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Spring 2020
CATALINA ISLAND
HUMMINGBIRD MIGRATION On Catalina Island Page 4
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from our president accessible, whether in the classroom, in the community or on demand.
Conservancy Times is a bi-annual publication of the Catalina Island Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1972 to protect and restore Catalina Island for present and future generations to experience and enjoy. One of California's oldest land trusts, the Conservancy protects the magnificent natural and cultural heritage of Santa Catalina Island, stewarding over 42,000 acres of land and 62 miles of rugged shoreline. Just over 20 miles from the mainland, Catalina Island is home to more than 60 plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world. The Conservancy operates the Trailhead visitor center, Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, Airport in the Sky and two nature centers. It provides access to 165 miles of recreational roads and trails and 50 miles of biking trails. For more information, please visit CatalinaConservancy.org
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You’ll also read about the myriad ways to engage with the Island and the Conservancy, from group leadership to making Catalina part of your legacy. Actively participate with exclusive membership hikes, education programs, events and diverse volunteer opportunities. It takes an incredible team of dedicated individuals to further Catalina Island Conservancy’s mission year after year. Our dedication to conservation, education and recreation requires yearround perseverance. In this issue of Conservancy Times, you’ll read about our conservation team’s tireless invasive plant management efforts to continually clear the wildlands so endemic and native species can thrive. Equally dedicated, the work of our education department is always focused on making learning about Catalina more
BENEFACTOR MEMBERS Alison Wrigley Rusack, Chair Maria Pellegrini, Ph.D. Tony Michaels, Ph.D. Trevor Fetter BOARD OF DIRECTORS Patrick McAlister, Chair Will Hagenah, Vice Chair Kellie Johnson, Past Chair Roger Chrisman John Cotton Victoria Seaver Dean Terry Grill Blanny Avalon Hagenah Hank Hilty Calen Offield
Geoff Rusack Scott Stuart Mike Sullivan Shaun Tucker EXECUTIVE TEAM
Every Conservancy event that you participate in, every Eco Tour that you enjoy, and every volunteer project you advance helps us continue our work to ensure the future of Catalina’s wildlife and wildlands. Your generous donations of time and resources truly make a difference. All of us at the Conservancy thank you for your support and look forward to continuing to work with you to protect our Island for generations to come.
Tony Budrovich President & CEO
Michelle Badders Director of Human Resources Leah Melber Director of Education
Tony Budrovich President & CEO
Laura Minuto Conservation Operations Director
Suzy Gardner Chief Development Officer
Mary Beth Leonard Senior Executive Coordinator
Tim Kielpinski Chief Operating Officer Larry Lloyd Chief Finance & Business Development Officer
EDITOR Jessica Boudevin
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:
GRAPHIC DESIGN Amy Fernandez
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Spring 2020
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Hummingbird Migration
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Invasive Invasion
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Leaving the Nest
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Catalina Educator Symposium
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Lessons from Island Elders
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Volunteers Make a Difference
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New Marineros Leadership
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Photography Member Hike
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Remembering Nelson Jones
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Catalina Naturalist Excursions
Staff News Creating a Legacy
Honor Roll of Donors
Experience Catalina with a Conservancy Membership Not a member of the Catalina Island Conservancy? Don't miss out on special opportunities and adventures.
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JOIN TODAY!
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CatalinaConservancy.org | 562.437.8555 x1224
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Conservation
ON CATALINA ISLAND
Hummingbird Migration
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atalina Island is home to several hummingbird species, including the resident Channel Islands Allen’s hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin sedentarius) and the Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna). In other parts of California, the Allen’s hummingbird is considered a migratory bird, but the ones breeding on the Channel Islands have decided to call it home all year round. That is what sparked the interest of researchers David and Erin Rankin of the University of California, Riverside. They traveled to Catalina to study hummingbird diets to try to determine what these birds are eating and see if that gives clues to why they don’t leave the Island.
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Their research, funded in part by the National Science Foundation, has been
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underway for four years, primarily focusing on Anna’s and Allen’s hummingbirds and observing foraging behavior. The Rankins catch these birds using a special trap that surrounds a hummingbird feeder. Once caught, samples are collected while the birds are measured and banded. According to David, standard measurements include the length of the bird’s wings, bill and tail, as well as how much they weigh. For their research in particular, the Rankins also need to collect hummingbird feces samples for genetic sampling. “We keep filter paper underneath the bird, then they do magical things in the lab,” David said. Erin added that the technology was adapted
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from forensic methods used to get DNA off of cigarette butts. “Birds drink so much nectar that there is enough pollen in their feces that we can figure out what plants they’ve been visiting and what insects they’ve been feeding on.”
Island manzanita (Arctostaphylos catalinae). Samples also found that 4 native species of monkeyflower and lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia) were among the varied hummingbird diet, as well as some non-native plant species.
Hummingbirds seem to love native sages, specifically the white sage (Salvia apiana), as well as the Catalina
The researchers are looking forward to at least one more trip to Catalina to continue their study.
“Catalina Island Conservancy has mapped out They found that during months when the plant diversity on the Island nicely,” there aren’t as many flowering plants, said Erin. “We’ve been able to look the hummingbirds eat a lot of at what plants are in the diet sap-sucking insects and other and get an idea of how far the hemipterans (insects that have individual birds are flying.” Sometimes the two sucking mouth parts). Small species will be side-by-side arthropods, spiders and flies, Allen’s and Anna’s provide a protein source hummingbirds are both defending territories, which throughout the year. found in the same habitat is unique because in most and are similar in what they “It might be that they are eat. According to David, cases one species ends up preferentially feeding on sometimes the two species outcompeting the other, these sap-sucking insects for will be side-by-side defending extra sugar when there aren’t territories, which is unique but on Catalina they seem other sugary resources available,” because in most cases one to coexist. said Erin, before adding that more species ends up outcompeting the research needs to be done before any other, but on Catalina they seem to determinations are made. “The fact that coexist. Their diets have a high overlap, they are such diverse little predators of really but the Rankins hope to determine whether tiny insects, particularly annoying midges or gnats, or not the two species are eating slightly different suggests that hummingbirds can be small biocontrol agents.” bugs and nectar, which may keep down competition.
