Conservancy Times- Spring 2023 by Catalina Island Conservancy

CONSERVANCY TIMES

RARE PLANT RESTORATION

FOCUSING ON ISLAND RECOVERY

PAGE 3

CATALINA ISLAND SPRING 2023

Message from our president

I was raised to appreciate Catalina,

and that admiration of the Island as a special place has only grown over the years. Guiding the Conservancy as we search for a leader to bring the nonprofit into the future has deepened my understanding of the passion and hard work it takes to maintain Catalina’s unique ecosystem and charm. The team here brings that enthusiasm and expertise to the job every day.

In this issue, you’ll find information about the Conservancy’s rare plant plan and restoration projects, including a look at the refreshed Whites Landing Restoration Area and Trask’s Trail. The education team continues to expand opportunities for guests to experience Catalina with workshops, tours and our volunteer program. The Conservancy is committed to improving the visitor and membership experience with a new website and membership platform and looks forward to celebrating with members at upcoming events.

Thank you for your ongoing appreciation of this enchanting Island and Catalina Island Conservancy.

BENEFACTOR MEMBERS

Alison Wrigley Rusack, Chair

Maria Pellegrini, Ph.D.

Tony Michaels, Ph.D.

Trevor Fetter

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Will Hagenah, Chair

Terry Grill, Vice Chair

Patrick McAlister, Past Chair

Jill Anderson

Randy Boelsems

Bob Breech

Roger Chrisman

John Cotton

Kellie Johnson

Blanny Avalon Hagenah

Calen Offield

Maureen Ramer

Austin Rusack

Scott Stuart

Mike Sullivan

Will Hagenah

Acting President & CEO

Catalina Island Conservancy

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Will Hagenah

Acting President & CEO

Jill Corral

Chief Financial Officer

Tim Kielpinski

Chief Operating Officer

Monica McCoy

Sr. Director of Human Resources

Leah Melber, Ph.D. Sr. Director of Education

Lauren Dennhardt, Ph.D. Acting Director of Conservation

Mary Beth Leonard

Sr. Executive Coordinator EDITOR

Jessica Boudevin GRAPHIC DESIGN 62 ABOVE

CONTACT US P.O. Box 2739 Avalon, CA 90704 310.510.2595 320 Golden Shore, Suite 220 Long Beach, CA 90802 562.437.8555 CatalinaConservancy.org FOLLOW US ON:

Update from our Fall 2022 issue: Ann Muscat, Ph.D. served as President & CEO of Catalina Island Conservancy 2003-2016.

A Plan For Plants

Looking Forward For Foxes

A Living Laboratory

Envisioning the Possibilities

Learning on the Landscape

Expanding our Perspective

A Reimagined Volunteer Experience

Promoting Career Awareness

And So Much More

An Improved Experience

Eco Tour Escapades

Conservancy Symposium Recap

Exclusive Member Opportunities

Remembering Stephen Chazen

Honor Roll of Donors

EXPERIENCE CATALINA WITH A CONSERVANCY MEMBERSHIP

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CONTENT 03 05 07 11 13 17 19 3. 5. 6. 7. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 15. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21.

SPRING 2023

CatalinaConservancy.org/membership 562.437.8555 x1224

A Plan for Plants

Catalina Island Conservancy developed the Rare Plant Conservation Plan for Catalina Island in 2022. The document outlines a plan for rare plant conservation for the next three years using open standards of conservation to ensure that no more plant taxa are severely threatened. In particular, the Conservancy identified our top ten critical rare plants and outlined the best options to save them.

“In creating this plan, we took a deep dive into our rare plants threatened with extirpation or extinction. We assessed key ecological attributes pertaining to the current status of the plants and what our desired outcomes would be so they are no longer of concern,” said Conservancy Conservation Horticulturalist Cayman Lanzone.

The team ranked threats to each identified plant, investigating the scope, severity and irreversibility of these hazards. Browsing, habitat type conversion and invasive species topped the list of risks, which also included temperature increases, drought, how often fires blaze, and more.

The Rare Plant Conservation Plan looks at several interventions to effectively respond to challenges in order to provide a stable future for these precious plants on the Island. These strategies include threat abatement of non-native browsers, restoring grasslands and chapparal, completing restoration sites for specific species, and building a seed bulking facility.

Lyon’s Pentachaeta

Island Rush-Rose Feltleaf ceanothus

As part of these interventions, the Conservancy recently set up a micropropagation lab and is “beginning to develop protocols for our rarest plants that are having challenges reproducing through traditional means” including the endangered Catalina Island mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus traskiae), said Conservancy Rare Plant Ecologist Kevin Allison. “Nature is dynamic. Therefore, it is important we have a diversified conservation strategy that will ensure the populations of our rare species are resilient to changes in the environment and management resources. New technologies, such as micropropagation, add to our conservation tool belt and allow us to not put all our eggs in one basket when it comes to attempting to continue the survival of a rare species.”

Each objective in the rare plant plan moves the Conservancy closer to our hopeful ultimate impact on Catalina: to ensure that no plant is threatened with extinction or extirpation. “This living document serves as an ambitious step forward in the effort to preserve rare plants on the landscape using habitat restoration, our nursery, and invasive plant control method,” said Acting Director of Conservation Lauren Dennhardt, Ph.D.. We look forward to following the continued rare plant restoration journey on this enchanting island.

