Page - 12
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.
12
Corporations host team-building retreats on Catalina Island, enjoying the opportunity to get into the outdoors,
2002225 OCDM.pdf
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
March 3, 2020, 15:23:48
