The ferry to and from Santa Cruz Island departs on
time. No more than 40.0 lbs per item: careful with the
coolers! Pack-it-in, Pack-it-out so no glass! On the trip to the
Island we saw humpback whales and sea lions between the Ventura harbor
and the Island.
The
accommodations at the Santa Cruz Island Reserve are deluxe. The
ride in was a little bumpy.
Day 1 -
Coches Prietos-Introduction The trail to the
beach is steep, both directions. We walk about 2 miles from the lodge pictured above to
a beautifully isolated sandy beach cove. Many of the familiar California plants
occur here and we practice identifying the plant species we encounter on the
walk.
Many wildflowers, including lilies occur along the
trail. Scattered about the rugged terrain evidence of the large pig
population can be seen. Research at the SCIR is currently
assessing techniques to remove this and other introduced/exotic species.
Islands are an excellent place to study the interaction between introduced and
exotic species.
Day 2 - Christie Beach, West Coast
Christy Beach
Shrike
Surveys
Next Stop...
Lunch Truck
Exotic Ice plant
Dolphins
Leopard Lily
Chemise in Bloom
Scrub Jay
Day 3 - Disturbance/Recovery Research and
Grass Identification