Biologist David Rankin banding and measuring hummingbirds
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Conservation
Invasive plant management is a key aspect of conservation. Some nonnative plants can become invasive and grow faster than Catalina natives. These invasive species compete for sunlight, water and nutrients in the soil, crowding the native species out. Left unmanaged, these invaders would overtake native habitats, potentially dooming some to extinction and harming animals that rely on them for shelter and food. Invasive species are routinely treated by staff through the Catalina Habitat Improvement and Restoration Program (CHIRP) to keep them from further invading our rare native vegetative communities.
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Understanding the nuances of plant eradication is necessary to measure the impact of CHIRP or similar programs elsewhere. For example, some plants whose historic populations have been deemed eradicated across the Island may still show up later
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on, as seeds can be transported via wind currents or even on visitors' shoes. “When we list something in invasives as eradicated, the plants have all been removed and no new seedlings are coming up in those historical areas. Once time
Murdoff removing invasive Flax-leaved broom
has passed, beyond the plant’s seed longevity, then it is coined eradicated,” said Ryan Murdoff, Plant Conservation Manager, Invasive Plants. A perfect example of this would be the Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus). “Unless someone plants it or a bird deposits a seed, it is no longer on Island and is past the seed longevity period.” Still, technically eradicated plants like the Himalayan blackberry are only kept at bay due to the vigilant work of the CHIRP team. Two species, Yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) and Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris) used to be in that same category, but reappeared in the last two years. Last July, Yellow starthistle was discovered along Airport Road, a great example of how seeds can easily come onto the Island by vehicle, bicycle or hiking boot. The team discovered 209 plants, 55 of which were flowering. Due to their efforts, all were removed before
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going to seed. There is one known active population of Puncturevine which has been removed and the site is being monitored. “We’ve had success with early detection,” Ryan said. “It’s bad news that these plants showed up, of course, but good news that we’ve caught and actively manage them.” Another unique species is Giant reed (Arundo donax). All historic populations outside of Avalon have been eradicated, but new populations start via water sources. Giant reed doesn’t spread via seed, but instead by root division and cuttings. Currents and storms transport rafts of debris, including live root systems and stems, from the mainland to Catalina’s beaches. Close to 100 percent of Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) populations have been eradicated from the wildlands, but new populations surface periodically for various reasons including wind and landscaping. The biggest target species for the invasives team has been the same for years: Flax-leaf broom (Genista linifolia). This species makes up around 40 percent of all plants in a containment zone around Avalon.
The containment zone around Avalon is roughly 3,000 of Catalina Island's 48,000 acres. Once outside this containment zone, it has only a few known locations in watersheds. Flax-leaf broom makes up nearly half the year’s work for the CHIRP crew. It presents a clear threat because it is aggressive, fast-spreading and persistent in the environment and its seeds can remain viable in soil for more than 50 years. Determining target species is a group effort. The invasive plant program uses information from the California Invasive Plant Council and also gets input from The Nature Conservancy, United States Navy and other land managers from the mainland. The CHIRP staff travel to the most remote locations on the Island, through steep and rugged terrain, to control these species, bringing their comprehensive and complex understanding of Catalina’s unique ecology and geography to bear in the ongoing fight against invasive species.
GIVE INVASIVE SEEDS THE BRUSH OFF Boot brushing is one way you can make a difference when traveling to the interior of Catalina. The proper use of this tool goes a long way to help keep invasive species from spreading on the Island. Catalina is home to many unique plants found nowhere else on earth. This sensitive island habitat is easily harmed when non-native plants are introduced. Unfortunately, plant seeds can hitch a ride on our shoes without us knowing it. Brushing sides and soles of shoes helps to prevent the spread of invasive species. Cleaning before a hike and between different habitat types helps prevent the introduction of non-native seeds to protected areas. Help care for the Island by giving seeds the brush off! These handheld boot brushes are available for purchase at the Trailhead visitor center in Avalon.
Interns for the invasive plant program fighting the invasive invasion
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Conservation
g the Nest
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ald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) once again soar in the skies above Catalina Island. In 2019, nine chicks hatched and grew to young adulthood on the Island before taking flight. The species wasn’t always thriving. From 1947 to 1970, approximately five million pounds of the pesticide DDT was leaked into the ocean off the Palos Verdes Peninsula. As eagles ate the contaminated fish, the shells of their eggs became porous and unviable.
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In 1980, Catalina Island Conservancy partnered with the Institute for Wildlife Studies (IWS) in an effort to reintroduce bald eagles to Catalina Island. This consisted of bringing birds back to the Island, replacing their eggs with false ones to protect the fragile orbs from being crushed and artificially incubating the real eggs off site. After the chicks hatched offsite, they were brought back to the Island and placed in nests to continue to mature. Accessing these remote nests isn’t for the faint of heart, with some only accessible via helicopter.
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Until as recently as 2007, bald eagle populations were still in trouble on Catalina Island. With human help, their populations have rebounded and, as of 2009, all nests have been left once again to natural hatching and incubation. Catalina Island Conservancy has worked over the years in partnership with IWS to make this success story possible. IWS continues to band eaglets at approximately two months old with both a federal bird band and the Bald Eagle Restoration Project band. There are now eight pairs of bald eagles that call Catalina Island home, seven of which successfully hatched eaglets in 2019.
