FALL 2019
ConservancyTimes CATALINA ISLAND
ADVENTURE STARTS HERE Trailhead Now Open Page 4
MESSAGE
from our president
This spring, we celebrated the successful partnership with the Department of Defense and U.S. Marines and Navy, culminating in the grand reopening of Airport in the Sky’s renovated runway at ACE Clearwater Airfield.
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, 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.
The Conservation team continues to work hard on landscape level projects to restore more than 155 acres of Island ecosystems. With the recent installation of bat monitoring stations, we’re able to track and manage the Island’s important bat population. This issue of Conservancy Times celebrates some of the accomplishments to date in 2019 and highlights the important, ongoing work of the Conservancy. The Trailhead, with its official opening April 30, moved the Conservancy front and center on the main street into Avalon. As the first LEED Gold certified building in Avalon, the Trailhead reinforces our commitment to sustainability. With more accessible guest services and an interactive map table, education exhibits, shopping and the award-winning Toyon Grill by Bluewater, the Trailhead provides opportunities and inspiration to explore beyond Avalon. BENEFACTOR MEMBERS Alison Wrigley Rusack, Chair Maria Pellegrini, Ph.D. Tony Michaels, Ph.D. Trevor Fetter BOARD OF DIRECTORS
For more information, please visit CatalinaConservancy.org
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Kellie Johnson, Chair Patrick McAlister, Vice Chair Steve Chazen, Ph.D., Past Chair Bob Breech Roger Chrisman John Cotton Victoria Seaver Dean Terry Grill Blanny Avalon Hagenah
Will Hagenah Hank Hilty Roger Lang Calen Offield Geoff Rusack D. Scott Stuart Mike Sullivan Shaun Tucker
New signage strategically located at popular locations around the Island and trails system educates and inspires visitors with topics ranging from plant and animal communities to natural resources, as well as the Island’s unique ecosystem and natural and cultural history. Thank you for helping us achieve these milestones. We appreciate your unwavering support for the essential work the Conservancy does to care for Catalina Island.
Tony Budrovich President & CEO Larry Lloyd Chief Finance & Business Development Officer Suzy Gardner Chief Development Officer Bill Giuliano Director of Conservation
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Leah Melber Director of Education
Tony Budrovich President & CEO
Michelle Badders Manager of Human Resources
Cynthia Fogg Assistant to the President / Board & Government Liaison
EDITOR Jessica Boudevin
Tim Kielpinski Chief Operating Officer
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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Contents Fall 2019
04 04 10 12 14 16 20
Adventure Starts Here Airport in the Sky ACE Clearwater Airfield Nature's Nightlife New Trails Signage Restoring Island Ecosystems Mule Deer on Catalina
Experience Catalina with a Conservancy Membership
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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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ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
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THE GATEWAY TO CATALINA'S WILDLANDS
hether you are looking to shop, learn more about the Island or grab a bite to eat, the Trailhead is the perfect place to begin and end your Catalina adventure. Conservancy members receive numerous discounts throughout the Trailhead's three floors, including on merchandise, Toyon Grill dining, Eco Tours, Wildlands Express and more. The Trailhead is the gateway to exploring and understanding Catalina's wildlands. From here you can hop on a naturalist-led Eco Tour or the Wildlands Express Shuttle, get a hiking permit, trail map, Freewheeler Bike Pass or anything else you may need to explore the Conservancy's 42,000+ acres of wildlands. Commemorate your Catalina adventure by shopping some of the Trailhead’s mission-related retail items and learn more about Catalina Island and the Conservancy through the educational exhibits located throughout the building. The second-floor restaurant, Toyon Grill by Bluewater, offers sweeping views of Avalon Harbor. Along with breakfast, lunch and dinner, Toyon features craft beers, cocktails and California wines. Adventure starts here!
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IMAGINE CATALINA
Campaign Donors Anonymous Steve and Pat Chazen Blanny Avalon Hagenah Tricia and Will Hagenah
Board of Supervisors, County of Los Angeles Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District Claire A. Stuart Charitable Trust
Ahmanson Foundation Victoria and Dorn Dean John and Dana Hagenah Susan and Phil Hagenah In memory of Helen and Phil Wrigley Ann and Steve Hinchliffe
Lamb Family Foundation Misdee Wrigley and James Mather Miller Lillian Olander Trust Alison Wrigley Rusack and Geoffrey Claflin Rusack In Memory of Alison Hunter Johnston and William Wrigley
James H. Ackerman Family and Evalyn M. Bauer Foundation Annenberg Foundation Anonymous John P. and Cindy Cotton Edison International James W. and Anne D. Johnson Family Foundation Nelson and Mimi Jones Roger Lang and Lisa Lenard Marathon Mervin Moore and Dana Stuart Moore In Memory of Claire. A Stuart
Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation Calen and Amber Offield The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation Maria Pellegrini Philip and Maureen Ramer Helen Atwater Rich The Rose Hills Foundation Scott and Tamara Stuart S. Mark Taper Foundation Jim and Vicki Warmington
The Hancock and Julia Banning Family Don Beaumont, Theodore Griffith and Thomas Nielsen Bob and Mai Breech Roger and Sarah Chrisman Rick and Candace Emsiek Mr. and Mrs. Gordon T. Frost, Jr.
