Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT ARE THE PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE WORK ENVIRONMENT?

Work is performed in a remote island setting, on Santa Cruz Island. Temperatures may range from mid to high-70's (or 80s) with no wind, to mid 40's with strong wind and heavy fog. Travel to and from the islands will be via boat. You may experience inclement weather, rough seas, high winds, and motion sickness. Transportation between island and mainland may take from one-half to three hours (one way) depending on schedules and weather. You will be doing medium-to-hard physical labor, sometimes involving rugged hiking over uneven terrain and on steep slopes, digging, lifting, bending, pounding in stakes, etc. You MUST be in good physical condition.  IMPORTANT: If in doubt about whether your physical abilities will stand up to the work, contact us well before the trip.

IS THERE ANY SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE OR SKILL REQUIRED TO VOLUNTEER?

No specialized knowledge is required for this work, but botanical knowledge and gardening/landscaping or restoration experience will be highly valued. Flexibility and adaptability are essential to work happily and successfully on the island, as timing and conditions of transportation may change unexpectedly and project priorities may change due to weather or site conditions. The ability to get along with a variety of personalities, both while working and in living quarters, is essential. 

WHERE DO WE PARK AT VENTURA HARBOR?

There is plenty of long-term free parking by Island Packers Company, which is in the two-story stucco building with the red tile roof located about a quarter mile before the end of Seaward Drive.  If traveling on a Park Service boat, park your cars in the temporarily spots at the Visitor Center at the end of Spinnaker Drive.  We have about a half hour to drop off our gear, re-park our cars at Island Packers and then return to the Visitor Center to load our gear and fill out paperwork.

CAN THINGS GET WET ON THE TRIP TO THE ISLAND?

Yes.  This can happen on Park Service boats depending on the boat we will take and on the weather we encounter.  On park boats, our gear is loaded into large canvas bags that are then loaded on the deck.  Ocean water can wash up on the deck, and the gear can get wet.  The best way to deal with this is to cover your gear with trash bags before loading.  This is not an issue with Island Packers boats, but in all cases you should carry on expensive items (like cameras) with you on the boat, instead of having them loaded by the crew.

WHAT TIME WILL WE RETURN TO VENTURA?

The return time can vary depending on many circumstances.  When we travel with Island Packers, the boat usually arrives back in Ventura by about 4:30 p.m.  On park boats, the time is more variable, but we usually return to Ventura by early afternoon.  There is no guaranteed return time. 

WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS BAD WEATHER?

The winter and spring rainy season is a fabulous time to visit the island, but the weather can be unpredictable and cool. We need to pay close attention to the forecast in the days leading up to the trip. High winds or seas can cause the trip to be canceled or departure and return times to be delayed. If it's only raining (but the seas are relatively calm) the trip will probably NOT be canceled. Feel free to stay in contact with the trip coordinators at the following cell number: (805) 448-5726.  Be sure to bring rain gear and warm clothes (there is no heat in the dorm rooms). In rare circumstances, the return trip may be delayed a day or more by bad weather, so bring some extra food.  

IS DRINKING WATER AVAILABLE?

Yes.  There is plenty of drinking water available at the Field Station.

HOW ARE THE COOKING/REFRIGERATION FACILITIES?

The facilities at the Fields Station are excellent.  There are two large ovens/stoves, and plenty of room and utensils for cooking and eating, including pots and pans.  There are three standard refrigerators available in the kitchen and one large walk-in type available in an adjacent building.  If we all use the walk-in, there should be plenty of room for folks to store perishables.  Usually, people put some things in a bag/ice chest in the walk-in and put a few other things in a nook in one of the kitchen refrigerators.  There is a microwave oven, toaster and drip coffee maker (you supply your own coffee).  There is also plenty of storage for dry goods, like bread and cereal etc.  Ice chests make transporting and storage of food stuff very convenient.  If the Field Station is busy, there is more of a crunch for space.

CAN WE BRING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES?

Yes.

WHAT ARE THE BEDROOM AND RESTROOM FACILITIES LIKE AT THE FIELD STATION?

For the most part, we share rooms at the Field Station.  Most rooms hold from four to six people each, in two or three double bunk beds.  How people decide to apportion rooms (by family, by sex etc.) is totally up to them.  What greatly influences this is the amount of people staying at the station on any given time.  Depending on the time of year (or on pure chance) we may be the only group using the facilities.  This can mean that there is plenty of room for us all.  At other times the station is crowded and we need to share.  There is always room to pitch a tent if you want to be assured of privacy.  Each room is equipped with cabinets and closets and electrical outlets.  The restrooms are located in a building adjacent to the housing.  Each restroom has two stalls and two private showers.  You need to supply your own soap/shampoo and towel.  There is also a washer and clothes line available.

IS THERE TIME FOR RECREATION WHEN WE ARE NOT WORKING?

Yes, and most of our recreation/sightseeing takes place as a group in between jobs during our workday.  Our trips around the island often take us to some spectacular beaches and perennial springs, and everyone is always welcome to take time for a swim etc. when we are not working.  Many people enjoy walks in the Central Valley near the Field Station early in the mornings or after work and dinner.

IS THERE CELL PHONE COVERAGE ON THE ISLAND?

Cell phone coverage is poor on most of the island.  Verizon service is the only one that works well. 

ARE THERE POISONOUS SNAKES OR BITING INSECTS?

There are no poisonous snakes on the island.  However, yellowjacket wasps can be a problem, and we all need to watch for them at all times.  Individuals who are aware that they are allergic to stings must carry epinephrine in either a normal syringe (sting kit) or in an auto-injector (Epi-Pen) whenever visiting the island.  In the evening, mosquitoes can be a nuisance, so you may want to bring along insect repellant.  Ticks and scorpions are rarely spotted.

WHAT IS THE REQUIRED PAPERWORK FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS?

Each of our main project partners requires some paperwork from new volunteers.  At the following site, volunteers can download the relevant documents, and review, print and sign them ahead of departure day:

http://www.channelislandsrestoration.com/sci/forms.htm

Please speed our departure time by bringing these documents with you already filled out on departure day!