Salute the gray whale’s journey

The Pacific gray whale is one of the largest animals ever to inhabit the earth, reaching maximum lengths of 45 ft. and weighing as much as 30 tons. Gray whales are first spotted by their water spout and the sound can be heard over a half mile away. In recognition of the annual migration of the Pacific gray whale, the following special events are planned.

Channel Islands Harbor will host its 10th annual Celebration of the Whales Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun., March 5 at Fisherman’s Wharf, on the corner of Channel Islands Boulevard and Victoria Avenue. The event features arts and crafts, live entertainment, exhibits, food booths and activities all highlighting the Pacific gray whale.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, which include docent-led tours of exhibits on gray whales, oceanographic equipment and the science of surfing, courtesy of the Oxnard College Marine Education Center & Aquarium. Other activities include a tide pool touch tank aboard the Coral Sea; whale, tall ship and marine life videos provided by the Ventura County Maritime Museum, as well as ship model building demonstrations. Naturalists from the National Marine Sanctuary and Channel Islands National Park Service will also be on hand.

An abundance of children’s activities will be offered including “Whale of a Treasure Hunt,” “Make Your Own Aquarium,” whale drawing contest, face painting, free balloons and prizes, an

inflatable fun zone, games, rides, petting zoo, pony rides and a rock climbing wall.

In addition to all the festivities taking place, visitors will also be able to see the historic tall ship Lynx that will be docked at the west bank public dock in front of the Whale’s Tail and Port Royal restaurants from March 1 to12. The Lynx was designed and built to interpret the general configuration of a privateer schooner from the War of 1812 and served effectively as a blockade runner and offensive weapon of war and was among the first ships to defend American freedom.

Regular whale watching excursions will be offered during the day and throughout whale watching season. Reservations can be made by calling Island Packers at

(805) 642-1393 or Channel Islands Sportfishing Center at (805) 382-1612.

For more information, call (805) 985-4852.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sun., March 12, the 10th annual Whale Festival sponsored by California State Parks and the Santa Monica Mountains Natural History Association will be celebrated in Sycamore Cove, at Point Mugu State Park. The park is on Pacific Coast Highway, four miles west of the Ventura County line. The public is invited

to join park naturalists in

looking for whales, which have been spotted off this rugged, scenic stretch of coastline.

Additional festival highlights include music, arts and crafts, food and more. For information, call (805) 488-1827.