FALL 2020
CATALINA ISLAND
PLEIN AIR On Catalina Island Page 4
from our president
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 a nature center. 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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rare plant species (Pentachaeta lyonii – pg. 17) and the detection of a new bat species on the Island (pg. 16). Our Education team created new online resources and has worked diligently to adapt key offerings to a virtual format. Abundant opportunities for recreation remain, with precautionary safety protocols. Navigating our mission, to be a responsible steward of our lands, during this new COVID-19 reality has been a journey and a learning process. We appreciate your patience during this unprecedented time. Through the challenges, our focus has remained foremost on the safety of our team and visitors and on continuing to balance conservation, education and recreation. Conservation work, including surveying and brush clearance to reduce fire risk, continued with staff donning appropriate personal protective equipment. In a true silver lining sort of way, these efforts led to the discovery of a new population of 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
You are the Conservancy’s greatest strength, and we are taking every precaution to protect you. If you haven’t been to the Island yet this summer, please come visit. The Trailhead is open, Eco Tours are running and hiking and camping await. We hope to see you on the Island soon!
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 GRAPHIC DESIGN Amy Fernandez
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
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Fall 2020
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Plein Air on Catalina Island
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Art Show Goes Online
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Consistently Catalina
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California Naturalist Program
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Nature Journal Kits Inspire
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Explore Packs Launch Catalina Island Foxes Thriving
16 New Bat Species Detected
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Your New Catalina Experience
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Spotlight: Lyon's Pygmy daisy Generations of Adventure
We Miss our Campers
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.
JOIN TODAY! CatalinaConservancy.org | 562.437.8555 x1224
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RECREATION
Plein Air ON CATALINA ISLAND
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atalina Island has long held a special place in the hearts of all – and artists are no exception. Many impressionists flocked to California in the 1890s. Impressionists painted outdoors among the landscape and the elements, or en plein air. Artists converged on the unspoiled lands of Catalina and the quaint town of Avalon.
Many artists captured the history of the Island on canvas. John Gutzon Borglum painted the iconic stagecoach scene in 1889, Staging in California, which was purchased by Hancock Banning and put on display in the Metropole. William Lees Judson painted on Catalina Island throughout the mid 1890s, even bringing a group of painting students with him in 1895. Frank William Cuprien, one of the founders of the Laguna Beach Art Association, lived on Catalina for about six months. A prominent member of the Pasadena art community, Alson Skinner Clark, painted many notable pieces on Catalina Island in 1924. His painting, Catalina, presented a lovely view of
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Avalon Harbor, and was one of the winners of the Huntington Prize given by the California Art Club during their exhibition. However, by the end of the 1920s, the tide had started to shift away from plein air painting. The art form saw a resurgence in the 1980s, when local Southern California artist Denise Burns invited plein air artists to paint in Avalon, resulting in the first Catalina show featuring approximately 20 artists. Subsequently, the Plein Air Painters of America (PAPA) was formed, with annual events on the Island over the next few years. The Society for the Advancement of Plein Air Painting ran the Catalina show beginning in 1996, and Catalina Island Conservancy began the plein air event Catalina: The Wild Side in 2010. “I am honored to be part of the tradition of plein air painting on Catalina, a tradition that spans the late 1800s from the Early California Impressionists to the Plein Air Painters of America in the 1980s and 90s, to the contemporary artists of today,” said artist Kim Lordier.
Artists on Catalina belong to “a lineage of painters exploring and cataloging the changes of Catalina over a century.” Kim first traveled to Catalina in 2013 to paint for Catalina: The Wild Side. On that trip, experiencing the breathtaking nature of the Island for the first time, she “realized that this glorious Island is meant to be shared with loved ones.” According to artist John Budicin, “the interior is like going back to old California before it was developed.” His favorite spots to paint include Shark Harbor, the Isthmus, Middle Ranch, and on the roads going to Emerald Bay. “It’s really pristine. To me it’s like going back in time. You can paint there all day and not be bothered.” Lordier also finds the Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show to be a special experience. “I love listening to the the stories of people who live on the Island. I love the opportunity to talk to the collectors and supporters of the Island, many of whom have generational ties with Catalina through the Conservancy, who share their love of the Island with me,” she said. “I love exploring the Island with fellow artists, horseback riders, photographers, rangers and those who believe in the importance of keeping the Island healthy. I am humbled to be a part of this experience." The artist roster for the tenth anniversary of Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show features ten renowned artists from around the country. Proceeds from the art show help fund the Conservancy’s conservation, education and recreation programs. Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show provides a chance for artists to use their talent to give back to a place that they love – a place that is part of their history.