Catalina Nightshade (Solanum wallacei)

Catalina Island Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus traskiae)

Lyon’s Pentachaeta (Pentachaeta lyonia)

Southern Island Mallow (Malva assurgentiflora ssp. glabra)

Catalina Grass (Dissanthelium californicum)

Santa Catalina Ironwood (Lyonothamnus floribundus ssp. floribundus)

Santa Cruz Island Rockcress (Sibara filifolia)

Santa Catalina Figwort (Scrophularia villosa)

Feltleaf Ceanothus (Ceanothus arboreus)

Island Rush-Rose (Crocanthemum greenei)

Top 10 threatened species: Catalina Island Mountain Mahogany Southern Island Mallow

Looking Forward for Foxes

Conservancy biologists monitor Catalina Island foxes (Urocyon littoralis catalinae) throughout the year, including vaccinating the endemic animals and collecting data during fox monitoring season. While this is of vital importance, it is also key to proactively protect this state- and federally-listed threatened species. With this is mind, Catalina Island Conservancy is creating the Catalina Island Fox Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and has been awarded a grant from California Department of Fish and Wildlife to optimize our conservation and management strategy.

“The HCP enables us to analyze our previous two decades of data to gain a better understanding of the biology, ecology, and risks to these amazing animals,” said Conservancy Sr. Wildlife Biologist Emily Hamblen. “This information can help us determine improved management actions.”

The grant also provides additional funding to continue annual vaccinations and health checkups in order to protect the fox population, as well as determine how to more sustainably manage our Island resources.

The HCP stresses the importance of gathering Island stakeholders to inspire active participation in conservation efforts.

“Collaborating with stakeholders is an important process to discover how our community impacts foxes and their habitat so that we can consider ways to reduce or mitigate human impact,” added Hamblen. “The HCP provides the opportunity to look ahead to future Island projects and see the potential impact to foxes.”

With this plan and the continuation of our established wildlife conservation work, Conservancy biologists see a long, bright future for Catalina Island foxes.

A Living Laboratory

The living laboratory of Catalina enables the Conservancy to test different conservation methodologies, trying several treatments to discover which techniques are most appropriate on the landscape. We learn invaluable data from each project to enhance our future impact. Recently, the organization followed up on recent endeavors to analyze ways the Conservancy can adapt future conservation projects for greater success.

Plantings at Little Harbor Overlook and Campground highlighted the importance of determining appropriate locations for restoration projects. Island scrub oaks (Quercus pacifica) on the overlook did not meet with success. The further that campground plantings were from the ocean, the better they generally fared possibly due to factors such as drainage and sun protection. Little Harbor Campground oaks survived at a rate of more than 20 percent. The Conservancy is engaging with earth science consultants LandIQ to determine future planting locations at a landscape level.

Plant Program Lead Technician Rachel Boyce noted that leaving Tuley tubes, plastic sleeves that protect plant development, on the oaks hindered their growth after two years. The team recently removed the tubes and replaced more than 40 with cages that allow them room to grow. “With more than 42,000 acres to manage, it is difficult for a small team to keep up with ongoing maintenance. This project highlighted how important it is to continually support plants until they are established.”

Conservationists followed up with more oaks planted in Bulrush watershed in May 2021 using three methods of planting at four different sites. Bare planting, providing the least amount of support, did not result in healthy seedlings. Tuley tubes helped plants fare marginally better with single digit success rates. The Conservancy utilized Waterboxxes for the first time to provide additional support to the seedlings and noted a significantly higher, nearly 28 percent, average success rate.

“This shows that Waterboxxes could be a great strategy for areas on the Island that are relatively inaccessible,” said Acting Conservation Director Lauren Dennhardt Ph.D. “We dug up the Waterboxxes of the unsuccessful oaks and are using them for the Catalina nightshade (Solanum wallacei), so are already applying methodology that we learned to other projects.”

We look forward to applying information provided by these projects in restoration moving forward.

Envisioning the Possibilities

In a project spanning many months, Catalina Island Conservancy brought together all three areas of conservation, education and recreation to enhance Whites Restoration Area. The Conservancy repaired exclosure fencing, made the trail more accessible, planted additional Catalina and Channel Islands endemic species, and created interpretive signage.

Whites Restoration Area, and its newly named Trask’s Trail after renowned Island botanist Blanche

Trask, “offers an opportunity to see Catalina’s future,” said Acting Conservation Director Lauren Dennhardt Ph.D. Though the area has been protected for more than 15 years since Catalina’s 2007 fire, the fencing required some repairs. The Conservancy brought in Los Angeles Conservation Corps to assist with the tough job. Since the fencing has been fixed, the conservation team is already seeing several species thrive, the most obvious of which is the Channel Island tree poppy (Dendromecon hardordii). “Now that it is not experiencing any browse at all, the tree poppies in Whites Restoration Area have started to thrive, getting a lot bigger and bushier,” said Dennhardt.

The team also introduced Channel Islands endemic Saint Catherine’s lace (Eriogonum giganteum) and reintroduced native Catalina nightshade (Solanum wallacei). The Conservancy is actively monitoring naturally occurring endemic populations of Trask’s yerba santa (Eriodictyon traskiae ssp. traskiae), Santa Catalina ironwoods (Lyonothamnus floribundus ssp. floribundus), Santa Catalina Island manzanita (Arctostaphylos catalinae), and Channel Island endemics such as Channel Island tree poppy.

“You don’t need to be an expert botanist to go into the area and see just how many different species are located in that one spot – many of which you don’t see at other spots of the Island,” added Dennhardt. “It has an incredible amount of biodiversity.”

