Conservancy Times - Fall 2022

CONSERVANCY TIMES

MESSAGE

Conservancy Times is a bi-annual publication

the Catalina Island

a 501(c)(3)

organization

in 1972

protect and restore Catalina Island for present

generations

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.

information,

Over the past fifty years the Conservancy has celebrated many successes - each of which was made possible through the unending support of our committed members, patrons and team. It has been our pleasure to celebrate this exciting anniversary with you through special programs and annual events, both in-person and virtually.

In this issue of Conservancy Times, we celebrate historic progress achieved through decades of work, as well as new and recent developments in conservation, education and recreation. With a new endemic plant

BENEFACTOR MEMBERS

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Will

Victoria Seaver

species, rekindled surveys and fresh education and volunteer programs, we are working hard to sustain the Conservancy’s strong legacy.

There is no other place like Catalina Island. It is truly special to have access to such a large open space in Southern California that looks close to as it would have hundreds of years ago. Catalina inspires perspective, curiosity, exploration and transformation. It is our honor to preserve it for future generations.

We have learned a lot over the last fifty years and look forward to continuing our responsible stewardship of Catalina Island for decades to come. With deep gratitude and appreciation, we share this momentous occasion with you. Thank you for your ceaseless appreciation for Catalina and support for the Catalina Island Conservancy.

Tony Budrovich President & CEO

CONTACT

GRAPHIC

320

Alison

Scott Stuart Mike Sullivan

Tony

Leah

Deni

Discovering

A NEW

ENDEMIC

Part of the beauty of islands is that when plants are separated from the mainland for a long time, genetic drift occurs. Eventually, plants can become so different from their mainland counterparts that they can be classified as their own endemic species.

“For some botanists, Catalina is a bit of a plant treasure trove,” said Plant Conservation Manager Lauren Dennhardt, Ph.D.

In early April, Conservancy staff collaborated with personnel from Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and the California Native Plant Society to document rare plants all across the Island. The team found and collected a newly described endemic plant species, Cryptantha catalinensis, which may be referred to as Catalina popcorn-flower. This annual herb, a segregate of C. wigginsii, has white blooms with a yellow throat and seems to grow in open chaparral grassland areas.

Future plans likely include collecting seeds, growing more in the Ackerman Native Plant Nursery, documenting where plants are located across the Island and gathering information.“It’s a new endemic, so there is everything to be learned about it,” added Dennhardt.

With this discovery, there are now nine extant endemic plant taxa on Catalina Island. Catalina popcorn-flower was proposed as a new endemic species by Dr. Michael Simpson of San Diego State University.

The goal of the rare plant program is to prevent extinctions of rare species on Catalina. This season, the Conservancy is propagating several interesting, rare species in the Nursery including but not limited to:

Catalina nightshade (Solanum wallacei): This species, also known as Wallace’s nightshade, is an ‘island giant’ with purple flowers and a black fruit that is toxic to humans. It is not poisonous to deer, which have browsed many of the recorded populations.

Conservancy Horticulturalist Roya Miller is the first known individual to successfully propagate this rare species using cuttings.

Island rush-rose

(Crocanthemum greenei): This federally-threatened species is a beautiful shrub with yellow flowers. It likes full sun and is threatened by invasive annual grasses. Island rush-rose tends to show up after fires occur.

Malva rosa (Lavatera assurgentiflora ssp. glabra): On Catalina, the Channel Islands endemic, also known as southern island mallow, is found on Bird Rock and Indian Rock due to grazing by non-native mule deer. The Conservancy is currently experimenting with propagation through cuttings to work on preserving this rare species, which have been successful so far.

Since 2008, Catalina Island Conservancy’s American Conservation Experience (ACE) intern program has provided enthusiastic, entry-level professionals with backgrounds in conservation, biology, ecology or botany the opportunity for a rewarding learning experience while completing meaningful projects in the conservation and environmental fields.

Upon joining our conservation team, the ACE interns make immediate and impactful contributions. It is estimated that a single plant restoration intern over the course of three months improves 260 acres of habitat and mitigates more than 8,000 invasive plant species.

Field work on Catalina is challenging and provides an unforgettable work experience for the interns. They are trained in a variety of survey techniques

and learn the ecological significance of the projects and objectives they actively support.

During the 2022 field season, ACE Interns surveyed and eradicated invasive plant species, set traps for the endemic Catalina Island Shrew, participated in fox trapping and surveying, joined field surveys for rare and endemic plant species, cared for native plants in the Ackerman Native Plant Nursery and gained experience in geographic information systems (GIS) mapping.

