VHS students tour island and sail the ocean
On Nov. 5, the Heal the Beach Club, in conjunction with several other students, embarked on an excursion aboard the Island Packers boat to participate in a guided tour of the ocean surrounding Santa Cruz Island. Throughout the journey, students were presented with the opportunity to observe wildlife from the terrestrial, marine and aerial habitats. In addition to encountering species, participants received educational insights on native plant life and learned about the historical background of the island.
Heal the Beach club is a student-run club dedicated to cleaning the beach and keeping the ocean clean. The president of the club, Anastasia Dominguez ‘26 and vice president, Emma Putzel ‘28 are committed to stopping pollution before it reaches the ocean and connecting with the community. Due to Heal the Beach Club’s fundraiser, all tickets were partially paid for, students only had to pay 50% of the ticket cost. Heal the beach Club hosts monthly beach cleanings at the Ventura Harbor and Pier, and they are constantly taking in new members and volunteers. The club meets every Thursday in room 63 to discuss future plans and how to further clean the beach.
The island that students visited was Santa Cruz, The island is the largest of all the Channel Islands. Ranging over 24 miles long and six miles wide, Santa Cruz has over 62 thousand acres or 96 square miles of land and 77 miles of shoreline. Santa Cruz Island is at least 20 miles offshore from Ventura Harbor. Students offloaded at Scorpion Anchorage and hiked over to Prisoners Harbor. Once at Prisoners Harbor, students were given the ability to explore the coastal area or get in the water. This year those who went on the trip saw a rare whale sighting, the Full Beaver Moon, bald eagles, foxes, dolphins and Scrub Jays.
Eva Benson ‘27 said, “The sun setting over the horizon was truly a beautiful sight. Seeing the whales come up to the boat was even better.”
Science teacher Christopher Jaquette said, “This year we had historically low numbers of people on the trip. Around 40 students came this year compared to previous years with 60-90 students. Next year I hope to bring in more students.”
Island Packers is the official boat concessionaire for the Channel Islands National Park. They provide public transportation, whale watching excursions and wildlife cruises off the coast of Santa Barbara, CA. The company is family-owned and has been operating since 1968, Island Packers is the only public transportation between the mainland and the five islands of the park.
Santa Cruz Island is a school privilege, only 90 students are allowed to go per year with the school. The entire trip ranges eight-ten hours including the boat ride there and back along the stay on the island. Students are offered opportunities to work on the islands in the future if interested. Students that are interested in Heal the Beach can visit room 63 to talk to Woody Maxwell. Students interested in going on the Santa Cruz Island Trip next year can talk to Jaquette in room 66 about the trip. Jaquette will take over Heal the Beach Club next school year.