Other Channel Islands also saw breeding success Santa Rosa Island: 1 Chick San Clemente Island: 2 Chicks Anacapa Island: 2 Chicks Santa Cruz Island: 10 Chicks
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EDUCATION
Catalina Naturalist Excursions ON DEMAND T
he Conservancy’s popular Naturalist training series continues to grow, offering options for you to expand your knowledge of the Island. There are three levels of instruction, Naturalist Training 1, 2 and 3. After completing the free, two-hour, classroom-based Naturalist 1 Training, many Island enthusiasts want to further their knowledge of the natural and cultural history of Catalina with an all-day excursion into the wildlands for Naturalist 2 Training. In addition to these monthly trainings offered the last Wednesday of most months, we are pleased to now provide topic-focused excursions to learning organizations upon request. Groups with a shared mission, such as an education or science related group, can reach out to
the Conservancy's education department to schedule a private Naturalist 2 Training. Whether for team building or for further education, our goal is to make sure that we’re providing enriching experiences into Catalina’s wildlands for our learning partners. “These private Naturalist 2 Trainings are great because I can schedule our stops to emphasize the topic the group is interested in,” said education interpretation & outreach specialist Hillary Holt. “We stay on the same loop, but for a group like California Native Plant Society we’re able to budget more time for the Ackerman Native Plant Nursery.” Scheduled chartered groups include the Palos Verdes Land Conservancy, San Diego State Association of Women in Geosciences, and the
California Native Plant Society – among others. Naturalist 2 Training explores the geology, botany and hydrology of the Island; visits prehistoric and historic cultural sites; and offers an overview of the Conservancy’s current land and wildlife management programs. Working through a course workbook throughout the training ties together the ecological history of Catalina. If you have an education or science-oriented group that would like to schedule a Naturalist 2 Training, contact Hillary Holt at hholt@catalinaconservancy.org today. Visit us online at CatalinaConservancy.org for more information on monthly Naturalist Trainings currently available.
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EDUCATION
Catalina Educator Symposium E
ducators across the Island came together on October 23rd for the Conservancy's Catalina Educator Symposium. More than 30 education thought leaders gathered at the Trailhead for the opportunity to network and collaborate about connecting with learners of all ages and to share the beauty and uniqueness of the Island through experiential learning. Sarah Marcotte, public engagement specialist, NASA’s Mars Exploration Program, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, kicked off the program with an inspiring keynote address detailing the public engagement pathway they use for effective communication. Three other speaker sessions tackled how to measure your impact, taking idea to action and creating successful partnerships. Catalina Island Conservancy's Director of Education, Dr. Leah Melber, spoke about incorporating evaluation as an important means of measuring program impact.
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Hillary Holt, Catalina Island Conservancy Interpretation and Outreach Specialist, discussed many of the Conservancy’s programs, including Families in Nature,
Course Catalina and NatureWorks. Facilities for deeper learning, such as the Conservancy Nature Center in Avalon Canyon and Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, provide more opportunities for hands-on learning, and interpretive displays at Airport in the Sky and the Trailhead engage visitors at popular stops. Tony Budrovich, Conservancy President and CEO, shared his long term perspective on education and reaffirmed the Conservancy’s ongoing commitment to education programming. The educators agreed that Catalina is a unique, amazing place for sparking a love of science and nature, with many programs working to inspire change on both a global and individual scale. “The 2019 Catalina Educator Symposium was a fantastic opportunity for educators from around the Island to have a full day to connect, share best practices and even plan for future collaborations,” said Melber. “While meetings like this are incredibly beneficial to our individual organizations, it’s really those who take part in our programs - who come to Catalina to camp, learn, explore, and recreate - that ultimately benefit from these learning exchanges.”
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EDUCATION
LESSONS FROM ISLAND ELDERS
In 2019, the Conservancy’s education department developed a unique, immersive experience for Avalon School’s third and fifth graders to learn traditional ecological knowledge. To prepare, Conservancy staff first conducted a lesson on the how the Island has been managed from the time of the first Californians to the present day. The students were introduced to special guest instructors who would bring the practices of the Tongva, the Island's first peoples, to life. Tongvan descendant, Craig Torres, and Purépecha descendant, Abe Sanchez, spoke to the students and shared some of their ancestral practices. Craig Torres is a captivating storyteller who shares the Tongva culture with groups young and old through work with schools, cultural and nature centers, museums, and city and state government agencies. The central theme of his message to the Catalina students was reciprocity. He reminded students that nature is not a separate thing from people. Torres taught the class that, in fact, there is no word for ‘nature’ in his language. Giving it a name implies it is separate from us; rather, we all have one mother Earth that provides for us who, in turn, we need to respect. The Nature, as he referred to it for the students, is the lifeblood of food, water, and shelter. Torres explained the cultural importance of soapstone and how it was a main source of trade for the early inhabitants of Catalina Island. Soapstone was used to make bowls due its uniquely high talc content, which allows it to be heated and cooled without cracking. Though primarily used to make bowls, Torres reminded the students that it is important to generate little to no waste. Therefore, any parts of the soapstone rock not used to make bowls were utilized to create effigies, pendants or jewelry. The class then learned how to make their own soapstone pendants, to keep as a reminder of the lesson. Abe Sanchez is a master basket weaver who teaches basketry at a variety of locations such as the Fullerton Arboretum and the Tree of Life Nursery. Sanchez explained to the students that even the most intricate baskets begin with a simple method of creating cordage, which can be used to make anything from an elaborate basket to fine fishing line to clothing. The students were surprised to learn that in the past, children their age learned the cordage methods and were responsible for creating baskets, clothes, fishing line, and other items for their families. After learning a simple form of cordage, the students used the cord they made to turn their soapstone pendants into a necklace. These lessons on reciprocity provided the students with a window into the lives of early Californians and the importance of continuing to learn from their teachings today.