Hank and Diane Hilty Gary and Kellie Johnson Drew and Jane Lanza Patrick and Mari McAlister Ann Muscat and Jack Baldelli
Trent and Linda Anderson Balboa Yacht Club The Phil Belling Family The Boone Foundation Tony and Noelle Budrovich Capital Group The Catalina Cowboy Heritage Foundation Catalina Island Company Bruce and Kathe Choate Robert and Sharon Coors The Curci Family Trevor and Melissa Fetter Cece and Mack Fowler Frank and Kathy of Avalon Gardner Grout Foundation Lisa and Bruce Gelker Steve and Stephanie Hathaway Shelli A. Herman In Honor of Ann Muscat, Ph.D. Jack and Shirley Herron Howard Higholt
William T. and Susana D. Huston Family Foundation, Bob and Beth Huston Thaddeus C. Jones Family Geraldine Knatz and John Mulvey Las Caballeras Los Angeles Yacht Club The Harold McAlister Charitable Foundation Bob and Lisa Margolis Linda Massey Tony and Claire Michaels Newport Harbor Yacht Club David Pyle Scott and Sue Redsun Renton Family The Ronnenberg Family, CR&R Environmental Services Jim Schmidt Mike and Gloria Sullivan Dave and Elise Swain Shawn and Katy Tucker Ross and Kristi Turner, Catalina Island Marine Institute Douglas M. West and Irene E. Ziebarth Richard C. Woodward
Includes IMAGINE CATALINA campaign gifts and pledges of $10,000+ as of June 6, 2019 8
Suzy Gardner, Chief Development Officer 562.437.8555 x1228 • sgardner@catalinaconservancy.org
NatureWorks Painting Workshop
Plein Air
Catalina Island’s long tradition of plein air art, which is painting outdoors, is continuing with Avalon School students. Thanks to the Catalina Youth Plein Air Art Project (a NatureWorks program) and with support from the L.A. County Art Commission, Avalon middle and high school students had the opportunity to experience firsthand how nature inspires art.
problem solving, communication and time-management.
In a combination of in-class and outdoor sessions, students painted under the tutelage of Conservancy Education staff and a special guest: renowned plein air artist John Cosby. John is one of the featured artists in the Annual Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show taking place on October 20, at Newport Harbor Yacht Club. In-classroom workshops focused on painting process basics, including shape, shade and form. Through active practice, students developed their own artistic styles and practiced useful skills including
NatureWorks education programs have incorporated the arts for more than eight years, producing dozens of arts-related classes and workshops. Through these opportunities, Avalon students are able to explore the beauty of the Island’s interior and the connection between the visual arts and conservation. The programs show that conservation work is not just for scientists—nature inspires art, which, in turn, instills a sense of wonder and appreciation for nature. Nurturing this sense of stewardship for their Island home helps shape the future protectors of Catalina.
More than a dozen students created art by painting at locations including Haypress Reservoir, Little Harbor and Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden. Inspired directly from life, students connected to the vistas of Catalina Island and created masterpieces of their own.
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Nature's Nightlife
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s dusk descends on Catalina Island, it’s not uncommon to look overhead and see the silhouettes of some of the ecosystem’s important inhabitants - bats. There are eight species of bats that have been identified on Catalina Island: pallid bat, Townsend’s big-eared bat, several Myotis bats (California, long-eared, fringed and Yuma), Mexican free-tailed bat and hoary bat. Bat biologist Patricia Brown has come to Catalina several times for bat surveys over a nearly 50-year span. According to Dr. Brown, this time of year, as spring flows into summer, is the best time to do surveys. Abundant winter rain has fueled plant growth and led to a boom in insects, a Catalina bat’s favorite food. A bat that likes mosquito-sized insects can eat up to 6,000 in just one night. Acoustic monitoring is one of several ways the Conservancy studies bats on Catalina Island. This
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year, the Conservancy, with support from the Slavik Family Foundation, has invested in two long-term bat monitoring stations. These stations, located in the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden and at Middle Ranch, constantly record audio, and Conservancy biologists parse out bat species by their echolocation signals. The monitors run year round and provide valuable data about the different species overhead and activity patterns, though it can be difficult to differentiate whether the acoustic records are from a single bat or multiple. In addition to bat monitoring stations, biologists take a more hands-on approach. Mist nets allow for collection of bats as bats as they enter and leave roosts to hunt. Brief interaction includes measurement and health checks, potentially even including biopsies to check for disease and to create a DNA database. The most common bats on
Echolocation pulses emitted by Yuma myotis bat on Catalina Island.