The interns are an invaluable asset to the conservation department and we are so grateful to them for their incredible work and for Conservancy supporters who help fund this program.

SEED SEEKERS

Collecting and preserving seeds is a key part of the strategy when it comes to conserving rare plants. However, it is not as easy as going out and picking a flower. The time window to be able to collect plant seeds can be very narrow.

“If you collect too soon, the seed could be nonviable, and if you collect too late the seeds could already have dropped or have been eaten by birds – especially with Island red berry (Rhamnus pirifolia) because they are pretty tasty,” said Conservancy Horticulturalist Roya Miller.

That window is different for every plant and can even vary season over season, so it is important to have as many people trained in seed collection out on the landscape as possible. With that in mind, Conservancy staff participated in seed seeking for a Conservation Group Work Day, connecting the team with Channel Islands botanist and herbarium curator at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Steve Junak to learn the finer points of collection. The original seed seeking documentation was created by Janet Takara and Michael Herrera.

A few areas received special attention, with a focus on collecting Santa Catalina Island manzanita (Arctostaphylos catalinae), big-pod ceanothus (Ceanothus megacarpus), and feltleaf ceanothus (Ceanothus arboreus)

“We have been collecting, processing and planting,” said Miller, who added that seedlings are planted for restoration projects, for sale and to have a living collection. “Stochastic factors – random events – can happen, such as a fire or landslide, and wipe out an entire tiny population of something and that genetic diversity is gone forever. Having a living collection is a good way to preserve these unique species.”

survey

Herpetofauna (‘herps’) – amphibians and reptiles – tend to be an understudied species. They are mostly small, cryptic, and active at night, so they are often overlooked. Plus, there’s the ‘ick’ factor.

“Especially for reptiles, there is a lot of learned fear for people when it comes to things like snakes and ‘creepy crawlies,’ which is really unfair,” said Conservancy Biologist Makenzie Henk. She spearheaded a herpetofauna survey this April that saw the whole conservation department looking for herps during a group workday, overturning rocks and replacing them to search for key species. The Conservancy also brought over herpetologist Jeff Lemm from San Diego Zoo to educate the crew on survey techniques and search locations. Conservancy biologists placed coverboards in key locations.

After the untreated plywood is left to weather for several months, scientists will check underneath and those locations will be included in surveys.

In the visual survey, we detected 10 species with 51 individuals. Those numbers don’t include the side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana elegans), of which we saw a few hundred, or Pacific tree frog (Pseudacris hypochondriaca) because they’re quite common.

The most-identified species was the Western skink (Plestiodon skiltonianus) with 20 sightings, while the least was the Two-striped garter snake (Thamnophis hammondi) with two identifications.

“There were two species we were particularly interested in, and the Twostriped garter snake was one of them because it hadn’t been seen since 2018,” said Henk, who added that the two sightings give her hope that there is a relatively good population on the Island. Scientists also futilely kept an eye out for the Mountain kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata), which is a California Species of Special Concern and only has one confirmed sighting on Catalina decades ago.

Henk stressed the importance of continuing to study herpetofauna as they are good bioindicators of habitat health.

“Amphibians, like our salamander or tree frog, have porous skin that absorbs a lot,” she said. “If you have a die-off or a population isn’t doing well, it might be an indication of a toxin in the environment or something impacting them.”

We look forward to continuing to learn more about these ‘creepy crawlies’ on Catalina.

Finding Rare Bats on Catalina

n the night of July 21st, the wildlife crew sat quietly in the darkness, hoping for an unsuspecting bat to fly into their thin mist-nets. Out of the quiet, wildlife intern, Maura Siciensky, called out, “BAT!” and the biologists burst into action. Time is of the essence to remove the bats before they become stressed or very entangled. As they approached the net, the biologists could not believe their eyes. They were staring at a Pallid bat: a long-eared, big-eyed, scorpion-eating species, that has only been observed once on Catalina almost 90 years ago! Not only was this rare species captured, but it was a juvenile.

“Finding a juvenile Pallid bat is incredibly important to the conservation of this species because it confirms that we have a yearround breeding population instead of a migrantpopulation,” said Conservancy Sr. Wildlife Biologist Emily Hamblen.