In addition to the conservation enhancements, Whites Restoration Area also received an interpretive overhaul with the Conservancy’s education team creating specialized signage. “Adding a colorful welcoming sign on the entry way immediately communicates to the public that this is a space they are free to visit and explore,” said Sr. Director of Education Leah Melber Ph.D., who added that additional content signs speak to the unique themes of Catalina ecology highlighted within the space. Smaller interpretive signs highlight the unique attributes of the plants growing in the space, and small species identification plaques throughout help visitors test their knowledge and memory.

As the area is intended to be not only a space to learn, but also an area to appreciate nature’s beauty, the Conservancy placed signs in specific locations so as not to disturb the aesthetics of the exclosure. Interpretive signage can be found along both branches of Trask’s Trail.

“Now, Whites Restoration Area is so much more than a conservation space,” added Melber. “It is a place that more fully blends the three areas of the Conservancy’s mission to provide visitors with the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in Catalina’s unique beauty.”

Learning on the Landscape

Catalina Island Conservancy fosters the creation and development of naturalists who engage thoughtfully with the world around them. These nature lovers support conservation alongside the Conservancy through their appreciation and stewardship of the land.

A key tenet of being a strong naturalist is continuing to grow in one’s understanding of nature. The Conservancy is meeting that opportunity with a new program launched in 2022. This special workshop series connects learning enthusiasts with experts to learn more about the land as well as observation and identification skills to deepen exploration. Each workshop provides an opportunity to take learning beyond books, exploring the Island landscape with an expert to guide participants in learning and practicing a skill.

Conservancy Community Learning Manager Hillary Holt describes a naturalist as “someone who takes time to observe and be curious about the natural world around them.” Though workshops have specific skills, themes and guest experts, the goal goes beyond teaching individual skills. “We are trying to pass on a sense of appreciation and wonder and facilitate people’s journey to use their time to connect with nature,” she added.

One of the Conservancy workshops brought nature journaling educator John Muir Laws to the Island. Participants received expert instruction, an art kit with relevant tools, and guided time on the landscape to practice their new skill in the wildlands.

Stops included Upper Cape Canyon, where Laws created a collaborative poem using metaphors describing the twisting oak grove. The afternoon was spent at Little Harbor learning how to create small quick landscape sketches and making sketches of a yellow-headed blackbird feasting on kelp flies.

Upcoming workshops include renowned Channel Island Botanist Steve Junak in April, birding expert Peter Laramie in May, and the return of John Muir Laws on May 28, with new and returning attendees welcome.

Find more information at CatalinaConservancy.org/education

Expanding our Perspective

In October, the Education Department partnered with the Hearts for Sight Foundation to provide a Nature Exploration Day for 28 members of the blind and visually impaired community. Program participants experienced a guided, multisensory introduction to Catalina from the heights of Airport in the Sky to the shore at Little Harbor.

“This tour challenged us to reimagine our education experience,” noted Conservancy Community Learning Manager Hillary Holt. “It pushed us to perceive the Island in a genuine and curious way, discovering new ways to interpret information.”

Participants handled Catalina’s rocks as well as leaves of native Catalina plant species, experiencing their

unique features and adaptations such as their texture and the smell of different types of sage. At different locations, those who joined paused to determine the position of the sun as part of learning more about vegetation communities on the Island.

Holt noted that a reward of working with like-minded partners such as Hearts for Sight “is to be told by a visually impaired participant that they had been to Catalina before as a sighted person, but this time they felt like they truly saw the Island.”

The Conservancy is grateful for the partnership with Hearts of Sight and looks forward to implementing what we learned from this group in order to grow our accessibility initiatives.

A Reimagined Volunteer Experience

The Conservancy’s Volunteer Service Department has reimagined a popular outing with the Ackerman Native Plant Nursery Volunteer Group. Building off the work of so many dedicated volunteers in prior years, the program includes popular service tasks of the past and has expanded to also include new engagement opportunities.

Currently, the group of more than a dozen volunteers travel to the Nursery every other Thursday where they participate in activities such as seed seeking, seed cultivation, planting seeds, caring for plants, and removing invasive species such as fennel and searocket. According to Volunteer Service Manager Monique Nasland, this dedicated group is “going to end up knowing a lot about the different unique plants on the Island – and enjoy their time while learning!”

“Not only do these environmental stewards travel the breathtaking landscape of Catalina, but they also get to participate in conservation and activities that support the Island and the Conservancy’s mission,” added Nasland.

Those interested in participating in this program or other volunteer opportunities can learn more at CatalinaConservancy.org/volunteer or send an email to volunteers@catalinaconservancy.org.

Once again, the Conservancy’s Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show & Sale drew an enthusiastic crowd. With more than 280 registered attendees, the hybrid format allowed art lovers both nearby and across the country to appreciate the 90 pieces created specifically for this year’s event, highlighting the rare beauty of Catalina. The 12th annual showcase featured nationally recognized artists Cindy Baron, Carl Bretzke, John Budicin, Aimee Erickson, Terri Ford, Wyllis Heaton, Debra Huse, Shanna Kunz and Michael Obermeyer. Through painting sales and sponsorships, funds raised at the event help support the Conservancy’s important work on Catalina Island. Artist Terri Ford was the recipient of American Art Collector’s “Editor’s Choice Award” for her painting “Morning Moon,” and took home a special award presented by the Catalina Island Conservancy for the best body of work depicting the Conservancy’s lands in honor of the organization’s 50th anniversary in 2022.

