The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) will host Chuck Graham, author, photographer, and Channel Islands National Park guide, for a talk titled “Paddling into a Natural Balance,” 7 p.m. Thursday, June 26.
Graham will explore the intricate and inspiring story behind the ecological recovery of the northern Channel Islands — Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel.
With the recovery of the endangered island fox capturing public attention, Graham said the success of the story lies in part with the partnerships between the National Park Service, The Nature Conservancy, and the Institute for Wildlife Studies. The groups worked collaboratively to restore balance across the islands’ interconnected ecosystems.
“Chuck’s work captures the heart of what SBMM is all about —connecting people to the ocean and the stories of resilience, restoration, and stewardship that define our maritime landscape,” said Greg Gorga, SBMM executive director.
“His lens offers a unique and powerful view of the Channel Islands’ recovery, reminding us that conservation is not only possible, but essential,” Gorga said.
Drawing from his award-winning book “Paddling into a Natural Balance: Stories of Kayaking and Conservation Around Channel Islands National Park,” Graham, who is Graham is a longtime resident of Carpinteria, will share firsthand accounts and images captured over decades of solo kayaking journeys.
His experiences offer insight into one of North America’s least visited national parks, and how its recovery can serve as a model for collaborative conservation worldwide.
“The recovery of the Channel Islands is a testament to what’s possible when science, stewardship, and community come together,” said Graham. “From my kayak, I had the privilege to witness and document nature’s comeback over time.
“It gave me a deeper understanding of the islands’ complex ecology, and the resilience of wild places when given the chance to heal.”
Graham’s presentation is part of SBMM’s ongoing Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series.
Admission is free for SBMM Navigators Circle members, $10 for other members, and $20 for the general public. Tickets may be purchased at sbmm.org or by calling 805-456-8750.
There will be a pre-lecture members-only reception from 6:15-6:45 p.m.
A freelance writer, and photographer, Graham is an advocate for wild places. He has written about the Channel Islands National Park for 30 years and has led guided kayak tours throughout the park for more than two decades.
His work has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Backpacker, Men’s Journal, and BBC Wildlife Magazine.
Graham is also the author of “Carrizo Plain: Where the Mountains Meet the Grasslands.”
For more about this event and other upcoming programs, visit sbmm.org.
1. Chuck Graham Self Portrait IMG036. Chuck Graham
2. Bald Eaglet Reintroduction IMG099. Chuck Graham