This July, the Conservancy wildlife crew collaborated with graduate student Rose Haidar, geneticist Manuel Vasquez and bat researcher

Jill Carpenter to conduct a four-night bat survey in search of elusive and rare species. In total, 41 individuals from four species were captured including two California Species of Special Concern: the Pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus) and the Townsend’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii). Both species have declined precipitously in California due to their sensitivity to development. Undeveloped Catalina Island Conservancy land serves as a refugia for these types of rare species. Through this survey, we have found areas to search for four maternal roosts.

“Our next management action is clear. We need to find the maternal roosts and protect them so the bats can be successful at rearing their young,” said Hamblen. "We are searching for grant funding to purchase VHF (very high frequency) transmitters. This will allow us to tag the Pallid bats and follow them back to their roosts so we can protect them.”

Once the roosts are found, biologists will be able to take action to protect the colonies.

CATALINA ISLAND'S

EAGLES

The West End bald eagles, A-61 (Akecheta) and K-91 (Thunder), were the first to lay eggs in the Channel Islands this season in late January and early February. The three eggs hatched successfully in mid-March, with the young birds fledging (beginning to fly) in early June. With these successful hatchings, three generations of Bald eagles resided on Catalina Island. Thunder hatched in 2009 at Two Harbors to K-81 (Chase) and K-82 (Cholyn), who have been breeding together at that nest since at least 2003 and continue to this day.

“We’ve marked almost every bird that’s hatched or been released on the

Island, so we can get the lineages that no one else can get,” said Dr. Peter Sharpe with the Institute for Wildlife Studies. “Being able to follow them is interesting and adds a lot of information to where birds go when they breed elsewhere.”

The Conservancy has a longstanding partnership with the Institute for Wildlife Studies that has reintroduced bald eagles to the skies above Catalina, with Sharpe directing bald eagle restoration and monitoring projects on Catalina Island for 25 years. Hundreds of tons of DDT dumped into the Channel between 1947 and 1961 resulted in the thinning of eggshells to the point of nonviability. The Island’s bald eagle population has recovered thanks to the hard work of biologists. Following years of recovery and dedication, it is incredible to see three healthy generations of bald eagles on Catalina.

The Conservancy executed a quartet of bird surveys this year, including two that hadn’t been performed in decades. In addition to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Breeding Birds Survey and Scripps’s Murrelet Survey, both of which were performed last year, a seabird circumnavigation and Land Bird Monitoring (LBM) program were added to the docket of species monitored by wildlife program.

Executing these additional surveys is a crucial step to learning more and managing the bird species on Catalina Island. For instance, the Land Bird Monitoring survey was first conducted right after the removal of pigs and goats when the vegetation was still heavily impacted. Now that some of the vegetation has recovered, we will see if the bird population have increased or changed in response to the healthier vegetation.

“The more we understand about the connection between healthy habitat and bird species, the sooner we can move into species management to positively benefit some of these rare birds,” said Conservancy Sr. Wildlife Biologist Emily Hamblen.

One example of species management is the Conservancy’s work with Scripps’s Murrelets (Synthliboramphus scrippsi) Thanks to information gathered during previous surveys, we worked with the California Institute of Environmental Studies this year to increase the

number of burrows available to the elusive species, setting 10 nests in cliffside breeding grounds as a pilot study.

“The data we collected from our surveys told us where the Scripps’s Murrelets could lay eggs safely without being predated by invasive rats,” added Hamblen.

“Now we’ll be able to follow their journey during the breeding season through the remote cameras that we placed on these nests. This will give us the information we need to manage the species like: how many chicks hatch and predators from which they may need protection.”

The Conservancy brought back a historic study first started 30 years ago by circumnavigating Catalina while documenting individual seabird species, nests and marine mammals. With help from expert ornithologist Peter Larramendy, the Conservancy’s wildlife biologists and American Conservation Experience (ACE) interns counted over 2,500 birds composing 23 species, including the pelagic cormorant (Urile pelagicus), wandering tattler (Tringa incana) and surf scoter (Melanitta perspicilatta). The data they collected on certain species will be shared with the Audubon society and added to a national database to help monitor those species across its range.

“The positive impact conservationists can have on species once we have quality information about them is immense,” said Hamblen. “I am excited to see what we learn through continued studies.”

Our education department offered a new course this summer designed to provide the public new tools and skills for delivering information about natural and cultural history in a meaningful way. Community Learning Manager Hillary Holt taught the National Association of Interpretation (NAI) Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) course in June. Interpretation is closely linked with education, but with an emphasis on facilitating experiences, provoking emotion and creating engagement.

“Interpreters are storytellers,” explained Holt. “Interpretation is about engaging all of the senses and guiding people to come to connections on their own.”

