From Sea to Sanctuary: Chuck Graham Chronicles the Healing of the Channel Islands

As part of its ongoing Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) is proud to present Chuck Graham, author, photographer, and longtime Channel Islands National Park guide, for a compelling presentation titled “Paddling into a Natural Balance.” The talk will take place on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., with a pre-lecture members-only reception from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m.

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.

In this powerful and visually rich presentation, 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 emphasizes that the success of this story lies in part with the partnerships between the National Park Service, The Nature Conservancy, and the Institute for Wildlife Studies, which 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 SBMM Executive Director Greg Gorga. “His lens offers a unique and powerful view of the Channel Islands’ recovery, reminding us that conservation is not only possible, but essential.” 

Drawing from his award-winning book, Paddling into a Natural Balance: Stories of Kayaking and Conservation Around Channel Islands National Park, Graham will share firsthand accounts and photographs captured over decades of solo kayaking journeys. His experiences offer rare insight into one of North America’s least visited national parks—and how its remarkable 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 Chuck 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.”

About the Speaker: Chuck Graham

Chuck Graham is a freelance writer, photographer, and longtime resident of Carpinteria, California. A passionate advocate for wild places, he has written about the Channel Islands National Park for over 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, BBC Wildlife Magazine, The Surfer’s Journal, Outdoor California, and High Country News.

Graham is the author of Carrizo Plain: Where the Mountains Meet the Grasslands, and his latest book, Paddling into a Natural Balance, chronicles his unique perspective as both witness and participant in the Channel Islands’ extraordinary ecological restoration.

For more information about this event and other upcoming programs, visit sbmm.org.

Also on View: “The Swiftest Recovery: Island Fox Chronicles”
Chuck Graham’s presentation coincides with his upcoming photography exhibition at SBMM “The Swiftest Recovery: Island Fox Chronicles,” on view from May 22 to August 24, 2025. This powerful collection of photographs documents the comeback of the island fox across the Northern Channel Islands and highlights the beauty and resilience of this endangered species. Captured primarily from his kayak, Graham’s images offer an intimate look at one of the fastest recoveries of any terrestrial mammal under the Endangered Species Act.