Channel Islands National Park Native Plant Garden

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA

The Channel Islands National Park Native Plant Garden is located at the front of the visitor center in Ventura Harbor. It was established in 1993 as an educational garden representing all five of the Channel Islands.

Approximately 125,000 people visit each year, including 3,000 schoolchildren. Educational handouts are available to families and students with questions about native plants and their value in the local ecosystem.

The primary goal of this garden, as with the entire National Park System, is educating the public. This garden showcases plants native to both the California mainland and the Channel Islands. Many of the plants here are island endemics, meaning they exist nowhere else on the planet.

Master Gardeners work to maintain an accurate representation of the various island plant communities. This involves basic garden practices such as weeding, pruning, and watering.

Objectives

• Provide educational opportunities related to native plant gardening
• Promote the installation of native plants in home landscapes
• Develop a comprehensive list of plants native to the Channel Islands
• Promote and demonstrate UC science-based gardening practices

Activities

• Regular gardening practices including weeding, cleaning, deadheading, and planting as needed
• Seed collection, propagation, plant community restoration, and irrigation and repairs as needed
• Enjoy gardening alongside fellow volunteers

Volunteer Work Days

Thursdays: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM (noon)

Website: Channel Islands National Park Native Plant Garden