Not a lot of travelers are aware of the existence of the Channel Islands National Park in the Southern California laid down the coast, as the treasure of the park is well hidden. As a park that has been constructed in a total of five out of the eight islands that make up the Channel Islands, namely; Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara, this is a wildlife sanctuary, history and a magnificent coastal beauty park. These are the ten fun and interesting facts about Channel Islands National Park which you will definitely make you pack bags and set sail to this wonderful place.
The Park is referred to as the Galapagos of the North America
The nickname of Channel Islands National Park is one of its biggest draw cards and also occurs in the form of the Galapagos of North America. It happens because the park has very impressive biodiversity and the amount of unusual species which can be found in no other place of the world. Since the islands remained closed to the world we know thousands of years ago, therefore evolution has found its way and created species and creatures that are rare plants and animals that have managed to survive in the island. The park contains almost 150 animal species which are members of the island foxes which are small and inquisitive animals confined to 6 of the northern Channel Islands.
It Defends the Land as well as Sea
Whereas the majority of the national parks are land-oriented and concentrate on conservation of the in-land environment, Channel Islands National Park is also marine-oriented and devoted to marine setting preservation. Actually over five hundred percent of the park is in water thus being one of the excellently developed sites to be used in snorkeling, scuba diving, and observing marine wildlife. National marine sanctuary The waters around the islands are a national marine sanctuary that has contributed to the preservation of kelp forests, coral reefs and many fish stocks. Sea lions, harbor seals, dolphin, and even migrating whales can be observed by the visitor in the surrounding ocean.
You Can Visit a Cave That Glows Blue
Santa Cruz island has one of the most magical natural wonders in the entire Channel island national park, the Painted Cave. The sea cave is among the largest across the globe and is about a quarter mile lengthy and up to the hundred feet high. What is so special about it is that the sunlight plays tricks as it reflects in water and the result is an amazing blue sheet in the cave. The surreal is enhanced by the painted walls (using lichen, algae and minerals) and their color. The activity of adventurous visitors is the exploration of painted cave by the use of kayaks.
There are No Shops, Restaurants and Hotels in the Park
In comparison to a number of well-known national parks, Channel Islands National Park is really isolated and primitive. None of the islands offer restaurants, shops, and lodging services. You have to carry what you require with you like food, water and camping equipments in case you intend to visit. This increases the feel of adventure and solitude and it gives a wild and natural feel of nature. As far as people who like to stay alone and live at unspoiled territory it is their utopia.
Island Fox came to the Brink of Extinction
The channel Island fox, a very handsome critter that can only be found on the Channel Islands was at one point almost extinct. During the 1990s, the golden eagles prey and disease led to population decline. Conservationists did not waste much time and introduced breeding programs, transferred the eagles and eradicated invasive species. Due to these works, the island fox has now become one of the quickest restored endangered species in the U.S history. Visitors to the park latest visit may be able to see these curious animals scurrying (with no fear) around the park.
Islands possess a Deep Human History The islands have a deep human history
Channel Islands National Park present a not only natural but a very rich cultural place. Archeological record indicates that human inhabited the Channel Islands more than 13,000 years ago. The islands were occupied by the representatives of one of the oldest Californian tribes the Chumash people who left numerous items, cave paintings and religious sites in the islands. Europeans, ranchers and missionaries left their prints, too, later. Part of the historic ranch buildings are still there in place and the viewer is able to get a look back in time.
Among the National Parks that are least visited it is One
Being among the least visited national parks of the United States, Channel Islands national park is located in the close vicinity of large cities, such as Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. The first one is the lack of accessibility to the islands: it is only possible to get there by boat or in a small airplane. This might inconvenience some people but they are at least fortunate to those people who want peace, silence and non-ruined nature. The limited visitor levels aid in the preservation of the delicate eco systems and result into a warm, non-crowded experience.
The Kelp Forests Pose as Undersea Rainforests
The environment of what lies beneath ocean waters at Channel Islands is a completely different world, flourishing kelp forests which is best likened to the underwater rainforests. These are large brown algae that grow two feet in a day and they build up deficient habitats of hundreds of marines. Diving in the forests of kelps is an enchanted experience in which you may get to bump into some bright orange Garibaldi fishes, sea otters, and octopuses. The kelp is also very vital in the marine ecology as it reduces erosion along the coast and enables the quality of water.
The waters visible to you can produce Bioluminescence
To visitors who are in luck to be there at the right time, the waters around the Channel islands will at times be aglow due to bioluminescence, a natural occurrence in some marine creatures in which they emit light. At night time, the waves sparkle in blue or green due to the presence of tiny plankton, which are glowing, when touched. It is an out of this world experience to kayak or boat during bioluminescent event as we describe it like floating through stars from the liquid nature so much so that it is the memory of a lifetime.
This is an Island that is short of a long lasting source of fresh water
The fifth of the five islands that are included in the park is the Santa Barbara Island which uniquely lies without a permanent source of freshwaters. This renders it to be a challenging environment both to the visiting wildlife and human beings. The seabirds, sea lions and rare plants nest on the island even though its conditions are very harsh. Collection of rain water and conservation of water is imperative to the rangers of the park and the researchers who stay at the island. Its ruggedness is an exciting place to visit because it is secluded and has dramatic cliffs.
Conclusion
Channel Islands National Park is an area of beauty of wonder and mystery as well as wildness. It has sea caves that glow and even have underwater forest, rare wild life as well as ancient culture, so there is something to enjoy by all nature lovers. It might not be as crowded as other more renowned parks and lack that trendy infrastructure, but the place is a real gem with wild nature that has remained untouched and immense biodiversity. Either you are organizing a day trip or a weekend camping event, visiting the Channel Island is like setting foot to another planet, which is quiet, wild, and uncertain.
