The College of the Canyons Environmental Studies and Environmental Science department will host a lecture and community discussion about the ecological conditions at nearby Channel Islands National Park and the importance of maintaining the National Park System’s treasured ecosystems for future generations.

The lecture, titled “Restoring Balance: Channel Islands National Park,” will be presented by special guest speaker Russell E. Galipeau Jr., Superintendent, Channel Islands National Park.

Prior to assuming his current position at Channel Islands, Galipeau served as Chief of Natural Resources Management at both Yosemite National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, in Alaska.

In addition, Galipeau has spent time as a park ranger and natural resources management specialist at parks across the nation, including, Mammoth Cave National Park, the Canaveral National Seashore, Everglades National Park and Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.

During the lecture Galipeau will address several important issues related to Channel Islands National Park and the larger National Parks System. Topics of discussion are expected to include:

– The unique aspects of the National Parks System and the many natural wonders on display at Channel Islands National Park.

– The importance of proper management and oversight of the park’s exotic plant and animal species.

– The methods employed by park rangers and other park staff to continually restore and maintain the park’s ecosystems for future generations.

“The Channel Islands are an ecological treasure often referred to as the ‘Galapagos of North America,’” said Jeannie Chari, associate professor of the college’s Earth, Space and Environmental Sciences department. “In this lecture Mr. Galipeau is certain to provide all in attendance a wondrous look at the delicate evolutionary drama that plays out on these isolated land masses.”

The lecture will take place from 12:30 to 1:50 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, in the college’s new Applied Technology Education Center (ATEC), Room 708, located in Quad 7 of the Canyon Country campus.

The event is free and open to all students and community members; however, seating may be limited.

The college’s Environmental Studies and Environmental Science department is dedicated to preparing students for transfer to four-year schools by providing a broad base of both natural science and social science course work, paired with a well-rounded selection of general education courses.

The goal of the department is to provide students with the scientific background needed to obtain advanced degrees and eventually pursue careers in an environmentally related field.

For more information about the lecture “Restoring Balance: Channel Islands National Park” please contact Jeannie Chari at 661-362-3383.