Though the CIG course was initially designed with those who conduct tours or lead programs in mind, the benefits of these teaching go far beyond those who interpret as a profession.

“The prime audience would be interpretive volunteers taking this course, such as someone who is interested in leading tours of outdoor spaces and beyond,” said Holt. “From someone who leads a campfire program to a salesperson or fundraiser, anyone who wants to inspire people would benefit from this course.”

The graduates of this flagship course included naturalists, educators, ecologists and emerging professionals. The four-day program consists of course work culminating in a 10-minute program and presentation. The Conservancy plans to bring this opportunity back in Fall 2023.

NATURALIST 2 FOR YOU

The Conservancy offers chartered Naturalist Field Days customized specifically for your group.

It's a great option for volunteer, educational, or professional groups that want to explore the ecology of Catalina Island together and with a special content focus," said Conservancy Community Learning Manager Hillary Holt.

These field days follow the main route of the traditional Naturalist 2 Training, including lunch at Airport in the Sky, but focuses the stops, activities and information to align with the group’s special interests such as geology or Island birds. Groups can also request a classic Naturalist 2 Training. As always, Naturalist 1 Training is also available as a precursor to any field excursions on the Island.

To reserve your group’s chartered Naturalist Field Day, contact Hillary Holt at hholt@catalinaconservancy.org.

Each year, the Conservancy receives calls from people who would like to volunteer to help on Catalina Island but have a financial barrier to be able to do so. In order to provide volunteer opportunities to those individuals, the Conservancy launched a pilot program to fund travel experiences for those who otherwise would not have been able to travel to the Island and participate in service.

“This has been a great way to connect with a new group of people about the importance of the Island and conservation while fostering an appreciation for Catalina,” said Conservancy Sr. Director of Education, Leah Melber, Ph.D.

This opportunity brought two groups to Catalina in 2022 to remove invasive sea rocket and more, involving them in the active restoration of the Island.

“"As we look forward into fall, we will continue to explore ways of increasing access to the Island for service,” added Melber.

COURSE CATALINA RETURNS

This past Spring, the Conservancy welcomed students back in person through our longest-running education program: Course Catalina. Usually exclusive to 7th graders, some 8th grade students participated this year as they were unable to join last year due to a pandemic-related hiatus.

“It was really gratifying to be back to sharing the Island with the students in person,” said Conservancy Sr. Education Specialist Cressita Bowman. “After our time apart, it was extra special for staff and students to have the opportunity to be able to be together.” The partially privately-funded program first began in 1995 and now serves Avalon 7th graders as well as those from three overtown (mainland) middle schools in diverse and underserved communities.

“This year we were able to provide the students backpacks packed with value, as well as lunch and dinner,” added Bowman. “Participating students are selected by their teachers with an eye to how impactful the experience can be on young learners. The 600 students that attend seem to really understand what a special opportunity they've been given, and we have a wonderful day together because they are extremely interested in learning and enjoying the experience.”

The experience is making an impact. A recent evaluation demonstrated that, of the mainland youth who participated, 99 percent confirmed they learned something new about the Conservancy and 86 percent were more interested in spending time in nature. One student commented “I'm most excited to tell someone about hiking, we went through a journey together.”

EXPLORERS

The first school year of Island Explorers was a great success, providing underserved youth with experiential learning in nature to build their confidence in exploring Catalina and learning both independently and with their families. Conservancy Sr. Education Specialist Cressita Bowman took 174 Avalon School students on a total of nine field excursions, with K-3 and 5th grade having one field experience and 4th grade going on four Island adventures.

Program evaluation demonstrated the impact of these field excursions with educators citing their value and specifically noting the benefit of the experience for students who did not have prior opportunities to explore hiking or being outdoors. One student wrote about their day “I had so much fun. I got to learn about birds. I went hiking.”

New this spring, the Conservancy sent bilingual printed follow-up materials home with students after each field trip.

"These Excursion Summaries share with families where we went and what we learned so that they can further engage with their kids,” said Bowman. “These pages are intended to help parents better engage with their student after their field experience and to help parents understand what the Conservancy's partnership with the school is offering their students from year to year.”

Another exciting addition this year is providing further support for teachers. Not only does Bowman provide an in-classroom lesson, but also the Conservancy delivered 10 Classroom Journey Kits filled with reusable science learning materials to the teachers at Avalon school K-5.