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recreation
GROUPS WELCOME From spring breakers to scout troops to corporate outings, groups of nature enthusiasts frequently come to Catalina to give back. Each spring, college students come to the Island as an alternative to the traditional spring break. These trips incorporate environmental and social causes. Alternative spring break groups have included students like those from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, who worked to maintain endemic Channel Island scrub oak (Quercus pacifica) that were planted after the fire in 2007, as well as endemic Catalina ironwoods (Lyonothamnus floribundus subsp. floribundus), Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) and Catalina cherry (Prunus ilicifolia subsp. lyonii), all planted in the last three years. Also in 2019, volunteers from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio helped tear down a 50-foot section of broken fence by pulling out posts and cutting the old fence off. They replaced fencing by pounding new posts, reattaching all of the wire and putting up new ‘deerbuster’ fencing. After a rewarding first-time experience, many of the school groups return again and again in subsequent years.
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Corporations host team-building retreats on Catalina Island, enjoying the opportunity to get into the outdoors,
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work as a cohesive team, and create an awareness of Island ecology and conservation issues. Specialized medical and rehabilitative care company Casa Colina helped with beach cleanup at Shark Harbor last year, with individuals and their aides also enjoying the nearby tide pools. Armanino Foundation also traveled to the Island to assist with Island maintenance and removing non-native plants, which out-compete endemic plants for light, nutrients, space and water. These volunteer trips typically last between three and seven days, with participants cooperatively tackling a wide variety of essential projects. Activities are curated and can be adapted to almost any age range, time of year, interests and abilities. Groups that volunteer multiple days have the opportunity to stay at one of the Conservancy’s volunteer camps, enjoying free lodging and transportation to and from volunteer sites.
YEAR-ROUND OPPORTUNITIES Catalina Island Conservancy has great opportunities for travelers and locals who would like to volunteer. Each Thursday, depending on driver availability, the Conservancy offers volunteering at the Ackerman Native Plant Nursery. Volunteers are picked up in Avalon on Thursday mornings and driven to the nursery at Middle
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Ranch in the Island’s interior. Volunteers work on a variety of horticultural tasks depending on needs, from sowing seeds and watering to going out into the field weeding, transplanting and taking care of the many newly-planted trees. In addition to volunteering at the Native Plant Nursery, the Conservancy hosts a beach cleanup at one of the Island’s remote beaches on the second Saturday of each month. Volunteer opportunities in Avalon also include becoming a docent at the Trailhead visitor center. These helpers assist visitors with questions about everything from hiking and biking to Eco Tours. There are also large, annual events that people plan trips around in order to volunteer, including the Catalina Island Marathon, Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show and the Catalina Island Conservancy Ball. At the Conservancy Ball, volunteers help with various tasks including ballroom set-up, giving directional assistance, checking in and escorting guests to their seats, and assisting with the live and silent auctions. With 42,000 acres to protect, the Conservancy is tasked with a monumental responsibility. Community members and those who love the Island make an enormous impact when they give back by volunteering their time. They truly help forward the Conservancy’s mission to be a responsible steward of our lands through a balance of conservation, education and recreation.
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Volunteers stay at one of two volunteer camps: Laura Stein Volunteer Camp with canvas-sided tents, five miles west of Avalon near Haypress Reservoir; and Blackjack Volunteer Camp, composed of four 20-person tents which are named after endemic plants and nestled among evergreen trees further in the interior of the Island. Both have easy access to food preparation spaces and restroom facilities.
For more information about volunteering on Catalina, contact volunteer coordinator Lesly Lieberman at LLieberman@catalinaconservancy.org or 310.510.2595 x112.
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! Y O H recreation
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After joining Balboa Yacht Club in 1987, Michael raced Lido 14s, an Olson 30 and also crewed during various races. Currently, he sails a Jeanneau 40 sailing sloop, Pura Vida. When he’s off the boat, but still in the water, Michael is an avid paddler. He’s paddled in numerous prone paddle board competitions including the race from Two Harbors to the mainland – twice!
When it comes to Catalina, however, Michael’s love goes beyond the water. He’s hiked the length of the Island four times and has participated in the annual BZ Jones hike all but once since its founding in 2009. Biking in the wildlands is another favorite hobby, where permitted, and he’s traversed the Island several times on two wheels.
Michael Toerge: New Marineros Board President The Catalina Marineros, a Conservancy member support group, can often be found sailing their own vessels to and around Catalina. This group, which includes boaters and people who enjoy the ocean, holds events that blend boating and hiking to provide unique experiences on Catalina. The first time that new Marineros Board President, Michael Toerge, came to Catalina was in 1968, when he was 12 years old. He flew over on a seaplane that landed in the water in Avalon. His love for sailing grew and in 1983, he captained a private sailing yacht throughout the Caribbean.
“I encourage all boaters who visit Catalina to join the Marineros," Toerge said. "It is anyone’s guess what Catalina would look like today if it were not for the Catalina Island Conservancy, but I’m fairly certain it would not be as welcoming to visiting yachters and tourists as it is today," Marineros past board president, Brad Avery, passed the torch after a very successful tenure. Brad helped rebuild the Marineros, including playing an instrumental role in starting the Thad and BZ Jones Hikes. The Conservancy recently awarded Brad the Catalina Island Conservancy Marineros Maritime Service Award for his continued commitment to the organization’s mission.
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Recreation
Photography Member Hike
At Sunset February 15, a group of O nintrepid hiking and photography
enthusiasts set out to trek from East Summit to the Lone Tree shade structure. They brought all manner of equipment, from phones to DSLRs – some even carried tripods. The event combined a love for adventuring into the wildlands with a passion for capturing unique images.