Catalina Island Conservancy is very appreciative of the support of our Corporate Partners, especially Artist Partner, Capital Group Private Client Services, and Media Partner American Art Collector.

Promoting Career Awareness on Catalina

The Conservancy has a long history of supporting career awareness in the sciences and eco-tourism fields through our close work with Avalon School and beyond. Over the years, various programs have connected learners not only with the Island, but with career opportunities.

“All our lessons inspire interest in science and help build a relationship with nature,” said Education Program Manager Cressita Bowman. “But beyond that, they also help learners be curious, draw connections, and build confidence in themselves to consider going into a career field they didn’t necessarily realize was accessible or available to them.”

Students connect with the Conservancy throughout their schooling including core programs like Island Explorers and Course Catalina. Bowman takes fourth graders out to meet with the wildlife team during fox monitoring and care. Sixth graders work with the native and invasive plant teams, and this year’s seventh graders participated in a mock Eco Tour and created their own informative handouts. She has also helped connect students with job shadowing opportunities.

“Our programs expose students to a variety of different conservation and eco-tourism careers from a young age while providing the opportunity to explore and learn about Catalina Island,” added Bowman.

Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden Caretaker Joseph Vickers has worked with the Conservancy in various capacities for more than a decade – a dream that began at Avalon School where he participated in several programs

led by the Conservancy. Ultimately, he became a Summer Naturalist, where he was in a role to teach visitors about the Island. Vickers took advantage of every opportunity to learn more about the Island he calls home and share it with others

“The programs provided a really well-rounded look at all the different facets of the Conservancy and helped me understand that a job in conservation doesn’t necessarily have to be as a biologist, but can be doing interpretation, outreach, fundraising, fixing roads, so much more,” he said. “I was totally hooked by the diversity of it all.”

Avalon School graduate Karla Gonzalez Silva recently joined the guest services team at the Trailhead visitor center. She has been on the Island for almost 20 years but said that her participation in the Conservancy’s education program quickly helped her realize how much she didn’t know about not only the Island, but also the organization.

“I used to think that Conservancy was just scientists working in the wildlands,” said Silva. “What I found most interesting during the program was all the different layers the Conservancy has, and by that I mean all of the different departments.”

She added that working with the Conservancy has given her a wealth of knowledge on how to meet and treat people and work as a team along with valuable career skills. “I hope to see new faces at the Trailhead!”

Explore current opportunities at CatalinaConservancy.org.

And So Much More

Occasionally, visitors mistakenly believe that Catalina Island Conservancy is solely involved in wildlife and plant conservation work. Though working with our native and endemic plants and animals – and against our invasive populations – is a core part of our mission, the organization touches operations throughout Catalina.

Our education team works to enlighten people of all ages about the wonder of Catalina through programs on-Island, virtual experiences and maintaining and enhancing learning spaces like the Wrigley Memorial & Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden. Our volunteer program also falls under this purview, with department staff connecting conservation-minded supporters with volunteer opportunities for all interests and abilities and the option to stay at one of our two volunteer camps during extended service projects.

The Conservancy hosts three campsites along the Trans-Catalina Trail, which include Black Jack, Little Harbor, and Parson’s Landing. Other organizations lease land and coves on Conservancy property for camps and yacht clubs.

Our guest services department helps visitors make the most of their Island experience. From retail and support at the Trailhead and Botanic Garden to creating incredible memories on Eco Tour adventures, team members assist guests to ensure a fantastic trip. The development crew engages with funders and members through regular communication with individuals and support groups as well as unique hikes and experiences. Finally, signature events such as the annual Conservancy Ball and the Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show & Sale help bring people together.

The Conservancy owns and operates Airport in the Sky with its ACE Clearwater Airfield. Catalina’s only airport is not only a beautiful place for aviators to visit, but also an important site for regular Island operations and emergency response. Conservancy rangers patrol the wildlands, serving as the eyes, ears, and initial first responders on the Island.

Finally, there is an incredible amount of infrastructure maintenance involved in managing more than 42,000 acres of this Island landscape. Our team maintains more than 150 miles of recreational roads and trails vital to the enjoyment of and operations on Catalina.

If any of the various tasks involved in sustaining this important landscape interest you, be sure to check CatalinaConservancy.org/jobs.

Saturday, April 22, 2023 Avalon Casino Ballroom, Catalina Island Sponsorships and Tickets Available Now! Online Auction from April 7 to April 21 Register Today at CatalinaConservancy.org/Ball

An Improved Experience

The Conservancy launched a new website and membership platform to kick off the new year. The website serves as an important tool for guests of the Island, residents, members, donors, educators, learners, researchers and more. This resource is more accessible and compelling than ever.

Streaming video, a multilingual translation plugin, newsletter integration, events calendar, volunteer listings, a news feed and more combine to keep visitors up to date on the latest happenings on Catalina and at the Conservancy. An easily navigable layout and streamlined search functionality provide a more user-friendly experience.

Check out our new website at CatalinaConservancy.org!

Also new this year is the launch of the conservancy membership platform and app, WildApricot

“With more than 4,000 members, the Conservancy wanted to update our membership platform to make it more efficient and user-friendly, bringing the process online rather than printing thousands of membership cards and renewal notices per year,” said Conservancy Sr. Manager, Membership & Growth Marketing Gina Nelson. The new process allows members to receive their membership card immediately upon purchase, from their online profile or membership app. An auto-renewal features prevents memberships from lapsing and notifies members prior to all transactions.