“Our vision is for these kits to be an extension of the lesson, helping the teachers expand on the in-class learning and the field trip with independent activities and educational materials,” added Bowman. “The teachers and students only have a couple of days with us, so we wanted to provide ways that we can support them in learning throughout the year.”

A TIMELESS PLACE AN ENDLESS PURPOSE

Catalina Island Conservancy recognizes the steadfast leadership that has allowed for our ongoing success over the last 50 years. Each of the Conservancy's six CEOs have steadfastly led the organization through the countless accomplishments and challenges, all in pursuit of our mission to be responsible stewards of our lands.

Under the guidance of Doug Propst, Ackerman Native Plant Nursery opened and the Conservancy began Bald Eagle restoration in partnership with Institute for Wildlife Studies. Rose Ellen Gardner brought the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden under Conservancy leadership and opened Laura Stein Volunteer Camp. She also prioritized endemic animal species, with the removal of invasive goats and pigs and beginning the Catalina Island Fox Recovery Program.

Ann Muscat, Ph. D. guided the opening of the Nature Center in Avalon Canyon and the launch of education initiatives such as the annual Symposium and Naturalist Training. The Trans-Catalina Trail (TCT) also opened during her tenure and established the Imagine Catalina Strategic Plan which initiated the Conservancy's first ever capital campaign.

Current CEO Tony Budrovich has led the Conservancy during the expansion of the popular TCT and establishment of 10-year Strategic Plans in Conservation, Education and Recreation. He oversaw the completion of several capital campaigns including opening the Trailhead and collaborating with the Department of Defense on projects to improve the Island’s runway and roads. These leaders, and every single team member who has worked for the organization, have contributed to make the Conservancy and Catalina Island ‘A Timeless Place with an Endless Purpose.’

Malcom Renton

Chuck Olson

Douglas Propst

Rose Ellen Gardner

Tony Budrovich

Ann Muscat

A TIME OF CELEBRATION

SINCE 19 72 RE CR EATE The Conservancy celebrated its golden anniversary on Catalina Island, on July 23-24 with events for members, signature activities and a donor celebration. Saturday's activities included a Naturalist-led hike, Botanic Garden and Native Plant Nursery tours, Eco Tours and a guided experience through the White’s Landing educational area - all free of cost. Members appreciated seeing the Conservancy’s important work in action. After guests spent the day exploring the wildlands, they enjoyed sharing their experiences and chatting with the Conservancy's leadership at the Trailhead open house with happy hour at Toyon Grill.

On Sunday, Leadership Circle members and top Conservancy supporters gathered for lunch and a tour at El Rancho Escondido, complete with interpretation tables staffed by Conservancy program team members who shared about their exciting projects.

It was special to be able to provide members with direct access to Conservancy staff and unique experiences to explore the Island through this exclusive opportunity. The Conservancy is grateful for your stewardship and generous support over the last 50 years. We look forward to continuing the celebration to our centennial and beyond.

To learn more about Leadership Circle, contact Geoff Coster at gcoster@catalinaconservancy.org.

2022

Harbor

Club

& SALE

Heaton

Cindy Baron

Carl Bretzke

John Budicin

Aimee Erickson

Terri Ford

Debra Huse

Shanna Kunz

Michael Obermeyer

Bringing Catalina to Your Own Backyard

The Conservancy is excited to provide the local and visiting community with everything needed to successfully create a beautiful and sustainable Catalina Island native plant garden at home. Plants from the Conservancy's Ackerman Native Plant Nursery are now available at The Trailhead and Chet’s Hardware in Avalon, as well as local events including seasonal festivals.

“We are providing essentially whatever is in flower that month as well as classic endemics like Catalina liveforever (Dudleya virens subsp. hassei) and St. Catherine’s lace (Eriogonum giganteum var. giganteum),” said Conservancy Horticulturist Roya Miller. “Many Catalina species are great for container gardening so would be perfect for a patio.” Each plant also comes with an information card that includes helpful planting tips.

Because Island endemics don’t have the invasive tendency that some species have, it is appropriate to bring a piece of Catalina home to your garden.

“Our mission is to have people try to do a bit of conservation in their own yards – not only saving on their water bill but also promoting native species,” added Miller, who added that Avalon residents should focus on deer-resistant species such as Sage (Salvia apiana), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) or the Catalina currant (Ribes viburnifolium)

Conservancy Guest Services Manager Teresa Hernandez pointed out that “not everyone on the Island has a full-size vehicle that can drive to the Nursery, so having resources in town for native plant purchases is very special and beneficial.”