The Conservancy's Trailhead visitor center features a rotating installation of plein air works. The pieces have recently been refreshed, with a focus on views from the interior. "Plein air paintings are not just beautiful and artistically inspiring, they also tell a scientific and historic story," said Conservancy Director of Education Leah Melber. “They capture nature in the moment as it occurs, providing opportunities for comparison and illustrating changes in habitat over time. "Our hope is that the installation will not only educate visitors about plein air art, but also inspire them to explore the interior of Catalina and everything that makes it such a special destination." The current installation features work from 13 artists, all of whom have been previously featured in the Conservancy's Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show.
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Year Anniversary
Benefitting
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Artists Cindy Baron John Budicin John Cosby Andy Evansen Paul Kratter
Kim Lordier Michael Obermeyer Colin Page Joe Paquet Ron Rencher
VIIP Access OCTOBER 24, 2020 Online Exhibition & Sale OCTOBER 25 - NOVEMBER 7, 2020 6
CatalinaConservancy CatalinaConservancy.org/WildSide
CONSISTENTLY
C ATA L I N A I
t has been quite a year so far. With the new reality of COVID-19 and what that has meant for gathering and travel, we have missed seeing you in the wildlands. Though it is impossible to determine an exact date that everything will ‘get back to normal,’ we are navigating a ‘new normal,’ with your help.
Many non-profits have struggled during this time, and the Conservancy has not been immune to this hardship. We made the difficult but necessary decision to furlough many of our team members. While we were able to bring back most staff and visitors are returning to the Island, we anticipate reduced funding well into 2021. Sadly, our largest annual fundraiser, the Conservancy Ball, was canceled this year and charitable giving has overall declined due to the global pandemic. Despite the financial challenges that this pandemic has brought to the Island and the Conservancy, the organization has persevered in our mission and embraced the opportunities for change. Conservation work and educational outreach adapted and continues and recreation has bounced back with appropriate safety modifications. Please consider Catalina Island Conservancy as you plan your end-of-year giving. This year, especially, your contribution will make all the difference. For more information or to make a donation, contact Suzy Gardner at 562.437.8555 x1228.
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YOUR NEW CATALINA EXPERIENCE We’re thrilled to have you back visiting the wildlands. Your health and safety, and that of our Catalina community, is our top priority. As such, we thank you for respecting the new protocols.
USING THE TRAILS
New hiking and biking safety guidelines are in place for your and others’ protection. While enjoying Island trails, please observe the Centers for Disease Control’s minimum social distancing recommendation, staying six feet away from others at all times. Share the trail, and be sure to alert others to your presence. Masks are required at trailheads, but hiking without a face mask is permitted except if you are within six feet of someone with whom you are not currently quarantining. Restrooms and potable water stations are open and accessible, and both Conservancy Rangers and LA County Baywatch remain on patrol across the Island. Please do not use the trails if you are experiencing any symptoms.
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EXPLORE THE WILDLANDS
Eco Tours are a great way to explore the wild side of Catalina Island! These traditional open-air, 4x4 vehicle tours are as exciting as ever, with a few modifications. In addition to enhanced cleaning protocols, all drivers and passengers must wear a mask or face covering at all times.
HEAD TO THE TRAILHEAD
Stop by the Conservancy’s Trailhead visitor center to hop on your Eco Tour, secure your hiking or biking permit, pick up a souvenir or just learn a bit more about the Island. In order to ensure public safety, all associates and customers must wear a mask or face covering at all times while inside the building. Occupancy will be limited for a safer and more private experience. In addition to our enhanced cleaning protocols, we ask that all visitors follow one-way directional signage and maintain social distancing while shopping. Thank you for your commitment to #RecreateResponsibly!
CATALINA AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Catalina Island Conservancy is committed to helping you stay in touch with nature – wherever you are! To that end, we have been busy creating new online resources and adapting favorite learning opportunities to a virtual environment. The Learning at Home page on our website features activity guides, group learning activities, instructions to create your own nature journal and video resources. Some activities include coloring pages, a spider web safari and a closer look at flowers and eggs. Instructions and resource guides for some programs are available in Spanish and English. There are also detailed, bilingual instructions on how to create your own Nature Journal using resources you may already have at home.
