Press Room

04/01/2008

NEWS FROM OXNARD
April 1, 2008
Media Contact: Janis Flippen, 805-389-9495, jflippenpr@roadrunner.com

Spring Brings Vibrant Wildflowers and Wildlife offshore of Oxnard at Channel Islands National Park

Nothing says spring like an array of colorful, vibrant flowers in bloom. Anacapa Island, located just 12 miles offshore from Oxnard, is now flourishing in massive color as the giant coreopsis is blooming.

"With the great amount of rainfall we received in the early winter months, the coreopsis are at the peak of their season and they are absolutely stunning," stated Julie Bursek of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.

Anacapa Island, the closet island to Oxnard in the Channel Islands National Park chain, boasts the popular coreopsis each spring. "It all depends on the season's rainfall as to how much color the coreopsis produce," stated Cherryl Connally of Islands Packers, the official concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park.

With just an hour boat ride to Anacapa Island from Oxnard, visitors will start to see a hint of color growing stronger upon the coastal approach to Anacapa Island. The coreopsis, which are dormant in the summer months, bloom in the spring and are dotted throughout the island. They typically can be seen through the month of April. In addition to the beautiful wildflowers in full view, visitors can also witness an abundance of wildlife in and around Anacapa Island including the California Brown Pelican and the Western Gulls, who are currently nesting on the island. The northern migration of the Pacific Gray Whales continues and pods of dolphins are also commonly seen in route to Anacapa Island.

Anacapa Island is comprised of three small islets - East, Middle and West. Exploration is permitted on the East islet accessed by the Landing Cove, and a small beach on the West islet called Frenchy's Cove. Island Packers runs yearround excursion to Anacapa from Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard. Day trips are $45 for adults; $28 for children (ages to 3-12); and $41 for seniors. North shore cruises along Anacapa Island are $27 for adults; $18 for children and $23 for seniors.

Oxnard is an easy drive up the coast from Los Angeles or from the northern portions of California. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy Oxnard's uncrowded beaches, open agricultural fields and explore the many diverse attractions and outdoor adventures that are unique to the area. A wide variety of hotel accommodations are available ranging from mid-priced rooms to oceanfront and seaside settings. For more information call the Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-269-6273 or visit the website at www.visitoxnard.com.

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