In April 2025, the California Coastal Commission awarded the Ventura County Resource Conservation District a WHALE TAIL grant to lead a five-trip coastal field program for Ventura County youth whose parents work in agriculture. After more than a year of coordinating trips, recruiting participants, and building partnerships, we were excited to complete our first Ag Family Summer Program field trip on June 25th!
In partnership with Friends of Fieldworkers and United Farm Workers, 26 youth ages 9 to 18 and seven chaperones traveled to Santa Cruz Island. We started the day early, excited to board our 9 a.m. Island Packers boat. During the ride, we spotted pods of Common Dolphins (Delphinus delphis) and a Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)!
Common Dolphins from Boat
Participants on Boat
Once we arrived on the island, we enjoyed a delicious picnic lunch from On the Alley Ventura while observing local wildlife, like the Island Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma insularis) and, of course, the adorable Island Fox (Urocyon littoralis)!
Island Scrub Jay
Island Fox
Our Island Packers tour guide, Maria, led us on an informative hike, sharing the scenic beauty and rich cultural history of Santa Cruz Island. Despite the cloudy weather, the views were stunning. After the hike, the sun came out, and we spent time relaxing on the beach. Youth dipped their toes in the refreshing ocean and searched for unique rocks along the shore.
Participants on Hike
Tired but fulfilled after our day on the island, we boarded the boat back with tired feet and joyful smiles. As the sun shone, we spotted more Common Dolphins, Humpback Whales, and even a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins!
Humpback Whale Tail
A huge thank you to the California Coastal Commission for funding this trip, Friends of Fieldworkers and United Farm Workers for recruiting participants, First Student, Inc. for being our bus drivers, Island Packers for being our tour guides, and On the Alley Ventura for providing yummy, boxed lunches! Stay tuned for our next Ag Family Summer Program trip to Ventura Harbor!
