The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) presents “Paddling into a Natural Balance” with Carpinteria-based freelance writer and photographer Chuck Graham  on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 7:00.  As part of his presentation, Chuck will recount his many adventures hiking and kayaking the Santa Barbara Channel and the Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary—and will share many of his award-winning photographs that document the islands and their recovery over the past 30+ years. Cost is free for SBMM’s Navigator Circle Members, $10 for all other members, and $20 for members of the public. There will also be a pre-lecture reception for members only from 6:15-6:45pm. Register at: https://sbmm.org/santa-barbara-event/ and become a member at https://sbmm.org.

About Our Speaker

Chuck Graham is a freelance writer and photographer, a beach lifeguard, and an island guide, leading kayak tours and backpacking trips at Channel Islands National Park for over 20 years. Born in Santa Monica, he moved with his family to Carpinteria in 1975. He studied at Santa Barbara City College, Westmont College, the Institute for Children’s Literature, and he also holds an honorary master’s degree from Brooks Institute of Photography recognizing his work, which has appeared in many local and national publications.

Graham’s stories and photos have appeared in National Geographic publications, Backpacker, Men’s Journal, Outdoor Photographer, The Surfer’s Journal, The Surfer’s Path, Canoe & Kayak, Adventure Kayak, American Forests, BBC Wildlife Magazine, Outdoor California, Los Angeles Times, Santa Barbara Independent, Montecito Journal, Natural History Magazine, and High Country News. And his commercial clients have included, Patagonia, Channel Islands National Park, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, California Coastal Commission, Los Padres National Forest, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Channel Islands Provisioners. Much of his work can be viewed at https://chuckgrahamphoto.com and @chuckgrahamphoto on Instagram.

Graham has also written and photographed two books—the award-winning Carrizo Plain, Where the Mountains Meet the Grasslands (2021) and Hike the Channel Islands: The Best Day Hikes in Channel Islands National Park (2022). As he has said about his life and work:

“Kayaking around the Channel Islands National Park has afforded me countless experiences with the unique web of biodiversity that is found throughout the chain. Kayaking has been the best way to immerse myself with its flora and fauna. With over 25 years of paddling the islands, I am now writing my third book, Paddling into a Natural Balance, which includes stories and photos about kayaking and conservation surrounding one of the least visited National Parks in North America.”

This event is generously sponsored by Marie L. Morrisroe.

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Founded in 2000, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum creates exhibits and hands-on, educational experiences that celebrate more than 13,000 years of maritime history in our region—from Chumash culture to today’s surfing scenes and environmental movements. Nearly 8,000 square feet of gallery space showcase special presentations and changing displays culled from the museum’s artifact collection, all dedicated to instilling love and respect for the Santa Barbara Channel, for the people who make their living on its waters, and for the abundant marine life that calls these waters home.

SBMM is located at 113 Harbor Way, Suite 190, Santa Barbara, CA 93109.  Visit sbmm.org or call (805) 962-8404 for details.