Catalina Island local and professional photographer Ernie Rodriguez was on hand to provide guidance. As a former Eco Tour driver and current Conservancy Ranger, his knowledge of both photography and Catalina Island provided for an incredible combination as he instructed the group of more than 25 participants. “I want to inspire people to go beyond where they see themselves to be,” said Rodriguez. “You want to push people beyond their own self-boundaries.” He explained the six different lights of nature, how color plays into a picture and basic elements of composition.
During a couple of stops and along the way, hikers took photos and received real-time feedback from the pro. Rodriguez gave many useful tips throughout the event, but one of the most memorable was "once you’ve taken your picture, look over your shoulder. There may be an even better view behind you.” At the Lone Tree shade structure, hikers enjoyed refreshments while watching the sunset paint the sky fiery shades of orange. Guided by lantern light, the trekkers made their way back just as the stars began to emerge. Participants in the Conservancy Photo Hike submitted their best images for review. Everyone’s photos turned out incredible, capturing memories of a fantastic evening. Three favorites are included below. Well done and thank you to all who joined us and submitted photos using #cicphotohike! For more information about attending member events such as this one, visit CatalinaConservancy.org/ MemberAdventures.
Photo by Lex Williman
15 Photo by Steve Gausewitz
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Photo by Earlene Marron
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recreation
Community Science
with iNaturalist
Before you embark on your next adventure into the wildlands of Catalina Island, download the iNaturalist app and join the community as an amateur naturalist. The iNaturalist app, which is a joint initiative of the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society, allows the public to record, identify and learn more about any plants and animals encountered on Catalina Island or around the world. Using just the technology on your phone, you can take high-quality, georeferenced,
timestamped photos of your observations. Then, connect with other naturalists on the app to crowdsource identifications, discuss your findings and further your nature knowledge. Community science, or scientific research conducted by amateur, recreational naturalists, creates useful data that gives scientists and land managers insight into when and where organisms occur. More than 12,000 observations of more than 1,500 species have already been recorded on Catalina Island. Help us see wild Catalina through your eyes. Head to iNaturalist.org or download the app today and start contributing to the Conservancy’s mission to connect conservation, education and recreation!
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2020 Avalon Casino Ballroom, Catalina Island
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see you at the ball - it's written in the stars!
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REMEMBERING NELSON Nelson and Mimi Jones
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ast May, Catalina Island lost a dear friend and passionate Conservancy advocate. Nelson Jones Sr. passed away May 19, 2019, at the age of 88. Nelson, along with his brothers, the late Thad and Graham “BZ” Jones, had a long history with both Catalina Island and Catalina Island Conservancy. Renowned sailors Thad and BZ attended the Catalina Island School for Boys at Toyon Bay (which relocated to the mainland following America’s entry into World War II before closing). BZ was a founding member of the Conservancy’s Marineros, the first Conservancy support group which was formed by and for the boating community. Thad was one of the first people to map out and complete a Cross-Catalina hike on May 26, 1956, long before the Trans-Catalina Trail existed.
JONES the same weekend at the BZ event. Participants of the Thad Jones portion trek 30 miles from Emerald Bay to Avalon over two days, camping overnight at Little Harbor, one of the Conservancy’s most scenic campgrounds. All three Jones brothers had a deep love for Catalina and were ardent supporters of the Island and the Conservancy. They instilled a love of the Island in their families, as well, with many family members from around the country traveling to the Island to take part in the yearly trek.
Nelson and his wife, Mimi, loved bringing their boat to the Island and coming to Conservancy events. “We loved Moonstone Cove and going ashore to do a little hiking,” said Mimi, of her time on Catalina with her late husband. “We knew other people who came over on their boats and it was always a fun outing.” According to Nelson's son, Nelson Jones Jr., his father's fondness for the Island only increased with time. “He just loved going over to Catalina and never stopped talking about it,” Nelson Jones Jr. said. “All three of them [Nelson, Thad, and BZ] really thrived on that Island. It was a big part of their lives.”
Brothers Thad, BZ and Nelson Jones
In remembrance of the family’s longstanding legacy of volunteering and support, the Conservancy hosts a popular hiking event in the Jones’ honor. The annual BZ Jones hike crosses the Island from the windward to the leeward side via a variety of 9-12 mile routes. Every other year, the Thad Jones Hike takes place on
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staff updates
The Catalina Island Conservancy team, which amounts to just less than 100 staff, works diligently to protect and preserve the Island and uphold the Conservancy's mission.
After working on the mainland as an environmental consultant, an opportunity arose to work on waterrelated projects on Catalina Island.
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Laura Minuto has a long relationship with Catalina. Her family would sail to the Island from San Diego to spend summer vacations at the Isthmus and visiting Avalon. She developed an early interest in sustainability, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Earth Sciences from University of California, Santa Cruz and a Master’s degree in Hydrologic Sciences from University of California, Davis.
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Laura thrived on Catalina, volunteering as a firefighter for Los Angeles County Fire Department and quickly became part of the local community. She had been working as a subcontractor for different companies on the Island when she started looking into permanent employment with the Conservancy. “The Conservancy was, and is, perfect for me,” she added. “The mission and goals really align with my views and offer opportunities to work on a wide variety of projects.” She began with the organization as GIS program manager, developing and implementing the Geographic
Information System program to support Conservancy projects across all departments. Several years into the role, Laura decided to pivot and serve the Island as a Conservancy ranger. Combined, these positions helped her develop a deep knowledge of both the Conservancy and the Island itself, uniquely qualifying her to become conservation operations director in October 2019. Laura feels that “having strong relationships with staff and with other stakeholders in the community, and understanding how all of those pieces fit together, is critically important.” She believes that her diverse background and long standing relationship with the Island has positioned her well to provide support for the Conservation team.