The popular Naturalist 1 training has also moved online, enabling you to become a Catalina insider from anywhere! You can now complete the first in the three-part Naturalist Training series by watching two informative videos and participating in a live, virtual meeting with our Education department. Become a steward of these incredible lands by starting your Naturalist journey today. There are also stewardship programs for youth. Through short reading sections, images of Catalina and its wildlife, engaging videos and activities, the Online Junior Naturalist course teaches young learners all about Catalina, from Island formation to how they can be present-day nature stewards.
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EDUCATION
Becoming a
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n May 29, Catalina Island Conservancy Interpretation and Outreach Specialist Hillary Holt watched this year’s class of California Naturalists present their Capstone Projects. This year’s program was different than previous iterations in that it was brought online for the first time. It ended the same way, with the Capstone presentations giving classmates a chance to ‘meet’ via Zoom. With 2020’s CalNat graduates, Catalina Island Conservancy has now certified 43 individuals as California Naturalists through the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources California Naturalist program. The UC ANR California Naturalist program was developed in 2012. Now, more than 45 partner organizations (including Catalina Island Conservancy) educate new advocates and nature enthusiasts as California naturalists. “Different organizations teach through the lens of their respective sites,” said Holt. “For instance, with the Catalina CalNat program, we add sections on Island biogeography and the Tongva.” Bringing the program online was an exciting development for the Conservancy. Previously, the course was offered in person as three-hour evening classes once a week. “There are so many people who love the Island that wouldn’t be able to make the commute for the standard class offering,” said Holt. “We’ve been lucky enough to certify many local, onIsland participants. It was great to open up the opportunity to a wider audience.” As originally planned, the certification would include a six-day immersion field school featuring Island-specific guest speakers and activities. Though the field school has been postponed due to the pandemic, participants were still able to complete all of the coursework and graduate as certified California naturalists.
about being a naturalist is community, and right now that’s what our planet and people need more than anything.” Taking the class online came with its own opportunities and challenges. CalNat was the first online course that author Lynette Brasfield had taken in more than 20 years. “The course being online appealed to me because I could learn without having to worry about a schedule and commute,” said the volunteer for Laguna Canyon Foundation. “I really enjoyed the videos and being able to think about them and respond – and being able to do it at my own pace. I could condense [the course] as much as I wanted and that gave me flexibility.” She took the course as a way to gain more knowledge and support her interest in the natural world. The final capstone project “brought things into focus because I’m a writer by profession and a novelist. I’m also fond of nature. I hadn’t thought how you could put the two together.” With her Tales from the Trails project, Brasfield explored how storytelling has the ability to aid with fact retention. Because the program focuses on California overall, as opposed to Catalina specifically, student projects covered a wide range of issues. For their final projects, the graduates focused on topics including creating resources for guided hikes and marine mammal watching, looking into sustainability, promoting volunteer opportunities, developing educational materials on biodiversity and more. Congratulations to the new California UC ANR California Naturalists.
“Being part of a naturalist community and being in contact with nature really helped get people through a difficult time,” she added. “So much
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EDUCATION
NATURE JOURNAL kits
Inspire M
aintaining a connection to nature is important for health and happiness. The Conservancy provided 100 Nature Journal kits to Avalon families to encourage kids to maintain a relationship with nature regardless of circumstances. Conservancy Education Department staff passed out kits in June as part of its Families in Nature program. “The kits practically flew away, they were so popular,” said Catalina Island Conservancy Environmental Education Specialist Cressita Bowman, who added that within a few hours, all of the kits had been claimed. Additional journals were provided for families with multiple children, serving an estimated 175 individual learners. The Nature Journal kits include the journal itself, tools like a hand lens to study wildlife, ruler, Catalina-specific bird and plant guides, and art supplies including pens, pencils, watercolor paints, crayons, colored pencils, markers and more. Additional supplies were provided to the City Summer Camp program, which the Conservancy is involved with through our Kids in Nature program.