“Members can easily update their profiles, purchase member event registration and redeem benefits from this all-in-one platform,” Nelson added. “We wanted to make it easy for our members to access their benefits and easily maintain their Conservancy membership.”

The Conservancy is pleased to provide these upgrades for an improved member and guest experience.

Purchase your Conservancy membership today at CatalinaConservancy.org/membership, and download the free WildApricot App for Members on iOS or Android.

ECO TOUR ESCAPADES

Catalina’s wildlands are calling. Our Eco Tour fleet of custom Toyota Tundras traverse the Island including on 4x4 roads no other outfitter can reach. Nicknamed The Bee, The Rattlesnake, The Fox, and The Quail due to their unique designs highlighting Island vistas and species, our current fleet will soon be joined by The Ironwood. The Sage, our first hybrid Eco Tour vehicle, will roll onto Catalina’s roads later this year. The comfortable Tundras raise the customer experience while on these rugged adventures. Customizations include individual heated seats and personal USB ports to keep devices charged and ready to snap unforgettable photos.

Naturalist-trained guides often recount memorable stories, from touching and beautiful proposals to unique animal behaviors. One guest made such an impression on Eco Tour driver, Tom McPartlan that he incorporates what he learned into his tours.

“Once I had a blind Eco Tour guest who made some really poignant observations,” remembered McPartlan. “When we were stopped at Summit I mentioned that we were technically in Los Angeles County. This visitor was surprised because he was used to hearing more sounds like cars or freeways, sirens or trash trucks while in LA. Now, I always remember to have guests slow down and appreciate the silence of the wildlands.”

Conservancy Eco Tours provide an opportunity to experience wild Catalina. On these adventures, guests learn more about the Island’s rich history, see our unique plants and wildlife, and simply explore parts of Catalina that most people never see.

Book online at CatalinaConservancy.org

The locally-famous “Killer Cookie” is a favorite snack when Eco Tours stop at the airport. The bunker at Ben Weston Overlook.

What will you see on a Conservancy Eco Tour? Some of our naturalist-trained guides share their favorite spots:

“I like bringing visitors to the WWII bunker at Ben Weston Overlook. You get to give the guests a history lesson about the strategic importance of Catalina Island and educate them about the role the island played during the war.”

– Nancy Odenthal

2022 SYMPOSIUM IN REVIEW

The Conservancy offered online and in-person options for the 2022 Catalina Island Conservancy Symposium in September. More than 100 attendees registered, including more than 75 who signed up to join Conservancy leaders at Aquarium of the Pacific for the enlightening presentations.

Conservancy biologists, educators and research partners shared their expertise, with each presentation followed by an interactive question and answer segment. The subject-matter experts offered a quick overview on projects that delve into the challenges and success of conservation and education in our unique island environment.

Acting Director of Conservation Lauren Dennhardt Ph.D. provided a glimpse of the complicated conservation story of Island recovery. From the stewardship of the Tongva, through industries including ranching, mining and hunting, to the recreation destination of today, Catalina Island has supported millions of people.

Adelsperger

“As soon as you get out to the interior, it’s already a window to a beautiful scenic view. With the recent rain, the Island is coming back to life with this gorgeous majestic green canvas of the vistas and ridge lines. My favorite spots are overlooking or being at some of the remote beaches like Shark Harbor, Little Harbor, and Cottonwood. These beautiful beaches transport you.” – Joy

“It’s always fun to bring guests to Airport in the Sky. Not only is it really cool to see planes flying in and out, but there is also so much history nearby including the Soapstone quarry used by the Tongva. Plus, the airport cookies are killer.”

– Tom McPartlan

The Island has also supported thousands of non-native grazers including cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats. “They did a number on the landscape, removing a lot of the vegetation except for that which is very resistant,” added Dennhardt. Their removal has helped Catalina’s ecosystem recover, but invasive mule deer still put serious pressure on the Island, requiring thousands of pounds of food per day. “The deer love to eat our Channel Island endemics,” said Dennhardt.

The Island is still considered overgrazed, with deer at a density of eight-to-ten times that on the mainland. Though revegetation is occurring, “the vegetation returning is pretty deer-resistant, meaning species susceptible to deer browse are not returning and most of those are Island endemics.” However, the Conservancy’s strong conservation program is committed to preserving the Island’s diverse ecosystems through projects including the Rare Plant Conservation Plan. (see page 3)

Biologists and horticulturalists provided additional insights about Island flora and fauna, while the education team presented about outreach programming designed to build a network of naturalists and inspire Avalon’s youth.

Learn more about Catalina Island Conservancy’s work at the next Symposium in Fall 2023, or by participating in the variety of Conservancy learning and event offerings taking place throughout the year. Visit CatalinaConservancy.org/events for details.

Exclusive Member Opportunities

Becoming a Conservancy member provides opportunities to engage with fellow Island supporters while exploring Catalina! The membership team is excited to introduce new events each year that allow members access unique locations on the Island while learning about the Conservancy’s commitment to conservation, education and recreation. Check out a few of our new and ongoing member events.

