Volunteer at the Cavern Point Restoration Project on Santa Cruz Island!
June 26, 2025 @ 7:00AM — 5:30PM Pacific Time (US & Canada) Add to Calendar
Santa Cruz Island - Cavern Point: 1691 Spinnaker Dr Ventura, CA 93001 Get Directions
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Cavern Point Restoration Project
This is a unique and rare opportunity to take a day trip to Eastern Santa Cruz Island and contribute to an important project to revegetate several acres of habitat. We will focus on removing invasive iceplant near the lookout at Cavern Point in preparation for spreading native seeds in the area this fall. While the project relies on natural rainfall to germinate the seeds, it is essential to first eliminate the invasive iceplant to ensure the project's success.
Channel Islands National Park plans to restore native vegetation in an area that has been degraded by years of grazing in the past with ongoing help from volunteer work leaders. Channel Islands Restoration will assist by leading six trips for National Park Service volunteers this year, so this is your opportunity!
Please read the volunteer service description before deciding to sign up. Activities during this trip are physically demanding. Volunteers will walk over rugged terrain, carry loads of up to 20 pounds, and do a lot of bending and kneeling. Because medical treatment is not readily available, volunteers should be free of medical conditions that are likely to need immediate treatment.
Spots will fill fast, so sign up today!
We will take an Island Packers boat to Scorpion Anchorage to reach Santa Cruz Island. The hike to Cavern Point is approximately one mile from the Visitor Center at Scorpion Ranch. Please note that it is steep and has loose rocks. If you wish to participate, you must be able to hike securely to the restoration project at Cavern Point.
Important Notes:
You must arrive at Island Packers in Ventura at 7:00 am sharp. The boat leaves at 8:00 am but you must get your boarding pass and board the boat at 7:30am. You cannot be late. Island Packers is located at 1691 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA 93001. Please park your vehicle in the parking lot outside of Island Packers. You do not need to purchase parking for the day; the lot is open to the public.
We will board the return boat at 3:30 pm at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island. The boat departs for Ventura at 4:00 pm. You do not want to miss the boat!
Cancellations: You must return your completed volunteer agreement at least eight days before the trip. Otherwise, your spot will be given to someone on the wait list. If you sign up to volunteer, please make it a priority to join the trip.
Waitlist: This restoration project will fill quickly. To be added to a waitlist, please email volunteer@cirweb.org or call 805.448.6203.
Questions: If you have any questions, please email volunteer@cirweb.org or call 805.448.6203, and we will be happy to assist you.
When volunteering with us on Santa Cruz Island, please remember to:
- Wear long, sturdy pants for comfort and safety.
- Wear a long-sleeved shirt for protection.
- Bring sunscreen and a sunhat.
- You should bring a jacket for the boat ride since it can be breezy while we cross the channel to Santa Cruz Island.
- Please bring a light backpack to hold snacks and your water for the day.
- Be aware that you may experience seasickness; please bring medication if seasickness concerns you.
- Wear hiking shoes or boots for safety—no flip-flops or sandals are allowed.
- Bring your lunch, as no food is available on the island.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks for the day.
- Sign all required waivers promptly, as we must submit all paperwork to the park service one week before the trip.
Have photos from your volunteer day?
Tag @channelislandsrestoration on Instagram or send your photos to volunteer@cirweb.org for a feature.