feels like a whole new world. The five islands in the parks are a special place for endangered species, sensitive habitats, cultural resources, and ongoing conservation efforts. Join nature photographer Ian Shive on a tour through this mysterious and beautiful place above and below water on Nature in Focus.

September 26, 2022

By: Ian Shive

Show: Nature in Focus

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Photo By: Ian Shive

The Island Fox yawns in the Scorpion Canyon Campground on Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park. The fox only lives on six of the eight Channel Islands and is the apex predator. The Island Fox hears when boats arrive and heads toward campgrounds to look for food left behind by visitors.

A moody sunset over Cavern Point on Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park. This trail allows hikers to walk above one of the largest sea caves on an island in the world.

The famous Island Fox is taking a bathroom break in the Scorpion Canyon Campground on Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park. The fox only lives on six of the eight Channel Islands and is the apex predator.

Giant Kelp on Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park. Giant kelp is the worlds largest species of marine algae and is unique to the west coast, reminiscent of giant red woods forest but completely under water.

A hermit crab holds onto some Giant Kelp for a snack in Channel Islands National Park. Giant kelp is the worlds largest species of marine algae, making for perfect protection from predators.

SANTA CRUZ ISLAND, CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK- Santa Cruz is one of Channel Islands National Park five islands (Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara). Underwater kelp

Channel Islands National Park & Marine Sanctuary, Anacapa Island, California: Kelp forest in the Channel Islands. This is a protected habitat area. This kelp is beginning to get spotting on it from rising water temperatures during the summer months. Global warming is a threat to this important ecosystems survival.

Channel Islands National Park, California: The view underwater off Anacapa Island of a kelp (macrocystis) forest. Kelp are threatened by climate change.

Giant Kelp catching overhead light on Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park. Giant kelp is the worlds largest species of marine algae and is unique to the west coast, reminiscent of giant red woods forest but completely under water.

Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park, California: Hiking at Potato Harbor.

Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park, California. Even with some passing clouds, a man standing with a headlamp along the Cavern Point Trail becomes mesmerizing when stars become part of the composition.