Native plants have been one of the most requested items to add to The Trailhead.

“I hope this inspires more Island residents and visitors to incorporate our Catalina natives into their gardens,” added Hernandez.

A YEAR OF GROWTH

In 2022 alone, the Conservancy has welcomed dozens of new team members to the organization. These include positions in nearly every department, energizing the company with passionate, fresh perspectives.

The Airport in the Sky taxied in new managers for smooth landings at Airport in the Sky and ACE Clearwater Airfield. The Guest Services team grew by several new members, and we welcomed one new and one returning Ranger to further our work of welcoming guests to the wildlands and keeping them safe.

The Education team welcomed seasonal Summer Naturalists who shared information about both the Island and the Conservancy with visitors and residents during the bustling summer season. Our Facilities Department anticipates continued growth in the crew that maintains over 165 miles of roads and trails, as well as our key buildings.

Meanwhile, the burgeoning Conservation department welcomed new managers to aid in operations and geographic information system (GIS) work. The Conservancy filled out the executive team with Chief

Financial Officer Jill Corral and anticipates hiring a Chief Development Officer before year end.

"I joined the organization because the power of the outdoors nurtures my soul," said Corral. "I believe in preserving this wonder for the present and future generations and that Catalina can be the place that teaches us how to value and preserve our earth for many years to come."

The Conservancy also celebrates our those with significant tenures. Five staff members celebrated more than 25 years with the half-century young organization by August 2022 including Erica Cushing (28 years), Mark Saldana (31 years), Oden Vanderwiel (31 years) Jorge Hernandez (34 years) and Evan Sutherland (45 years).

We are endlessly grateful to our dedicated, passionate crew that enables us to continue stewarding this special Island.

HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

Listing includes annual support from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021, exclusive of auction items donated to or purchased at the Conservancy Ball and Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show. Gifts listed in descending order of amount.

$100,000 and Above

Glanville Grill Foundation

Blanny Avalon Hagenah Roger and Sarah Chrisman Corinne Monroe Trust Geoffrey Claflin and Alison Wrigley Rusack Offield Family Foundation

Kenneth T. & Eileen L. Norris Foundation Steve and Pat Chazen

$50,000 - $99,999

James H. Ackerman Family and Evalyn M. Bauer Foundation

Mike and Gloria Sullivan Harold McAlister Charitable Foundation

$25,000 - $49,999

Maria Pellegrini

D. Scott and Tammie Stuart

Capital Group

James and Mary Buckingham Mervin Moore and Dana Stuart-Moore Los Angeles County Regional Parks Open Space District John and Cindy Cotton Patrick and Mari McAlister Anonymous Tricia and Will Hagenah The Curci Family

A.G. Cox Charity Trust Edison International Victoria and Dorn Dean The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation Trevor and Melissa Fetter

$10,000 - $24,999

The Boone Foundation

Bob and Mai Breech Elliott Family Foundation Julie A. Wrigley Foundation

Shaun and Katy Tucker Earl B. Gilmore Foundation Stephen and Ann Hinchliffe John and Dana Hagenah

W.M. Keck Foundation

The Hexberg Family Foundation

Randy and K.C. Boelsems Linda Salo David and Elise Swain Doug Levi Frank and Joann Randall Gardner Grout Foundation

The Bombard Family Johnny Carson Foundation Steve and Katie High

The Louis and Gladyce Foster Family Foundation

$5,000 - $9,999

Cushing Family Rhon Williams and Vickie Ruch

The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation

REI Jack and Shirley Herron Terry Causey U.S. Bank Geraldine Knatz and John Mulvey Los Angeles County Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn Diane Wilkinson Pam and Larry Fortmuller Larry and Terry Grill Tony and Noelle Budrovich Georges and Patricia McCormick Gary and Sandi Hill Don and Doris Stoughton J and Sarah Barnes Adrianne G. Geiger-Dumond, Ph.D. Alex and Janet Boggs Brett and Trish Bashaw Jim and Diane Connelly Connolly-Pacific Co. David and Virginia Taylor Lamb Family Foundation David and Kathleen Renton Hans and Dianne Bozler Donald and Mary Ann Schoellerman Graham S. Tingler James W. and Anne D. Johnson Family Foundation

