Channel Islands Restoration is involved with several exiting projects on Santa Rosa Island,  We plant native species, build fencing to project rare plants from non-native animals, and we eradicate high-priority invasive weeds that threaten the island's ecology.  Volunteers make multi-day trips to the island to work with us on these projects, which are prefect for corporate and service groups.  If your group wants a island volunteer adventure, Santa Rosa Island is your opportunity!  Scroll down to view detailed information on CIR's Santa Rosa Island projects.

Rare Plant Protection and
Re-vegetation Project

CIR works with service groups and individuals to protect rare plants and to plant native species.  We erect fencing to protect rare plants from non-native deer and elk that inhabit the island.  We help grow plant native plants, and we plant them in sensitive habitats.

Bechers Bay, Santa Rosa Island

Volunteers hike in Lobo Canyon

Island Oak on Soledad Mountain

Elephant Seals near Johnson's Lee

Volunteers build fencing in sensitive natural areas on Santa Rosa Island

Volunteers from the North Face plant native species

 

Volunteers remove iceplant

Noxious Weed Survey and Eradication
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Channel Islands Restoration is working with the Santa Barbara County Agricultural Commissioner's office an Channel Islands National Park to eradicate two highly destructive weeds on Santa Rosa Island: Cirsium ochrocentrum (yellowspine thistle) and Solanum elaeagnifolium (silverleaf nightshade).

Cirsium ochrocentrum is designated by the California Department of Food and Agriculture as an “A” rated noxious weed. “A” rated noxious weeds are plants of know economic importance subject to enforcement action and are the highest priority for eradication by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.  Populations of this weed are of very limited distribution in California.  Large infestations could ruin a landscape for recreational activity or wildlife habitat. Cirsium ochrocentrum is rare in Santa Barbara County and is only know to occur on Santa Rosa Island.

Solanum elaeagnifolium is designated by the California Department of Food and Agriculture as a “B” rated noxious weed. “B” rated noxious weeds are plants of known economic importance. They are regulated and enforcement action is taken at the discretion of the local agricultural commissioner, or when found in a nursery. Populations of this weed are limited in distribution in California. The berries and foliage are poisonous to livestock. Large infestations could potentially compete with native plants for nutrients and moisture.  Solanum elaeagnifolium is rare in Santa Barbara County.  Thanks to David Chang for information on both weeds.

Volunteers receive briefing from Park Service personnel
prior to surveying for Cirsium and Solanum.

Volunteers survey for yellowspine thistle with Santa Cruz Island in the background

Cirsium ochrocentrum
(yellowspine thistle)
growing on Santa Rosa Island

Solanum elaeagnifolium
(silverleaf nightshade)
growing on Santa Rosa Island