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Lisa Lavelle, whose niece and nephew received Nature Journal kits, said they were “so excited it was items they could use all summer,” and that “it is encouraging to see art and
science products going out to the youth, families and adults of Avalon – especially at a time where most people are tending to stay indoors. The kit gives people both a way to experience nature at home and explore nature safely whenw out and about.”
“One big thing that we’ve been hearing is that parents need more activities with children being home more due to the pandemic. Nature journaling, as it can be an independent activity, is especially great for this time. It also allows kids to make a personal connection with nature,” said Bowman. The Conservancy also provided bilingual, easy-to-follow instructions for nature journaling and guided activity suggestions, such as observing the same plant week by week to document any changes. For families outside of Catalina who would like to participate in nature journaling, the bilingual lessons have been placed on the Conservancy’s Learning at Home website for free download. Constance Garcia, who picked up Nature Journal kits for her family, said that they “keep the bag packed and ready to go whenever we go for a walk. My favorite aspect of nature journaling is that it’s self-guided and can look like so many things – there’s no wrong way to do it! Kids may not necessarily think of the mental health aspect, but connecting to nature and getting away from the screen for a while really makes a difference,” she added. Funds for this project were provided by L.A. County Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn.
EDUCATION
Explore packs launch at Avalon Library New Families in Nature Explore Packs available at Avalon Library allow kids to learn about their natural surroundings through exploration. Catalina Island Conservancy, thanks to support from Los Angeles County Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn, was able to create these free resources available for checkout. “Each Explore Pack has activities that can be done outside in nature or inside your home,” said Conservancy Outreach Program Coordinator Maria Dominguez. “Plus, all materials in the backpacks are in both English and Spanish to make it easy for everyone to participate.” Families checking out an Explore Pack can choose from five themes: Birds, Seashore, Nearby Nature, Plants, and Bugs & Friends. Each Explore Pack contains several hands-on activities that correspond with a section of an educational binder. Each lesson has simple steps to follow to maximize learning. For instance, the Birds Pack includes binoculars and a section about birding, as well as wooden eggs to illustrate how different birds lay different size eggs. Bugs & Friends includes small replicas of four parts of the life cycle for several insects. The Seashore Packs contains mounted examples of kelp with labels on each part and a coordinating binder section explaining their functions. There are also children’s books in each Explore Pack to reinforce the learning through literature.
conservationists. Explore Packs can be used by anyone, but because of small parts, children younger than 5 years old should have an adult present. They are available to check out for a few hours, or several days. “Catalina Island Conservancy is so excited to support learning about the Island through active engagement and time spent in nature,” said Conservancy Director of Education Leah Melber. “We know these Explore Packs are a great resource to help with that.” By the end of the first day they became available, three of the five backpacks were on their way home with local families. “Families check out the backpacks and take them for family adventures,” said Birchall. “I think they’ve gotten a lot out of them as a resource, particularly when people have been isolating.”
“They are wonderful backpacks and we’re proud to have them here at Avalon Library,” said Community Library Manager Paul Birchall. “They really support our mission.” The Explore Packs also further the Conservancy’s mission of conservation, education and recreation by encouraging Catalina’s youth to learn about their surrounding environment through nature-based exploration, inspiring new
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conservation
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FURRY, SCURRYING AND
THRIVING T
he endemic Catalina Island fox is everywhere. You see them on the trails, in the media, on the roads and in the wildlands. Chances are you’re seeing a lot more of them lately thanks to the restoration work of the Catalina Island Conservancy.
There are more foxes on the Island now than ever before! The 2019 capture-recapture study, using data collected during fox monitoring and vaccinating season, determined that there are approximately 2,300 Catalina Island foxes roaming the Island. This is only the second time the number has reached above 2,000 individuals since the Conservancy began collecting population level data. “It has been so rewarding seeing the influx of fox pups,” said Conservancy Wildlife Biologist Emily Hamblen. “The conditions have all been right for a very healthy season.” In addition to significant rainfall earlier in the year, ongoing Island plant and animal restoration efforts have continued to help this conservationreliant species. This means that they require continuing species-specific wildlife management intervention, such as habitat management and parasite control to survive, even when a selfsustainable recovery in population has been achieved. Restoration projects that focus on native outplantings help support a healthy ecosystem and greater biodiversity, both vital to Catalina wildlife such as the fox. The addition of animal-proof trash cans and speed signs along the Island’s trail system have also helped protect the fox from negative human interactions.