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staff updates
“I liked the Conservancy as a whole and the mission,” he said. “My wife, Linda, worked here before I did, and I got involved through her and going out on the weekends enjoying the interior of the Island.”
Lenny Altherr has been instrumental in the Conservancy for more than 21 years. He began working for the organization in October 1998, taking over the facilities management operations at Middle Ranch. Throughout the years, his responsibilities increased to include managing the ranger
When Lenny joined the Conservancy, there were just 28 employees. As the Conservancy has grown, so has Catalina Island’s popularity as a tourist destination. “There are more people on the landscape now, definitely, and we have a trail system that is able to support that increase,” he said. “I think the organization has, as a whole, made the Island better,
and government officials. In her service to the Conservancy, Cynthia saw the company grow in several areas including the number of staff and financial sustainability.
Cynthia Fogg joined Catalina Island Conservancy nearly 12 years ago, diligently working to assist the president and CEO, and serving as the primary liaison with the board of directors, benefactor members
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The project she is most proud to have been a part of during her time with the Conservancy is Airport in the Sky’s runway repair project at ACE Clearwater Airfield. As Government Liason, Cynthia was a key point of contact between government, military leaders and the Conservancy. “I just loved that project because I felt it was so good for the
FAREWELL
department, construction and trails.
especially with trying to get younger people out into the wildlands with the education department and working with camps.” He played an integral role in both the construction of the Trailhead visitor center and ensuring its designation as the first LEED Goldcertified building on the Island, as well as Airport in the Sky’s runway repair project. Lenny also recalls the unforgettable experience of rehoming several hundred bison to the Lakota Sioux reservation in South Dakota. The Conservancy is deeply appreciative of Lenny's work and dedication over the years and wishes him a well-deserved, happy
organization in that the airport runway was repaired, but it was also good for the country in training the Marines,” she said. “It isn’t often that we get to do something that has that broad of an impact.” Cynthia appreciated many unique aspects of the Conservancy, but especially the ongoing involvement of the Wrigley family in the leadership of the organization. Cynthia has been an invaluable member of the Catalina Island Conservancy team. We wish her all the best in all of her future endeavors.
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C
atalina played a prominent role in the emotional legacy left behind by Terry Grill’s grandparents and parents. Her grandparents spent their honeymoon at the Hotel St. Catherine in 1924, coming back to the Island often after the Casino was built to dance together to the sound of big band music. Her parents introduced her and her brother to one of their favorite weekend destinations via the water on their boats. She and her brother grew up sailing their Sabot around Catalina. The kindness that her grandparents showed to each other on the Island, and the curiosity of her father, first as a captain, then as a pilot that loved flying in to Airport in the Sky, left a lasting impression. Terry and her husband Larry spent their honeymoon circumnavigating the Island on the family boat, Allegro. To celebrate their first anniversary, her dad flew them – with their backpacks – to Airport in the Sky. They hiked to Avalon, then to the Isthmus where her parents picked them up on their boat. After living in San Francisco for 25 years, the Grills returned to Catalina to hike and to dance at the Casino. “When we returned to Catalina, we discovered that the goats and boar were gone and the eagles and foxes were back. Through these changes, we became aware of the work of the Catalina Island Conservancy,” said Terry, who now serves on the Conservancy’s board of directors. It didn’t take long after joining the board for her to decide that she needed to make Catalina Island part of her legacy by becoming a member of the Legacy Society. “I was thinking about what legacy is and my definition – certainly it’s financial – but really it is
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sharing what you’ve learned, what you value and to provide for the spread of that knowledge into the future,” she said. It has always been important to her and Larry to make a lasting and meaningful contribution to humanity. “We feel strongly about ethics and responsibility, science and business, and along with that goes stewardship,” she added. “It’s important to be a steward and not just a user, not just someone who takes.” “That’s why we put the Conservancy in our estate plan, because we really think that future generations have to appreciate this Island and continue to be stewards. It needs to be part of what they experience growing up,” she said. “For some people maybe it’s hard to think about leaving your estate, but once you figure out that it’s inevitable and the point is to live as fully and as long as you can, then it becomes a question of what are you going to leave behind.” For the Grills, that means a legacy that represents their core values and passion for contributing to make the world a better place. By sharing their love of Catalina Island, and remembering the Conservancy in their estate plans, Legacy Society members help the long-term stability of the Conservancy to ensure protection of Catalina well into the future. Your legacy gift also helps provide ways for you to manage your assets and pass on your values like Terry and Larry have done. To learn more about planning legacy gifts to benefit the Conservancy, contact Suzy Gardner at 562.437.8555 x1228 or visit CatalinaConservancy.org.
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Listing includes annual support from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019, exclusive of auction items donated to or purchased at the Conservancy Ball and Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show. Excludes gifts made to the IMAGINE CATALINA and Airport Runway Project campaigns. Gifts listed in descending order of amount.