Jessica J. Hibbs

Jordahl Construction

Julie Gardner

Misdee Wrigley and James Mather Miller

Nick Mosich

Patricia A. Steele

The Seaver Institute

$2,500 - $4,999

Drew and Jane Lanza Lynne Brickner and Gerald Gallard

Jeffrey Woods

Thornton S. Glide, Jr. and Katrina D. Glide Foundation

Friends of the Island Fox, Inc. G.T. and Shannon Forst J.K. and Robin Leason James Schmidt and Carol More Tami Honey Mike and Antonia Massie Brad and Karen Baker Bob and Gaye Harris Foundation Ralph Adolphs Richard and Geraldine Peckham Zegar Family Fund Tim and Sheila Collins Steve and Stephanie Hathaway Ann Muscat and Jack Baldelli Tom and Susy Purcell Janice Rutherford Hinds Barbara and Quentin Wall John and Laurie Romanak Scott and Cynthia Barnard David and Jeanne Albus Gary and Kellie Johnson Aon Risk Solutions

Bruce and Allyson D'Eliscu California Swimrun Ken and Christime Zampese Cliff Hague David and Linda Adams Dennis Jenkins Richard and Elizabeth Steele Fund Gil Jones Greg and Glenda Vanni James and Deena Warmington, Jr.

John and Barbara Anglin John and Julie Dixon David Lindquist and Karen Bohan Carl and Kary Fuller Kevin and Renee MacLeod Lou Waugaman Matthew and Paula Accardo Mitchell, Silberberg & Knupp, LLP

Mutual of America

The Dubois Family Charitable Fund Nancy Katayama Richard Woodward Robert Voit Robert and Sharon Coors Roger and Sandy DeYoung Ron and Cheryl Roberts Scott and Sue Redsun Stephen and Barbara Barnard Steve and Amanda Calhoun Terry Chapman and Diane Stone Terry and Debbie Maddox Brian Bissell Thomas and Evan Corkett Todd and Tatiana James Todd and Lynne Whitehouse Tom and Gerda Sparks Will Singleton Worthy Forest McCartney Phil Shuluk and Holly Johnson Rory Ritts Danielle Cooper and Terrence Wooten Michael and Kathleen Post Mary Maguire

$1,000 - $2,499

Ben and Denise Carter Ann McGowan-Tuskes Cathy Fox Christopher and Teri Carlson Gillian Groves and Gerald Petersen Kleiner Cohen Foundation Smith-Emery International Curt and Alita Rethmeyer Susan Clare and Walter Larkin

Julie and Robert Woolley

Andi and David Culbertson Richard and Becca Waycott

Tony and Stacey Baini Allison and Robert Price Family Foundation

Thomas and Karen Linden

Laura and Charlie Tomlinson Steve and Karen Cruise

Avalon Environmental Services

Ron and Carole Cassell

The Hancock and Julia Banning Family

Todd and Jean Walker Mike and Elizabeth Rabbitt

AAA Oil, Inc. - DBA California Fuels and Lubricants

Jeff and Diane Miller MATT Construction Nina T. Whiddon

OCDM

Port of Long Beach David and Rose Ellen Gardner Steve and Lauren Tabor Michael Kilbride David Clark

Winston and Carlita Fuller Andrew and Diane Jessup Brian and Suzi Burke Hugh and Joy Bancroft Tom and Anita Petersen

Alexander Power Alice Badger

Andy and Rita Zimbaldi Brad and Sue Kelly

Curtis and Michelle Drever Elizabeth Steele Holden Emily Vogler and Daniel Flynn Epson America, Inc.

Fred and Christine Peck Frederick Ryan Gary and Sarah Shumway George and Lurline Twist Greg and Cindy Dillion Barney and Lisa Page Howard and Jeanne Tuttle James and Sally McClure James and Joyce Brown

Jameson Research Foundation

Jeffrey Stone

Jerome and Anne Ryan Joe and Annette Oltmans

John and Cyndi Ganahl John and Becky Virtue John and Sue Hagestad Larry and Jean Tistaert Lori Snell and Kate Ruddon Lynn Pyle Lynne Heinrich Martin Burns Martin and Bernardine Curtin Marty and Pamela Riley Michael and Michele Downing Michael and Kirsten Potter Paul and Polly Stemler Penny Munson Peter and Cathy Savage Bob and Beth Huston Roland Rapp Stephen Henry and Rudy Oclaray Steve and Linda Glanville Thomas Larkin Tim and Molly Britt Tod and Linda White Tuna Club

Wadycki Family Fund Westcot and Elizabeth Stone

$500 - $999

Judi Gorski Siona Emerson Doug and Jeanie Shelton Stephen and Marilyn Gausewitz Daniel and Karen Brinkman Gerald and Denise Motter Gregory Njoes HUB International