“Having healthy native habitat gives foxes more options for what they can eat and where they can go,” added Hamblen. “With more native habitat, foxes have a better chance of making it through lean years because they are still able to rely on a wider variety of food and shelter options.” Fox monitoring aids the population in several ways. In addition to helping track population trends and ensuring overall health, individuals are vaccinated against rabies and canine distemper virus, as well as treated for ear mites, which may help reduce the occurrence of tumors. Placing radio-collars on designated foxes also helps biologists detect disease outbreaks. “The opportunity to impact individual foxes goes a long way to help the population as a whole,” said Hamblen. The Conservancy maintains the Middle Ranch Wildlife Field Clinic – or Fox-pital – at its conservation base of operations in the middle of the Island. It has been a long journey from 1999, when the fox population plummeted to about 100 individuals. Much to biologists’ surprise, this decline was due to a virulent strain of canine distemper virus brought by a stowaway raccoon. Every fox counts! The animal remains listed as ‘threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a term that recognizes their incredible recovery while retaining protections against the enduring threats of disease and human interaction on this heavily-visited Island. Though the population is currently healthy, ongoing conservation work is necessary to ensure these adorable Island ambassadors continue to thrive.
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ased on acoustic data, the first new bat species in 20 years has been detected on Catalina Island. A bat monitor placed at Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden by Catalina Island Conservancy has picked up acoustic data from a red bat. The presence of red bats brings the total number of bat species on the Island to nine. “Detecting a species that’s new to the Island is incredibly exciting,” said Catalina Island Conservancy Wildlife Biologist Emily Hamblen. “There has been bat research on Catalina Island since the 1970s, and this is the first time the red bat has been detected.” On four separate evenings, acoustic monitors picked up signals from red bats. More research is needed to determine if this is a new resident or a visiting species to the Island and whether or not they are year-round residents or migrants. “There is intrinsic value in knowing what your ecosystem is made up of, and because of this monitoring, we know more about our ecosystem now than we did six months ago,” said Hamblen. “Generally, greater species diversity leads to greater ecosystem resiliency.”
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The Conservancy installed two acoustic bat monitoring stations in May of 2019 thanks to a grant from
the Donald Slavik Family Foundation. Data from these stations is collected by Conservancy biologists and run through software that makes automatic preliminary identifications to determine the species of bat. Scientists then take a closer look at the data. “The first 500 or so are usually myotis, so I can get through those very quickly,” she added. Myotis are the most common bats circling the skies of Catalina. “Then I came across a few that were less clear. When I find multiple that are similar, I send a sample to the bat experts that we work with who help confirm species identification.” With help from these experts, the Conservancy determined the presence of the ninth bat species on Catalina Island. Red bats have been detected on three other Channel Islands including San Nicolas, Santa Cruz and San Miguel. There are more than 1,300 bat species around the world that play an essential part in ecosystems. Many bat species primarily consume insects, taking on the ecological role of pest control, while other bats are pollinators. “We just passed one year of data collection, which is so exciting,” said Hamblen. “I have a feeling that if we keep looking, we’ll be able to discover so much more and understand how these species use the Island.”
conservation
ELUSIVE SPECIES SPOTLIGHT
LYON'S PYGMY DAISY The elusive Lyon’s pygmy daisy (Pentachaeta lyonii) has been spotted once again on Catalina Island. The federally endangered species has only been seen one other time since 1931. “This is a cool find,” said Catalina Island Conservancy Botanist and Native Plant Manager Seth Kauppinen. “It’s a hopeful sign that a historically lowabundance taxon has persisted on Catalina, despite ongoing disturbance by non-native deer and bison.” The Conservancy is monitoring a population of just 19 individuals, the location of which roughly corresponds to a record from W.S. Lyon (who discovered the species) in 1885! Lyon’s pygmy daisy is declining throughout its range. Catalina, having lower disturbance and a dearth of natural predators, may offer its best hope for long-term survival. “On an evolutionary note, the California Floristic Province is one of thirty-six evolutionary hotspots across the globe, containing 7,031 vascular plant taxa, of which 2,153 are endemic to the province,” Kauppinen added. “Sunflowers (Asteraceae) are the single most species-rich component of this diversity, with high rates of speciation and low extinction over the last 15 million years or so. Pentachaeta lyonii is an exemplar of this evolutionary engine: a little yellow flower, born here to parents from who-knows-where, it lives in just a few dusty spots and its habits are mostly a mystery. It's the ultimate Californian.” The Conservancy plans to collect seeds from the newlydiscovered population and will continue to monitor this special species.