Marineros Member Event

Thad and BZ Jones Hike

March 17 & 18

Join the Catalina Marineros for two great hikes in March honoring Thad and Graham “BZ” Jones, brothers who were world-class sailors and dedicated Conservancy supporters. The cross-Catalina BZ Jones hike provides beautiful views of Catalina and a chance to connect with fellow sailors. We are excited for the return of the Thad Jones Hike for the first time since 2018 due to pandemic cancellations. This exclusive, two-day Trans-Catalina Hike begins at Emerald Bay and stretches the distance of the Island, with a stop at Little Harbor for a BBQ and overnight camping. Both hikes meet up for a boat ride back to Avalon where a celebratory dinner awaits!

Membership Event

Stroll & Sketch with Plein Air Artist John Cosby

May 6

Shark Harbor

Learn to sketch the beauty of Catalina Island with plein air artist, John Cosby. This event will include a three-hour demo, sketch time and lunch. Participants will receive 3”x5” sketch books and a compact kit with grey value markers – these tools work even if it’s a cloudy day! We will set up in a remote cove to stroll and sketch, learning to use different values to recognize patterns in the scene. Later, John will discuss how to expand these sketches into paintings, demonstrating with a work of art he creates on site.

Marineros Fall Event

Whites Landing Boat-In Exploration

Date Coming Soon!

Marineros members are invited to a boat-in exploration of Whites Landing to enjoy the cove courtesy of Balboa Yacht Club. A hike will guide guests to the Whites Restoration Area to meet with the Conservancy’s conservation team. While there, visitors will learn more about native and endemic plants on Catalina Island during a walk down Trask’s Trail. Members will be greeted with lunch by the shore upon return from the hike.

Become a Conservancy member for more event opportunities and ways to get involved. For information on membership, visit CatalinaConservancy.org/membership

*Marineros events are open to all members, but Marineros get first access and exclusive discounts

STEPHEN Chazen

Catalina Island Conservancy lost a dear friend with the passing of longtime supporter Stephen Chazen in 2022. A Board member from 2011 until 2019, Steve also served as Chair for two years and was instrumental in the Conservancy’s efforts to build its Trailhead visitor center in Avalon.

In his “other life,” Steve built a highly successful career in the oil and gas industry and was past CEO of Occidental Petroleum and former chairman, president and CEO of Magnolia Oil and Gas Corp.

“Steve’s passion for Catalina and the environmental model of the Conservancy, along with his decisive leadership and humble style, contributed so much to our board,” said Alison Wrigley Rusack, Chair of the Conservancy’s Benefactor Members. “He had a quick wit and a wonderful dry sense of humor and was a master of ‘cutting to the chase’ in discussions. We are so honored that he chose to join our group of dedicated professionals in furthering our mission and we dearly miss him.”

Thank You, Tony

After nearly six years of leading the Conservancy as President and CEO, Tony Budrovich, completed his tenure at the end of October 2022.

Budrovich’s legacy of accomplishments under his leadership includes the opening of the Trailhead, a state-ofthe-art visitor center; the detection of new flora; extensive education programs for all ages; and the reopening of Airport in the Sky and ACE Clearwater Airfield through a partnership with the Department of Defense.

He left an exceptional team whose members realize the unique responsibility and opportunity they have to demonstrate that conservation in the 21st century is by people, for people.

The Board thanks Tony Budrovich for the exceptional growth of the Conservancy and many accomplishments during his tenure and wishes him the best in his future adventures.

HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

$100,000 and Above

Geoffrey Claflin and Alison Wrigley Rusack

Glanville Grill Foundation

The Midgley Foundation

Roger and Sarah Chrisman

Victoria and Dorn Dean

Blanny Avalon Hagenah

Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation

Offield Family Foundation

$50,000 - $99,999

National Environmental Education Foundation

C.M. and Edna Peyton Cotton Foundation

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Capital Group

James H. Ackerman Family and Evalyn M. Bauer Foundation

Maria Pellegrini

Catalina Island Company

2003 Eagle Foundation

A.G. Cox Charity Trust

Steve and Pat Chazen

Phil and Susan Hagenah

Harold McAlister Charitable Foundation

$25,000 - $49,999

D. Scott and Tammie Stuart Mervin Moore and Dana Stuart-Moore

Tricia and Will Hagenah

The Boone Foundation

Elliott Family Foundation

National Recreation Foundation

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Gary and Kellie Johnson

U.S. Bank

Patrick and Mari McAlister

Mike and Gloria Sullivan

Edison International

The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation

$10,000 - $24,999

Randy and K.C. Boelsems

Bob and Mai Breech

Larry and Terry Grill

Anonymous

Shirley Herron

Shaun and Katy Tucker

Friends of the Island Fox, Inc.

John and Dana Hagenah

The Hexberg Family Foundation

Drew and Jane Lanza

Doug Levi

Corinne Monroe Trust

Resources Legacy Fund Foundation

W.M. Keck Foundation

Doug and Jeanie Shelton

Geraldine Knatz and John Mulvey

Western Los Angeles Council, Boy Scouts of America

Pam and Larry Fortmuller

The Curci Family

Rhon Williams and Vickie Ruch

Long Beach Community Foundation

Starr Hathaway

Anonymous

The Bombard Family

Johnny Carson Foundation

The Catalina Cowboy Heritage Foundation

Melissa and Trevor Fetter

The Louis and Gladyce Foster Family Foundation

Gardner Grout Foundation

Jessica J. Hibbs

Stephen and Ann Hinchliffe

Will and Krista Partridge

Jim Partridge

Frank and Joann Randall

James and Deena Warmington, Jr.