$100,000 and Above Anonymous Steve and Pat Chazen Offield Family Foundation Blanny Avalon Hagenah Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation $50,000 - $99,999 The Rose Hills Foundation Corinne Monroe Trust Scott and Tammie Stuart James H. Ackerman Family and Evalyn M. Bauer Foundation Victoria and Dorn Dean Mervin Moore and Dana Stuart-Moore Marathon Petroleum Foundation Phil and Susan Hagenah Roger and Sarah Chrisman $25,000 - $49,999 Maria Pellegrini Geoffrey Claflin and Alison Wrigley Rusack Catalina Island Company Mike and Gloria Sullivan James O. and Mary O. Buckingham Harold McAlister Charitable Foundation Lillian Olander Trust The Boone Foundation Donald Slavik Family Foundation John and Cindy Cotton Southern California Edison Gary and Kellie Johnson Donald Slavik Family Foundation Tricia and Will Hagenah A.G. Cox Charity Trust Trevor and Melissa Fetter
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$10,000 - $24,999 Capital Group Randy and K.C. Boelsems Estate of Pamela Albers Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture Shaun and Katy Tucker
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Bob and Mai Breech Helen Atwater Rich The Elliott Family Foundation Erickson Family Charitable Foundation Western Los Angeles County Council, Boy Scouts of America Guided Discoveries Jack and Shirley Herron Roger Lang and Lisa Lenard John and Dana Hagenah The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation Earl B. Gilmore Foundation The Hexberg Family Foundation The Seaver Institute Ecolab Foundation David and Elise Swain Adrianne G. Geiger-DuMond, Ph.D. Doug and Judy Levi Frank and Joann Randall Gardner Grout Foundation Clay Lacy James and Deena Warmington, Jr. Julie Ann Wrigley Philip and Maureen Ramer Scott and Sue Redsun The Louis and Gladyce Foster Family Foundation $5,000 - $9,999 Lynne Brickner and Gerald Gallard MATT Construction REI Patrick and Mari McAlister Robert Slobe and Kimberly Mueller Greater Los Angeles Area Council, Boy Scouts of America Steve and Katie High Zegar Family Fund Geraldine Knatz and John Mulvey James and Sally McClure Avalon Environmental Services Greg and Tish Laemmle Diane Wilkinson
Crevier Family Fund Los Angeles County Fourth District Supervisor, Janice Hahn James and Diane Connelly Larry and Terry Grill Johnny Carson Foundation Hank and Diane Hilty Bluewater Grill Connolly-Pacific Co. Donald L. Schoellerman Gary and Sandra Hill James W. and Anne D. Johnson Family Foundation Jordahl Construction Rocky and Julie Dixon Robert and Sharon Coors Stephen and Ann Hinchliffe Thomas and Dana Jacobs U.S. Bank $2,500 - $4,999 Catalina Island Yacht Club Foundation James and Carol Schmidt Friends of the Island Fox, Inc. San Diego Yacht Club Steve and Stephanie Hathaway Drew and Jane Lanza Andrew and Gaye Saxon William T. and Susana D. Huston Family Foundation Christian G. Spenker Thornton S. Glide, Jr. and Katrina D. Glide Foundation The Catalina Cowboy Heritage Foundation Georges and Patricia Wiese McCormick David and Jeanne Albus Roger and Sandy De Young Kevin and Renee MacLeod Tom and Gerda Sparks David and Andi Culbertson Nancy Katayama Patty Hathaway Ryan Family Charitable Foundation Tony and Claire Michaels Ben and Denise Carter Las Caballeras Brad and Karen Baker
Charlie and Suzanne Wright J and Sarah Barnes Deborah Richie-Bray Steve and Amanda Calhoun Richard Woodward Balboa Yacht Club Thomas and Anita Petersen Janice Rutherford Hinds Quentin and Barbara Wall Merl and Luz Seastrom Alex and Janet Boggs Aon Risk Solutions Bill Choi Rodriguez, Horii, Choi & Cafferata LLP Brian Bissell, The Confidence Foundation David and Kathleen Renton David and Virginia Taylor Dennis Jenkins Tim and Sheila Collins Don and Caroline Baker Gary and Sonja Gray G.T. and Shannon Frost Graham Tingler Henry and Frances Workman, Jr. J.K. and Robin Leason Jessica Hibbs John and Barbara Anglin Lou and Kyria Waugaman Lucile and Uwe Arendt Michael and Susan Roffina Mutual of America Philip and Holly Shuluk Richard and Becca Waycott Robert Voit Ron and Cheryl Roberts Ruth Caryl Blair Stephen and Barbara Barnard Steve and Ronna Schreiner T.C. Collins and Associates Todd and Tatiana James $1,000 - $2,499 Stephen Paljieg and Denise Archambault Brett Barnard Calen and Amber Offield Campbell Hall School Kleiner Cohen Foundation
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Robert and Linda Grimm Walter Larkin and Susan Clare Curt and Alita Rethmeyer Misdee Wrigley and James Mather Miller David and Nina Flinn Austin Rusack Trent and Linda Anderson Zach and Amelia Erickson Robert and Julie Woolley Mike Cassidy and Cinde MacGugan-Cassidy Jeanne Beesley and Andrew Tao Kevin Leonard Lee Harrison Michael Silvey Robert's Home Audio & Video, Inc. Roy Rose Steven and Linda Glanville Wayne and Susan Nelson Karl and Cheryl Kimme Smog City Bewing Co. LLC Michael Baker International Moffatt & Nichol Scott and Sharon Gorelczenko Bill and Cindy Holman Curtis and Michelle Drever John and Kimberly Bibb Rick and Wendy Harp AAA Oil, Inc. Mecoy Communications Fuscoe Engineering Terry and Debbie Maddox Steve and Lauren Tabor Daniel Flynn and Emily Vogler Terry Causey The Dubois Family Charitable Fund Stephen De Kanter Andrew and Karen Hewitt Roxanne Wilson Rebecca Younekian Allison and Robert Price Family Foundation Brad and Sue Kelly Charlene Bolton Dale and Elena Stucker David Garrett Del Rey Yacht Club Dennis and Peggy Moran