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Recreation
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GENERATIONS of
ADVENTURE The Warmington family has been traveling to Catalina for nearly a century. Jim Warmington, Sr. used to head to the Island with his grandfather, who started sailing to Catalina in the 1920s and was commodore of the Catalina Island Yacht Club in 1926. Now, he shares his love of the Island with his own grandchildren. They take full advantage of every opportunity that Catalina offers, including sailing, hiking and hunting. “Back when my dad was alive, we would have four generations visiting Catalina at a time,” said Jim Warmington, Sr. “It’s a place where you can have those family experiences.” Jim Warmington, Jr., began sailing to the Island with his dad at just 2 years old. “We had a 36-foot Swan that, for the time, was a pretty big boat,” he said. “It was our summer getaway. We would hike, dive, swim and waterski – all the same things we do today, just with smaller boats and different gear.” As the boats have gotten bigger (they now stay on a 78’ Nordlund named Shanakee 3), so have the gatherings. “I have three sisters and we all have three kids, so we often have multiple families on boats in Moonstone,” he added. The Warmingtons have been supporters of the Conservancy for years, contributing to initiatives that help educate and inspire more people to experience the interior of the Island. Over the last few years, the Warmingtons have become involved with Catalina in a new way that allows them to spend more time together: deer hunting. The activity is available by California's Public Land Management program and requires a permit. Hunters are truly conservation partners, supporting a healthy Island ecosystem by helping to manage the population of non-native mule deer. “I grew up hunting with my dad, but mostly birds,” said Jim Warmington, Jr. “He always said that it would be so fun to hunt on Catalina because it’s like our second home.”
In 2014, Jim Warmington Jr. and Sr. went on their first hunt on the Island. “After going to Catalina my entire life, it was amazing to experience Catalina in a whole other way,” Jim Warmington, Jr. said. “After, I thought it would be great to allow as many of my father’s grandchildren – including my three daughters – to experience it with him as a special grandfather experience, and would be something they would remember forever.” In 2015, they brought Jim Warmington Jr.’s daughter Lily, who turned 13 on the trip, her first deer hunt. The next year, another of Jim Warmington, Sr.’s grandchildren, Harrison White, joined. Subsequent years brought opportunities to spend time with more grandchildren, including Dylan White and Charlotte Warmington. “I have 12 grandkids, so any one on one time with the kids is really special,” said Jim Warmington, Sr. “What is really fun is we get to drive around the Island with our guide, who knows so much more about the Island than we do, so we get to learn as we go and it’s a great experience.” Jim Warmington, Jr. added that hunting allows people to see different parts of Catalina than they may see with other recreation opportunities. “We’ve been to lots of places – hiking, camping at White’s and Toyon – we’ve been lots of places, but when you go hunting you go to totally different areas and are looking for different things, so it’s a unique experience,” he said. “It’s been so cool because the kids ask questions about the trees, plants and foxes.” “It has become a tradition, and truly one of the highlights of my dad’s Fall season.”
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Recreation
We Miss Our Campers! Campers have been coming to Catalina Island for generations! In 2019, more than 65,000 campers experienced the unique nature of the Island. Youth camps allow kids the opportunity to learn skills and gain independence while exploring the
Camp Cherry Valley
wildlands and creating lifelong memories. This has been a hard time for camps, whose programs have been postponed due to COVID-19. We look forward to welcoming campers back to Catalina Island soon!
Camp Cherry Valley
CIMI
CAMPS on Conservancy Land INCLUDE: Greater LA Area Council Boy Scouts of America – Cherry Valley Western LA County Council Boy Scouts of America – Emerald Bay InterVarsity Christian Campus by the Sea – Gallagher’s Cove Mountain and Sea Adventures – White’s Landing
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Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI) – Toyon Bay, Cherry Cove, Fox Landing Guided Discoveries – Camp Fox/Buttonshell Catalina Island Camps – Howland's Landing
Camp Emerald Bay
Adventuring in open space is nothing new to MaryBeth. Growing up in a remote area in Northern California inspired a love for the natural world. “My parents were always taking me on hikes growing up,” she said. “I can’t say I loved every moment at six years old, but now I have a huge appreciation for them having showed me the intrinsic value of nature.” MaryBeth Leonard, new Sr. Executive Coordinator with Catalina Island Conservancy, has become well acquainted with Catalina Island over the last decade. Her husband, Jim, has family on the Island and she has joined them in learning about history and exploring the wildlands.
