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.