Our Mission
Educating Our Youth
Crossing the Channel for Cause is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides underserved K-12 communities with the opportunity to visit the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, Santa Rosa Island, and Channel Islands National Park.
We hope to inspire a new generation of environmental stewards, educators, scientists, and researchers alike
Dr. Cause Hanna with daughter Solstice Hanna (2014)
Crossing the Channel for Cause (CTC4C) is a learning experience created in honor of the first Director of the Santa Rosa Island Research Station, Dr. Cause Hanna (1981-2017)
Dr. Hanna developed a unique one-of-a-kind research field station on Santa Rosa Island that today supports a growing population of STEM professionals (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) interested in island research. Dr. Hanna died on August 27, 2017 from a very rare and aggressive form of germ cell cancer. He was 35 years old, and shortly following his death, this organization was founded to honor his legacy.
Dr. Hanna’s vision and passion helped shape our outreach programs commitment to build a strong environmental science education network for local students from Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara County.
Who We Are
At CTC4C, we believe in connecting the next generation with the beauty and history of Channel Islands National Park. Our mission is simple: educate, preserve, and inspire. Through hands-on learning experiences, we work to foster a deep appreciation for the environment and cultural heritage of Santa Rosa Island and Santa Cruz Island, the two largest of the eight islands in the Channel Islands archipelago and Channel Islands National Park.
Meet the Team
Chris Rini, Co-Executive Director | John Shaheen, Co-Executive Director
Program Overview & Trip Summary
Voyage to Santa Rosa Island and Channel Islands National Park
Part I: Crossing the Channel
Responsible CTC4C team members and guides greet up to 30 students and 6 chaperones to pass out tickets and begin their one-day educational field trip to Santa Rosa Island, the second largest island in the northern chain of islands making up Channel Islands National Park. Participating students are transported from Ventura Harbor or Channel Islands Harbor, where they set off on a journey across the Santa Barbara Channel aboard an Island Packers ocean vessel. Within 6 miles of the park boundary off the coast of California, the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary protects more than 1,400 square miles of ocean waters around the Northern Channel Islands. These nutrient rich waters attract a diverse set and wide range of marine life such as migrating blue whales, grey whales and humpback whales. Thousands of Pelagic seabirds can be seen gliding above the sea on their journey to remote nesting grounds located on the beaches and cliffs of the islands. Giant brown sea kelp dances below the clear water surface, growing at an astonishing rate of 2 feet per day and creating an underwater forest home to marine life only seen in this part of the world. According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, the Santa Barbara Channel supports over 60 species of seabirds within the Marine Sanctuary, 11 of which utilize breeding habitats on the Channel Islands. Furthermore, there are over 400 species of fish and more than 5,000 species of invertebrates within the Sanctuary.
Part II: Santa Rosa Island
After departing Ventura Harbor at 8am (*subject to change) from the Island Packers boat landing, and crossing the 40-mile channel which takes roughly 3.5 hours, students arrive at the newly renovated pier at Bechers Bay. After students disembark with their backpacks containing essentials like water, snacks, and lunch, they are guided down the pier to the shore where the geology of the island comes into focus. Tectonic uplift and past ice ages are on display as horizontal parallel lines of sediment in the sea cliffs stretch up and down the beach at Bechers Bay. The Santa Rosa Island Research Station is a short walk from the pier where students are greeted by the hustle and bustle of an active research station. The students are able to utilize the restrooms, enjoy a light snack, learn about how the station operates and observe a very unique college experience.
CTC4C offers two options for “on-island” experiences:
Option A - Students depart on a 3-mile round trip hike through the cultural center of the island where they learn about historic Native American communities, past ranching practices, and current restoration projects underway. Students hike along a freshwater stream, weaving through native plant communities, and summit at the top of Cherry Canyon with a panoramic view and Santa Cruz Island on the horizon. After lunch, students hike back to the research station and may just stumble across some terrestrial inhabitants such as island foxes, bald eagles, and the endemic Torrey Pines.
Option B - Students participate in a hands-on research opportunity at Becher’s Bay. In 2019, a monitor site for Emerita Analoga was established at Bechers Bay as an official monitoring site official monitoring site for the Pacific mole crab. This is a small species of decapod crustacean found living in the sand. With pre-trip training, students will engage in LTMPETS (Long Term Monitoring Program and Experimental Training for Students) by collecting, identifying, and sizing the Pacific mole crab. Mole crabs are among the most important herbivores on beaches along the west coast of North and South America as well as an important link in the sandy beach food web.
Part III: Returning Home
The journey back to the mainland is no less of an adventure as students search the ocean for pods of dolphins, sometimes numbering in the thousands. Weather permitting the boat will take a north coastal cruise across the rarely seen north side of Santa Cruz Island to pass along the rocky sea cliffs towards the Painted Cave. Here the boat, weather permitting, will stop and enter the cave. The Painted Cave is one of the world’s largest and deepest sea caves at 1227 feet, large enough to fit the 40-foot Island Packers high speed 129-passenger catamaran inside. After visiting the Painted Cave and plenty of photo opportunities, the boat continues its trek crossing the channel. Upon arriving back at the harbor around 5pm (*subject to change), students gather their belongings and are reunited with family and friends to share their experiences!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the trip involve?
A: The trip includes a boat journey to Santa Rosa Island or Santa Cruz Island, guided hikes, and interactive sessions led by tour guides. Students explore the island’s unique environment and history while participating in conservation activities.
Q: Where does the trip depart from?
A: All trips depart from Ventura Harbor via Island Packers. The crossing takes approximately 1.5 to 3 hours.
Q: What should students bring?
A: Students need to bring comfortable hiking shoes, water, sunscreen, layers of clothing, and a packed lunch. Snacks can also be purchased on the boat.
Q: Who’s responsible for students on the island?
A: A team of trained chaperones (minimum 1 adult per 5 students) and tour guides will oversee all activities and ensure student safety during the trip.
Q: What are the eligibility requirements?
A: Students must be 10 years old or older and physically able to hike 3 miles. Schools are responsible for transportation to/from Ventura Harbor.
Sample Itinerary:
8:00am: Meet at Ventura Harbor
9:00am: Board Island Packers ferry boat
10:30am: Arrive at Santa Cruz Island, orientation by island staff and tour guides
11:00am: Guided hike and other educational activities
12:30pm: Lunch
3:00pm: Depart for return trip