$5,000 - $9,999

Georges and Patricia McCormick

Greater Los Angeles Council, Boy Scouts of America

Catalina Express

Hank and Diane Hilty

REI

USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies

Balboa Yacht Club

Christian G. Spenker

Los Angeles County Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn

RunSignUp Inc.

High Voltage Lighting

Diane Wilkinson

Brett and Trish Bashaw

Gary and Sandi Hill

Todd and Jean Walker

Richard Woodward

Ron and Carole Cassell

Terry Causey

J and Sarah Barnes

Alex and Janet Boggs

Hans and Dianne Bozler

Jim and Diane Connelly

Connolly-Pacific Co.

Kevin D. Corbett

John and Julie Dixon

James W. and Anne D. Johnson Family Foundation

Lamb Family Foundation

Misdee Wrigley and James Mather Miller

Anonymous

David and Kathleen Renton

Donald and Mary Ann Schoellerman

David and Elise Swain

David and Virginia Taylor

Graham S. Tingler

Williams Companies PAC

Zegar Family Fund

$2,500 - $4,999

Linda Salo

Hughes Marino

Curt and Alita Rethmeyer

George and Susan Paspalof

Brass Tracks Events

Susan Clare and Walter Larkin

Lynne Brickner and Gerald Gallard

Matthew Swarbrick

Brett Barnard

Brian Bissell

Ben and Denise Carter

G.T. and Shannon Frost

Christopher and Teri Carlson

Steve and Stephanie Hathaway

David and Rose Ellen Gardner

Julie and Robert Woolley

Avalon Environmental Services

Brad and Karen Baker

David Lindquist and Karen Bohan

Bob and Beth Huston

Steve and Amanda Calhoun

Tim and Sheila Collins

Mark and Susan Hillgren

Worthy McCartney

Janice Rutherford Hinds

Bruce and Allyson D’Eliscu

Roger and Sandy DeYoung

Anonymous

Tom and Susy Purcell

Suzanne Beck and Charlie Wright

John and Barbara Anglin

Stephen and Barbara Barnard

Scott and Cynthia Barnard

Phil and Shelley Belling

Thomas Larkin

CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

Thomas and Evan Corkett

Bruce and Lisa Gelker

Randy and Joyce Greer

John and Sue Hagestad

Cliff Hague

Todd and Tatiana James

Dennis Jenkins

Nancy Katayama

Brad and Sue Kelly

J.K. and Robin Leason

Kevin and Renee MacLeod

Terry and Debbie Maddox

Mitchell, Silberberg & Knupp, LLP

Stephen Henry and Rudy Oclaray

Joe and Annette Oltmans

Fred and Christina Peck

Gillian Groves and Gerald Petersen

Scott and Sue Redsun

Ron and Cheryl Roberts

Rodriguez, Horii, Choi & Cafferata LLP

John and Laurie Romanak

Aon Risk Solutions

Richard and Elizabeth Steele Fund

California Swimrun

Greg and Glenda Vanni

Robert Voit

Wil Von Der Ahe

Barbara and Quentin Wall

Matt and Julie White

Ken and Christine Zampese

$1,000 - $2,499

Aquarium of the Pacific

Garry and Sarah Shumway

Tom and Anita Petersen

Richard and Nancy Dinar

Elizabeth Arnett

Philip and DeDe Logsdon

Patrick and Tiare Meegan

Trent and Linda Anderson

Elizabeth Moore

Andi and David Culbertson

Ann Muscat and Jack Baldelli

John and Kim Bibb

San Diego Yacht Club

Kleiner Cohen Foundation

Judith Frost

William and Kathleen Mudd

Mutual of America

Matson Giving Program

Richard and Becca Waycott

Austin Rusack

Bob and Kelly Couzens

Mary Maguire

John and Cindy Cotton

BBJ La Tavola Specialty Linen

Jamie and Lynn Coulter

Clay Lacy Foundation

Anita Tsuji

Michael and Kathleen Post

Kevin and Shannon Frye

The Keefe Family

Allison and Robert Price Family Foundation

Paul and Polly Stemler

Phil Shuluk and Holly Johnson

Rory Ritts

John Meyers

Elizabeth Ashforth

Dan and Gina Coury

Zach and Amelia Erickson

Brad and Leslie Dwan

Robert Smith

James and Mary Buckingham

Howard and Jeanne Tuttle

Las Caballeras

Tony and Claire Michaels

Avalon Freight Services

Dave and Mary Beth Maistros

Disneyland Resort

Laura and Charlie Tomlinson

Nanci E. Nishimura, Esq.

