Channel Islands Park Foundation

06/09/2026

Santa Rosa Island UPDATE:
A team of Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) specialists will spend approximately one week on the island evaluating post-fire conditions and identifying immediate risks to public safety, infrastructure, and natural and cultural resources. They arrived on June 5th.

Something to consider is that hazardous conditions can persist for weeks or months after a wildfire and may exist both inside and outside the burned area. Some of the potential hazards include unstable soils, weakened trees, damaged infrastructure, falling rocks, erosion, and altered trail conditions.

Photos/NPS:
1. BAER crew members begin walking transects to survey for western snowy plover on 6/6/26.
2. BAER and NPS staff walk along the fire footprint on 6/6/26
3. Santa Rosa Island BAER team members on Santa Rosa Island.
4. A BAER soil scientist evaluates burn severity in a Torrey Pine stand on 6/6/26

06/08/2026

Happy World Ocean Day!

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The rich, biodiverse waters surrounding our five islands are the lifeblood of this unique ecosystem. From the vibrant kelp forests to the marine life that calls them home, protecting our ocean is vital to preserving the isolation and magic of the Channel Islands.

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When we protect our ocean, we protect our islands.

Photo: Scotty Gabara, NPS
Illustration: Cali Tutkowski

06/02/2026

These incredible NASA satellite images track the recent wildfire on Santa Rosa Island from May 16–24 (brown = burned, green = healthy vegetation).

Thanks to the exceptional dedication of wildland firefighting crews—including the Arroyo Grande and Ventana hotshots, Chumash crews, Santa Barbara County Fire Department, U.S. Forest Service, and NPS—the fire reached 97% containment by May 26.

Because natural fires are rare here, our unique island species aren't adapted to them, making recovery a complex, long-term effort.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who has donated to our Resilience Fund. Your generosity allows CINPF to hit the ground running in supporting the Park’s immediate recovery. As the Burn Area Emergency Response team and NPS map out the next steps, we will share exactly how your support is making an impact.

Every gift makes a difference.

Please visit the link in the comments (or go to cinpf.org) to donate, sign up for updates, or join our Channel Islands Collective. Thank you so much for your partnership! ✨

NASA Earth Observatory images by Lauren Dauphin, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Story by Lindsey Doermann.

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

🦭🐡Happy World Oceans Month!🐳🐋

This month, we celebrate the marine environments that sustain our planet, including one of California's most extraordinary treasures: the waters surrounding Channel Islands National Park.
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Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources.
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The health of the islands is inseparable from the health of the sea around them. When we protect these waters, we protect the heartbeat of the entire archipelago.

What is your favorite species to spot in these waters? Let us know in the comments!

05/27/2026

The South Point Light Station remains safe and intact despite the fire on Santa Rosa Island.

Built in 1925 to handle growing maritime traffic in LA, the South Point Light Station is the only navigational aid on Santa Rosa Island. The original tower was built 430 feet above sea level with help from local Vail & Vickers cowboys and horses.

In 1937, it was replaced by a unique 7x7-foot lighthouse structure. Pieces of the building were prefabricated on the mainland, shipped over, and hauled up a steep trail by pack horses to its new 530-foot perch. Powered originally by a windmill generator and batteries, its beam could be seen 19 miles out to sea.

After being decommissioned before 1986, the historic structure sat empty for decades. The National Park Service restored the building in 2020, landing it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it’s powered by solar energy, and the Coast Guard has officially put a modern light back in action.

Have you ever spotted the South Point Light while exploring Channel Islands National Park? If you have pictures, we’d love to see them!

(photo credit: Tim Hauf)

05/26/2026

MAY 26th UPDATE: The Santa Rosa Island Fire is 97% contained, due to the phenomenal efforts of the Wildland Firefighters and NPS personnel. Now, the focus will begin pivoting to recovery.

National Park Service team members are on the ground working with the remaining firefighting crews to stabilize the landscape, protect sensitive areas, and achieve 100% containment.

To keep everyone safe, Santa Rosa Island is closed to all day and overnight use through at least June 6, 2026.

The Burned Area Emergency Response team will arrive in the next couple of weeks to assess the damage and identify the recovery efforts required.

You can take action now by donating to the CINPF Resilience Fund to:
•Restore fragile native habitats.
•Rebuild destroyed structures and boost infrastructure.
•Enhance long-term fire and climate resilience.

Santa Rosa Island is a treasure, and recovery requires a collective effort. We are profoundly grateful for your ongoing support!

Please click the link in the comments or visit CINPF.org to support the Resilience Fund today.
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Image 1: Santa Rosa Island Fire Dozer Line Repair with Jute Wattles
Image 2: Santa Rosa Island Fire READs and Whiskey Town Fire Module Repair Dozer Line

05/26/2026

Did you know that 1/3 of Southern California’s kelp forests are right here in Channel Islands National Park? 🌊✨

These aren’t just patches of seaweed—they are vibrant, underwater rainforests supporting over 1,000 marine species! From bright orange Garibaldi to giant kelp (the world's largest algae), this ecosystem is teeming with life. 🐠🦞

Our kelp faces serious modern challenges—from warming ocean temperatures to invasive algae. Exploding sea urchin populations can quickly turn a lush forest into a desolate "urchin barren." Today, species like the California Sheephead (as in the video) and sunflower star do their best to keep things balanced, but our kelp faces modern, complex threats.

How do we protect a world hidden beneath the waves? Measure it! 📋🧜‍♂️

Channel Islands National Park began long-term monitoring of the kelp forests in 1982, and maintains one of the longest-running kelp forest monitoring programs in the world! Their researchers monitor 33 sites on all five islands within Channel Islands National Park twice each year--they kicked off a research season slightly over a week ago. (Go, team!)

We’re proud to help support this program. By donating to CINPF, you can help keep park scientists diving, collecting data, and protecting this ecosystem.

🔗 Want to dive into conservation with us? Visit CINPF.org to donate!

Photos & Video provided by S. Gabara and the CHIS KFM Team

05/25/2026

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05/25/2026

We noticed lots of great questions about the Cloud Forest on SRI—here’s a great video from the Channel Islands NPS site to help acquaint you with the restoration and its history. CINPF is proud to be a longtime supporter of this project.