Sign: An Island Garden

An Island Garden

Quick Facts

Amenities

2 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board

Explore the native plant garden to learn about island plant species, communities, adaptations, and Island Chumash use of native plants.

Channel Islands National Park's mild climate, with short wet winters, long dry summers, and extensive coastal fog, is one of the best examples of the highly endangered Mediterranean ecosystem. A fascinating variety of over 700 native plants persist within the park, some of which are represented in the island native plant garden.

This diversity is due to the many plant habitats existing on the islands that are rarely intact on the mainland. The islands also bridge two biogeographic provinces that support some plants usually found on the mainland only to the north, as well as some typically found to the south.

Over 60 of these island species, like the munchkin dudleya, are found nowhere else on Earth-they are endemic or unique to the Channel Islands as a result of continuous isolation from the mainland. Most of these endemic species are considered rare, and 14 are federally listed as threatened or endangered due to human actions, livestock grazing, and the spread of nonnative plants.

To protect these rare species, the National Park Service has made efforts to restore the islands' native vegetation through the removal of non-native plants and animals. You can help with this recovery by cleaning your boots and other possessions before you visit the islands to make sure you don't accidentally introduce nonnative species. Together we can ensure the protection of this wild remnant of coastal southern California.

Ways to Enjoy the Garden

- Follow the pathway and read the signs to learn about plant communities and identify plant species.

- Use the trail guides or our mobile app to learn about island plant adaptations and Island Chumash use of native plants.

- Not just for kids! Use the Junior Ranger booklet (available in the visitor center) or the bingo cards in the adjacent box to play garden bingo.

- Visit the garden throughout the year to see the seasonal changes.

- As in all national parks, everything is protected. It is illegal to feed, collect, disturb, or harm park plant life, wildlife, or other features.