The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) will present Paddling into a Natural Balance with Carpinteria-based freelance writer and photographer Chuck Graham, 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19.
Graham will recount his many adventures hiking and kayaking the Santa Barbara Channel and the Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary; and will share a number of his award-winning photographs that document the islands and their recovery over the past 30-some years.
Cost o attend is free for SBMM’s Navigator Circle members, $10 for all other members, and $20 for members of the public.
There will be a pre-lecture reception for members only from 6:15-6:45 p.m. Register at: https://sbmm.org/santa-barbara-event/, and become a member at https://sbmm.org.
Graham is a freelance writer and photographer, a beach lifeguard, and an island guide, leading kayak tours and backpacking trips at Channel Islands National Park for some 20 years.
Born in Santa Monica, he moved with his family to Carpinteria in 1975. He studied at Santa Barbara City College, Westmont College, and the Institute for Children’s Literature. He holds an honorary master’s degree from Brooks Institute of Photography recognizing his work, which has appeared in local and national publications.
“Kayaking around the Channel Islands National Park has afforded me countless experiences with the unique web of biodiversity that is found throughout the chain,” Graham said. “Kayaking has been the best way to immerse myself with its flora and fauna.
“With over 25 years of paddling the islands, I am now writing my third book, ‘Paddling into a Natural Balance,’ which includes stories and photos about kayaking and conservation surrounding one of the least visited National Parks in North America.”
Graham’s stories and photos have appeared in National Geographic publications, Backpacker, Men’s Journal, Outdoor Photographer, The Surfer’s Journal, The Surfer’s Path, Canoe & Kayak, Adventure Kayak, American Forests, and BBC Wildlife Magazine
Much of his work can be viewed at https://chuckgrahamphoto.com and @chuckgrahamphoto on Instagram.
Graham has also written and photographed two books, the award-winning “Carrizo Plain, Where the Mountains Meet the Grasslands” and “Hike the Channel Islands: The Best Day Hikes in Channel Islands National Park.”
The SBMM event is sponsored by Marie L. Morrisroe.