WNP Books: Explore the Wild Wonder of Channel Islands National Park
WNP Books Spotlight
Channel Islands National Park is one of the most storied and ecologically rich places in the national park system. Just off the southern California coast, five remote islands and their surrounding marine environment offer a rare glimpse into what the region looked like centuries ago—quiet, biodiverse, and largely untouched by modern development. In Channel Islands National Park, author Susan Lamb provides a thoughtful, well-researched guide to the park’s history, ecology, and visitor experience.
A vibrant guide to five unique islands
This updated edition, approved by the National Park Service, includes new scientific insights and spectacular photography, including underwater images of the vibrant marine life around the islands. With clear text, the book makes complex topics like island biogeography, volcanic geology, and coastal ecology accessible to a wide audience.
Each of the park’s five islands—Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara—are explored individually, sharing insights into their distinct ecosystems. Isolation over thousands of years has led to the evolution of many species found nowhere else in the world, including the island fox and rare island plants.
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Connecting people and places
The book also discusses the Chumash and Tongva peoples who lived on the islands for millennia. Discoveries of their histories continue to shape our understanding of early coastal cultures.
The author frames the park not only as a destination but also as an ecosystem in motion. Readers are encouraged to observe closely, ask questions, and think about the relationships between land, sea, and people, as well as efforts to restore and protect these resources today.
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Channel Islands National Park serves as a reliable and inspirational resource for anyone interested in learning more about this remarkable park. Whether you're visiting in person or exploring from afar, this guide offers a deeper understanding of a place where nature continues to evolve in quiet, significant ways.
