Volunteer Information

The work involves removing non-native plant species in many locations, including in the island's Central Valley at the Main Ranch  and along the stunning  riparian area near by.  This is an excellent opportunity to learn about native plants and the many techniques used to control non-native invasive species that are a problem throughout California.  This unique experience is available to hardworking and committed individuals with flexible schedules.    If you meet the following volunteer requirements, and you think that an island work adventure sounds like a great experience, then contact us soon.  We will keep you informed of island activities and trip dates.   

Volunteer Requirements/Benefits

Volunteers should:

  1. be in good physical condition and able to perform sometime strenuous work

  2. have a flexible schedule (trips are 4 or 5 days long)

  3. be willing to work at least 8 - 9 hour days (includes breaks).

  4. be able to travel by boat for up to three hours

  5. be committed to removing non-native plant species

Although the workdays can be long, time is set aside for some sightseeing and relaxation.  Be prepared to work, learn about the Channel Islands and have a great time!

Housing and food

We stay at the University of California, Santa Cruz Island Reserve Field Station in the Central Valley or at other facilities on other parts of the island.  The Field Station has shared bathrooms, and a common kitchen.  We often share rooms with others depending on which facility we are staying at and the size of the group, time of year etc.  There is also space to set up a tent if you prefer to bring one.  Cooking facilities and refrigerator space is provided, and drinking water is available.  On most trips, volunteers provide all of their own meals.  We will need to thoroughly clean the kitchen, bathrooms, common facilities and vehicles before leaving the island.  

The facilities on the island are most in demand in the spring time, particularly on weekends.  Our trips during this time of year are most often scheduled for weekdays and may involve smaller groups.



Please follow this link to view pictures of the UC Field Station.

 

Transportation

We travel to and from Santa Cruz Island either on Island Packers Cruises or Channel Islands National Park boats, or a combination of both.  Please see directions to both facilities below.  Volunteers need to turn in release forms before we depart from the island.  

With Island Packers Cruses:
Departure times from Ventura vary, but we usually need to arrive as early as 7:00 am - 9:00 am. to load gear.  You will unload your gear at the parking lot (and later) carry it down the dock to be put on the boat by the crew.  Long-term parking is available, but be sure to obtain a parking permit from the Island Packer office, and be sure to observe restricted parking signs.  When departing Santa Cruz Island, gear is handed down from the pier by crew members for storage.  Departure times vary, but is commonly 2:30 pm or 3:00 p.m., arriving in Ventura at around 4:30 p.m. 

Island Packers offers a reasonable rate for transportation to Santa Cruz Island.

 

With the National Park Service:
When departing Ventura with the Park Service, we meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Channel Islands National Park headquarters.    The boat loads gear from 7:30 to 8:15 am, and departs the dock at 8:30 am.  Please arrive at the Channel Islands National Park headquarters docks no later than 7:30 am. We need to turn in paperwork, get your gear unloaded from your cars and get your cars parked (some distance away) before we can depart.  You can drive your cars down the paved restricted use driveway behind the Visitor’s Center, and park in one of the 4 stalls marked “30 minute loading and unloading use only” at the end of the drive. There you can unload your gear and bring it to the dock area.  Do NOT drive into the maintenance yard beyond the parking lot. You can then park your car for the duration of our stay on the island in the Island Packers Co. lot east of the Visitor’s Center. Be sure to observe restricted parking signs.  Your personal gear will be packed in large bags at the headquarters dock, and the bags will be lifted onto the boat by crane. These bags can become wet on the ride over, so be sure to put any gear that needs to stay dry in trash bags.   When departing the island on the Park Service boat, we will generally leave by early afternoon arriving back at Ventura by 5:00 pm. – 5:30 pm.  

Currently, Channel Islands National Park is running one boat only on Tuesdays to Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa islands.


The trip to Prisoner’s Harbor usually takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, depending on weather, traffic and other stops enroute; but it can be longer. Dress warmly for the boat ride.

Important note: island transportation is NOT 100% reliable.  Occasionally, bad weather or mechanical difficulties can strand visitors for an extra day.  Although this is rare (more common in spring and winter) you need to pack some extra supplies and in general be prepared for this possibility.

Directions to Ventura Harbor

FROM THE SOUTH: (LA Area)
Take 101 north to Victoria exit. Turn Left on Victoria 1/2 miles to Olivas Park Drive. Turn Right on Olivas Park Road and follow Olivas Park Drive into Ventura Harbor. 

FROM THE NORTH: (Santa Barbara area)
Take 101 south to Seaward exit. Turn Left onto Harbor Blvd for approximately 2 miles to Spinnaker Drive. Turn Right on Spinnaker into Ventura Harbor 

TO ISLAND PACKERS CRUISES:
1691 Spinnaker Dr. 105 B Ventura, Ca 93001 (805) 642-1393
As you enter into Ventura Harbor you will be on Spinnaker Drive.  Island Packers is located on the right (before the dead end) in the two-story stucco building with the red tile roof.

TO CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK HQ:
1901 Spinnaker Dr. Ventura, Ca 93001 (805) 658-5700
As you enter into Ventura Harbor you will be on Spinnaker Drive. It dead ends next to the Channel Islands National Park headquarters and visitor center.