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Elizabeth Moore Forrest Worthy McCartney Frederic and Lucille Ripley James and Joyce Brown Jesus Fuentes David Lindquist and Karen Bohan Howard and Jeanne Tuttle Larry and Jean Tistaert Lee and Theresa Hennis Matthew White Michael and Antonia Massie Mike and Linda Rivkin Nelson and Mimi Jones Rhon Linn Williams Robb Walker Silent Partner Grant Stephen Henry and Rudy Oclaray The Gordon and Ruth Dougherty Foundation Tim and Wendy Greenleaf Tod and Linda White William and Kathleen Mudd $500 - $999 Skip and Deborah Hudson David and Rose Ellen Gardner Morrie and Carol Kirk Kyle Beatty and Charlene Marquez John Shultz Edward and Mikelle Watson Eric and Melisa Bozza Eric West Bill Semanek and Gwyneth Collom Lawrence and Susan Twomey Marc and Lynn Acosta Rick Ingold and Dean Kiser Robert and Brigitte Jennison Tracey Kenney Michael and Therese Hotvedt Sharon and Doug Stewart HUB International Catalina Flying Boats James and Lynn Coulter Betty and Ralph Ketchum Sam Kent Carlos and Lisa Siderman Laurie Luitweiler Michelle Cyganik Catalina Island Museum
Ben Abrams and Mary Jo Negle Cassandra Brigham Marianne Horn Andrew Hoover Andrew Kilgore and Rebekah Bergstrom Carrie Voorhis Ed and Audrey Jessup Jeffrey Fox Joe and Paula Ciaramitaro Leslie Bene and Michael Cubbin Newman Arndt Ritch and Kathleen Haynes Andrew and Diane Jessup Steven Myles and Cecilia Samartin Bruce and Lisa Gelker Terry and Paulette Chapman Todd and Jean Walker Van and Melissa Whiting Tony and Noelle Budrovich Jennifer Sander Hans and Dianne Bozler Linda Salo Paul and Polly Stemler Thomas and Nancy Mooers Mary Huston Minda Chaplin Mary Jo Winkelmann Christy Lins David and Michele Wilson Catalina Express, Inc. David and Ginger Obenauer Anna Maria Matteucci Anne Laguzza Barbara Wieland Barry and Sharla Boehm Carol Reynolds Cathy Fox Christopher Mayne Clifford Russell Cliff Hague Daniel Rees Donna Casey Elizabeth Steele Holden Eric Ross and Nicole MacNeel Garrett and Sarah Shumway George and Lurline Twist Gerald and Denise Motter Girl Scout Troop 50886 Gordon Barienbrock Gregory Njoes
Gregory and Glenda Vanni Joe and Annette Oltmans John and Nancy Celick John and Cyndi Ganahl Juan Blanco John and Laurie Romanak Mark and Susan Hillgren Martin Soltis John and Michelle Katnik Otten Foundation Paul and Jackie Neil Peter LaDow Peter and Cathy Savage Rick Staunton Robert and Nicole Hammond Steven Rocha Tracy Ewens Western Bat Working Group Willis and Judith Longyear
Photo Credits: Cover photo: Jack Baldelli; Pg. 2: Steve Tabor; Pg. 3: (top to bottom, left to right) Jack Baldelli, Catalina Island Conservancy, Ernie Rodriguez, Ernie Rodriguez, provided by Terry Grill; Pg. 4: Jack Baldelli; Pg. 5: Sarah Barney (both); Pg. 6-7: Benjamin Dion (all); Pg. 8: Ann Muscat (left), Catalina Island Conservancy; Pg. 9: Jessica Boudevin; Pg. 10: Jessica Boudevin, Catalina Island Conservancy; Pg. 11: Makenzie Adkins; Pg. 12-13: (left to right, top to bottom)Catalina Island Conservancy, Monica Tydlaska, Becky Rudy, Monica Tydlaska, Catalina Island Conservancy, Lesly Lieberman ; Pg. 14; Jes Stackhausen; Pg. 15: Ernie Rodriguez (top), Jessica Boudevin (two middle); Pg.16: (top to bottom) Benjamin Dion, Marc Muench, Jack Baldelli; Pg. 17: Photos provided by Nelson Jones III; Pg. 18: Ernie Rodriguez; Pg. 19: Steve Tabor (both); Pg. 20: Photos provided by Terry Grill; Pg. 23: Ernie Rodriguez; Pg. 24: Shana Cassidy, Robb Rosenfeld
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NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID SANTA ANA, CA PERMIT NO. 949
Conservation. Education. Recreation. P.O. Box 2739 Avalon, CA 90704
CONSERVANCY CALENDAR Catalina Island Marathon Enjoy spectacular views while you run through the wildlands of Catalina Island! Conservancy Members receive a discount on registration. For more information please visit RunCatalina.com.
Thad & BZ Jones Hikes Enjoy spectacular views while you run through the wildlands of Catalina Island! Conservancy Members receive a discount on registration. For more information please visit CatalinaConservancy.org.
Join us in our mission! 2002225 OCDM.pdf
Tongva Cultural Member Hike Explore trails within the wildlands while learning about the Island's cultural history from Education Specialist Hillary Holt and Special Guests. Learn more about member events at catalinaconservancy.org/ memberadventures.
SEPTEMBER
MARCH
MARCH
FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO CATALINACONSERVANCY.ORG OR CALL 562-437-8555
APRIL
25th Annual Catalina Island Conservancy Ball Join us for one of the biggest events of the year on Catalina Island. The 25th Annual Conservancy Ball, "Under the Stars," promises to be another exciting and elegant evening of dining, dancing and fun benefitting the Conservancy. For more information, visit CatalinaConservancy.org/ball or call 562.437.8555 x1239.
@CatalinaConservancy
Catalina Island Symposium Join Conservancy biologists, educators and invited researchers and scientists for discussions of Catalina Island natural history and scientific discoveries at this annual, day-long series of presentations. OCTOBER
@CatalinaConservancy
10th Annual Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show This year's show at Newport Harbor Yacht Club features 11 nationallyacclaimed plein air artists who will display their interpretations of Catalina's rugged wildlands and scenic beauty. Proceeds from the sale of these unique paintings support the Conservancy's mission of conservation, education and recreation. OCTOBER
@CIConservancy
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