Leonard and Brenda Pieroni

Don and Margaret Jervis

Tim and Mary Ann Hogan

Bruce and Elyse Miller

Marilyn Puckett

Gerald and Denise Motter

David and Cindy Odegard

Marta and Steven Rocha

Hunter Rusack

Lance Ware

Parker Rusack

Vicky Orphan

Jack and Catherine Stephens

Greg and Sue Ashwill

Gwyneth Collom and Bill Semanek

Judy Weightman and Carter Ford

Greg and Madeline Hayward

Karl and Cheryl Kimme

Cord Kirshner and Susan Rorison

Denise Archambault and Stephen Palijeg

Mark and Linda Payne

Harvey and Patty Wills

Randolph Stockwell

David and Linda Adams

Alice Badger

The Hancock and Julia Banning Family

Matthew Bryan

Brian and Suzi Burke

Cinde MacGugan-Cassidy and Mike Cassidy

David Clark

Robert and Sharon Coors

Edwin Crail

Steve and Karen Cruise

Martin and Bernardine Curtin

Bob and Celeste Dennerline

The Gordon and Ruth Dougherty Foundation

Thompson Fetter and Jane Trevor Fetter

Emily Vogler and Daniel Flynn

Cathy Fox

Nicole France

Winston and Carlita Fuller

John and Cyndi Ganahl

John and Adrienne Garrison

Bruce Harrington

Lee and Theresa Hennis

Tami Honey

Gil Jones

Ryan and Becca Koegan

Susan Latorre

Steve and Barbara Layton

Mike and Antonia Massie

MATT Construction

Penny Munson

William Neil

Gregory Njoes

Port of Long Beach

Michael and Kirsten Potter

Lynn Pyle

Lori Snell and Kate Ruddon

Jerome and Anne Ryan

Conner Slavik

Frank and Kathy of Avalon

Larry and Jean Tistaert

Jim and Vicki Warmington

Watty and Kimberly Watson

Anonymous

Chuck Wert

Tod and Linda White

Steven and Belinda Zola

Monette and Stephen Zotovich

$500 - $999

Charlotte Lescroart

Ritch and Kathleen Haynes

Billy Delbert and Ann Marshall

Nick Petriccione

Nelson Jones, III

Jackson Finlay

Marianne Horn

Jeffrey Johnsrud

Minnie Aviles

Ed Collom

Sally Butler and Rolando Federiso

Steve Hightower

Paige Marshall

Zita Molnar

Michael Osborne

Irwin Trester

Bob and Michelle Bendetti

Bob and Gaye Harris Foundation

The Boeing Company Gift Matching Program

Andrew Doran

Bruce and Judy Brilhart

HUB International

Betty and Ralph Ketchum

SPECIAL THANKS TO AIRPORT RUNWAY PROJECT DONORS

We express thanks to all who contributed to making the funding of this project a smooth landing!

ACE Clearwater Enterprises

Geoffrey Claflin and Alison Wrigley Rusack

Clay Lacy Aviation Anonymous

Smith-Emery International Anonymous

Catalina Beverage Company

Listing includes annual support from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022, exclusive of the value of auction items donated or purchased at the Conservancy Ball, purchases made at Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show, campaign pledge payments and landing fees. Gifts listed alphabetically by descending order of amount.

P.O. Box 2739

Avalon, CA 90704

conservancy calendar

Thad & BZ Jones

March 17 & 18

Hike Join the Marineros for the cross-Catalina BZ Jones Hike and the two-day, Trans-Catalina Thad Jones Hike honoring world-class sailors Thad and Graham “BZ” Jones.

may 06

Stroll & Sketch

Plein air artist John Cosby will teach participants plein air basics, showing how to use a basic, compact kit to capture the beauty of Catalina Island.

aug 25

Last Friday Lecture Series: Restoring Catalina Island* Online and at the Trailhead with Xerces Society’s Leif Richardson

March 31

Last Friday Lecture Series: Catalina’s Charismatic Herpetofauna Online and at the Trailhead with Conservancy Wildlife Biologist Makenzie Henk.

april 22

Conservancy Ball –Enchanting Island

Join us for an enchanting evening at the 27th Annual Catalina Island Conservancy Ball. This is the party of the year and the Conservancy’s largest fundraising event.

may 26

Last Friday Lecture Series: Restoring Catalina Island* Online and at the Trailhead with Conservancy Director of Conservation Lauren Dennhardt.

Whites Landing

Boat-In

june 30

Last Friday Lecture Series: Catalina Island Marine Studies Online and at the Trailhead with Catalina Marine Society’s Karen Norris.

sep 29

Last Friday Lecture Series: In Vitro Conservation of Rare Plants Online and at the Trailhead with Conservancy Rare

Plant Ecologist Kevin Alison Leif Richardson

*The Lectures on these dates also feature an opportunity for an excursion the following day

april 28

Last Friday Lecture Series: Lichen of the California Channel Islands*Online and at the Trailhead with Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s Rikke Naesborg.

july 28

Last Friday Lecture Series: The Rare and Endemic Catalina Island Shrew Online and at the Trailhead with Conservancy Sr. Wildlife Biologist Emily Hamblen.

oct 22

Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show The show returns to Newport Harbor Yacht Club and showcases beautiful plein air works from renowned artists.

For more information about these events, go to CatalinaConservancy.org/events or call 562-437-8555

PhotoCredits:Cover photo: Catalina Island Conservancy; Pg. 2: Jack Baldelli; Pg. 3: (all) Catalina Island Conservancy; Pg. 4 (all) Catalina Island Conservancy; Page 5: Catalina Island Conservancy, Mark Meunch; Pg. 6: Catalina Island Conservancy; Pg. 7: Catalina Island Conservancy; Pg. 8: Catalina Island Conservancy; Pg. 9: Catalina Island Conservancy ; Pg. 10:Catalina Island Conservancy; Pg. 11: Catalina Island Conservancy, Robb Rosenfeld; Pg. 12: Catalina Island Conservancy; Pg. 13: Catalina Island Conservancy; Pg.14; Catalina Island Conservancy; Pg. 15: Catalina Island Conservancy; Pg.16: Catalina Island Conservancy; Pg. 17: Catalina Island Conservancy; Pg.18: Steve Tabor; Pg. 19: Dennis Moran, Jack Baldelli; Pg. 20: Steve Tabor

TBD

Conservancy Times- Spring 2023