Larry and Karen Lee Mike and Linda Hernandez Stephen Osterman Susie and Vicken Haleblian Roy and Gayle Jones Betty and Ralph Ketchum Norah Sobeck John and Kellie Shultz William and Glynda Rickard Charlie and Cheryl Wagner Dennis and Peggy Moran Paul Kellogg and Jim Andre

Donald and Judy Bogart Marvin Tiano

The Big Yellow GirlsAXO Sisters

Juan Wang Richard Saroyan Elliott and Elisa Olson John and Adrienne Garrison Jo Anne Boal Celia Walker 360 Water Inc. Allan and Dorothy Abrahamse Austin Rusack Bill Feldhorn Blair Contratto Bruce Harrington Carol Bahan Carol Reynolds Charlene Bolton Chuck and Carlyn Boppell Clifford Russell Colleen Ryan David and Michele Wilson David and Ginger Obenauer David and Cindy Odegard David Semas Diana and John James Don and Judy Cole Gerald and Sue Vickers Jacobs-Glassman Fund James and Janet Eddy

Jeffrey Johnsrud

Jim Reed

John and Nancy Celick Jordan and Erin Persky Joshua Goldhaber and Michele Hamilton Kerry King Leigh Rabbitt Lynn Dodd Michael and Trina Curci Mike and Lynn Joseph Otten Foundation Jerry and Pam Secor Fuscoe Engineering Paul and Jackie Neil Peter Hill Piemonte Foundation Robert Olson Ron and Debbie Millar Roxanne Chan Roy Rose

Russ and Nancy Medevic Sabrina Papa

Scott and Janis Allen

Scott and Leslie Deardorff

Scott Meserve

Seymour Beek

Steve and Barbara Layton

Tom and Mimi Hogan

Tim and Louise Hogan

Will and Krista Patridge

William Hughes

Zach and Amelia Erickson

Photo Credits: Cover photo: Catalina Island Conservancy; Pg. 2: Energized. Edison.com; Pg. 3: Pallid bat via Adobe Stock, all others Catalina Island Conservancy; Pg. 4 Catalina Island Conservancy; Page 5: (all) Catalina Island Conservancy; Pg. 6: Catalina Island Conservancy; Pg. 7: Catalina Island Conservancy and Joseph Vickers; Pg. 9: Adobe Stock ; Pg. 10: Adobe Stock and Catalina Island Conservancy; Pg. 11: Catalina Island Conservancy; Pg. 12: Jes Stackhausen; Pg. 13: Jessica Boudevin, Steve Tabor; Pg.14; Maria Dominguez; Pg. 15: Catalina Island Conservancy; Pg.16: (Malcom Renton) Catalina Island Museum, (all others) Catalina Island Conservancy; Pg. 17: Shana Cassidy (all); Pg.18: Artwork (left to right) Terri Ford, Paul Kratter; Pg. 19: Catalina Island Conservancy; Pg. 21: Catalina Island Conservancy; Pg. 22-23: Jes Stackhausen; Pg. 24: Shana Cassidy

CONSERVANCY CALENDAR

12th Annual Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show

This year's show at Newport Harbor Yacht Club features 10 nationally-acclaimed 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 conservation, education and recreation programs. Learn more at CatalinaConservancy.org/ Wildside.

Catalina Island

Marathon, 10k and 5k

Experience spectacular views while you run through the wildlands of Catalina Island! For more information or to sign up, please visit RunCatalina.com

APRIL

22Catalina Island Conservancy Ball

Last Friday Lecture Series

Catalina California Naturalist Training

This Spring 2023 course breaks down and delves deeper into the topics covered in the our Naturalist 1 & 2 Trainings, while grounding Catalina natural history inside a 40-hour, 4-unit community college level course.

The 27th Annual Conservancy Ball is back on the Island in the historic Avalon Casino! Join us for one of the biggest events of the year on Catalina Island. The event is celebrating the Conservancy's 50th Anniversary and 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.

The Conservancy welcomes the local community and visitors alike to join guest experts every last Friday of the month to learn about various environmental education topics related to Catalina's cultural and ecological history. Lectures may be in-person at the Trailhead in Avalon, online, or a hybrid of both. For upcoming topics and further information, visit CatalinaConservancy. org/LectureSeries.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

ABOUT ANY OF

THESE EVENTS, GO TO CATALINACONSERVANCY.ORG OR CALL 562-437-8555