One of her first jobs was working as a park aide in the Humbolt State Redwoods. After graduating from university, MaryBeth headed to New York. “I literally went from living in a cabin
in the redwoods to living in Brooklyn,” she said. Most recently, she has spent the last 15 years working at University of Southern California. A friend, knowing her connection with Catalina Island, sent MaryBeth the Conservancy job listing. Immediately, she knew that the Conservancy’s mission was one that she believed in. “Catalina Island Conservancy advocates for a cause that I really believe in,” she added. “Stewardship and preservation of our lands is the most important thing we can be doing right now.”
APRIL 10, 2021
no matter where you are, join us at the ball it's written in the stars!
www.CatalinaConservancy.org/Ball
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HONoR ROLL OF DONORS
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 Glanville Grill Foundation 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
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
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
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 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: Michael Obermeyer; Pg. 2: Steve Tabor; Pg. 3: (top to bottom, left to right) Michael Obermeyer, Jessica Boudevin, Julie King, John Game, provided by CELP; Pg. 5: Jack Baldelli (top 2), Michael Obermeyer; Pg. 6: Background paintings by Kevin Macpherson and Don Demers; Pg. 7: Steve Tabor; Pg. 8-9: Jes Stackhausen; Pg. 10: Steve Tabor (cactus), Carlos De La Rosa (quail), Jack Baldelli (Malva Rosa); Pg. 12: Leah Melber; Pg.13: Jessica Boudevin (both) ; Pg. 14; Steve Tabor; Pg.16: Jes Stackhausen; Pg. 17: Seth Kauppinen; Pg. 18: Photos provided by Jim Warmington Jr.; Pg. 20: (top to bottom, left to right) GLAAC - Camp Cherry Valley (first two), Catalina Island Marine Institute, Camp Emerald Bay; Pg. 21: Photo provided by MaryBeth Leonard; Pg. 22-23: Steve Tabor, Matt McClain
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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 30 25 10 10th Annual Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show We hope you will join us ONLINE for the 10th Annual Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show & Sale! View introduction videos of each of the 10 nationallyacclaimed plein air artists, peruse the available collection and learn more about each painting from the artists themselves. Proceeds support the Conservancy's conservation, education and recreation programs. Online exhibition October 25 - November 7. Register and learn more at CatalinaConservancy.org/ WildSide. OCTOBER
Join us in our mission!
Last Friday Lecture Series Our popular lecture series has gone online! This month, learn all about lizards from Dr. Greg Pauly from the Natural History Museum. To register and learn more, visit catalinaconservancy.org/ LectureSeries. OCTOBER
Catalina Island Symposium Join Conservancy biologists, educators, invited researchers and scientists for virtual discussions of Catalina Island natural history and scientific discoveries at this year's series of online presentations. FALL
TBD
@CatalinaConservancy
FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO CATALINACONSERVANCY.ORG OR CALL 562-437-8555
Catalina Island Conservancy Ball The 25th Annual Conservancy Ball ventures into the wild in 2021! Join us as we celebrate "Under the Stars" - from wherever you are. Participate in live and silent auctions, fundraising opportunities and mix and mingle with old and new friends from the comfort of your own home. Your involvement supports the vital work of the Conservancy. There will be lots of exciting ways to participate - so don't miss out! APRIL
For more information, visit CatalinaConservancy.org/ball or call 562.437.8555 x1239.
@CatalinaConservancy
CARE for Catalina Did you know that the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Econcomic Securities Act (CARES) includes charitable giving benefits? The Act allows for an "above the line" charitable deduction of up to $300. This universal deduction is available to individual taxpayers who do not itemize. The Act also increases available deductions on qualified cash contributions to both 100% of Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for taxpayers who itemize (generally 60%) and 25% of taxable income for corporations (generally 10%).
@CIConservancy