the Island are Yuma and California myotis (approximately a 9-inch wingspan) and they both feed on mosquito-sized insects. The Yuma myotis typically hunts above the water surface of ponds and reservoirs, while the California myotis forages higher above the ground. Bats live in all sorts of places, from barns to mines, rock crevices and palm tree skirts. They don’t necessarily differentiate between man-made and natural environments, finding protected and dark places to roost. On Catalina, they favor abandoned buildings and mines, many of which are protected by their own remoteness and the abundant plant growth spurred on by a rainy season. Staying away from mines is vital for Catalina’s bat population, as any disturbance can bother roosting moms. Scientists like Dr. Brown and Conservancy biologists Lara Brenner and Emily Hamblen are passionate about the benefits of bats to the ecosystem of Catalina and beyond. “They’re a valuable and keystone part of the natural ecosystem,” said Dr. Brown, who added that bats around the world have functions from eating insects to efficiently pollinating in the tropics. “They’re probably beneficial in ways we don’t even know yet.”
the day. While eight species of bats have been identified on the Island, it is impossible to count an exact number of individuals due to the rugged terrain preventing easy access to possible colonies not yet identified. The Conservancy monitors the known colonies, the larger of which contain approximately 100-200 animals. What should you do if you see a bat while walking around Catalina? If it’s in the air, appreciate its unique beauty; but if you see one roosting (hanging upside down to sleep), please just walk away. They are sensitive animals that don’t like to be disturbed. It is unusual for a bat to be on the ground, so don’t try to pick them up. As Dr. Brown says, “you shouldn’t harass the animals,” which can be applied to so many more species than just bats. As far as the future of bats on Catalina Island, the hope is to conserve our unique biodiversity. In many areas of the world, bat populations are declining as their habitats shrink. The Conservancy will continue to track bats, monitoring their status and health as it helps us better understand a bigger picture of the Island’s ecosystems and the role bats play in other ecosystems across the world.
On Catalina, specifically, a bat’s role is primarily insect control, filling a niche that birds fill during
Bat Species on Catalina Island: • Pallid Bat (Antrozous pallidus) • Townsend's big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii) • California myotis (Myotis californicus) • Long-eared myotis (Myotis evotis) • Fringed myotis (Myotis thysanodes) • Yuma myotis (Myotis yumanensis) • Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) • Hoary bat (Aeorestes cinereus) 13
Catalina Island Trails Signage New Signage Around the Island Educates and Inspires
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he beautiful vistas of Catalina Island are an inspiring sight. Whether looking out to the ocean or into the wildlands, there is more to the view than meets the eye. The Conservancy has installed signage at popular locations on the Island and trails system. The Conservancy’s aim is to enrich the Catalina experience by teaching about the uniqueness of the Island’s ecosystem and history. These signs inform on a wide array of topics including plant and animal communities and natural resources. Each of the ten signs tackles a different issue including geography, geology, history, ecology, watershed and conservation. They educate about Catalina’s natural and cultural history while increasing awareness
of the Conservancy’s mission to serve as a responsible steward of the Island. Signage also emphasizes the importance of preserving and protecting the Island, encouraging visitors and residents to observe protected boundaries, avoid feeding the Island’s animals, help prevent the spread of invasive species and protect fragile Island habitats. The Conservancy is grateful for support from the California State Coastal Conservancy to complete this project. The new signs bring an educational opportunity to the trails, helping in the Conservancy’s mission to serve as a responsible steward of Catalina.
During a stop at the Conservancy’s signs around the Island, visitors can learn a lot. Here are some of our favorite facts: • Catalina Island has more than 60 endemic species of plants and animals, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world. • The Conservancy’s captive breeding, relocation, vaccination and monitoring program, in partnership with the Institute of Wildlife Studies, restored the Catalina Island fox population in the fastest recovery of any mammal ever listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act. 14
• Catalina Island is home to approximately 500 species of marine fish, 200 species of birds and several species of seals and sea lions. • Little Harbor was home to the early Island residents, the Pimu Tongva, for more than 8,000 years. • Catalina Island arose from the ocean as bare rock, formed by tectonic plate activity, and has never been connected to the mainland.
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Restoring Island Ecosystems Conservation team works to protect and recover original habitats on Catalina Island Plant and animal communities on Catalina Island have battled decades of challenges not faced by the historic habitat of the region. Logging, fires and overbrowsing by non-native species have contributed to the destruction of Catalina Island’s native ecosystems. Fortunately, with support from the Dorrance Family Foundation and the Harold McAlister Charitable Foundation, a plan is underway to restore more than 155 acres of Catalina’s ecosystems.
determine where to plant native Catalina Island flora for accurate restoration efforts. This helps us identify what should grow in a certain area, not just what can survive there. Seed collection and maturation are other important factors in ecosystem restoration. Using nets spanning 600 square feet, we are able to quickly collect large numbers of seeds, like acorns. We have also improved greenhouse structures to more efficiently grow seedlings.
Beginning within the Little and Shark Harbor campgrounds and extending through the stream corridor, conservationists are planting native flora such as scrub oak in island chaparral habitats and island oak in island woodland habitats. The Conservancy is taking a landscapelevel approach to restoration efforts, working one watershed at a time to rehabilitate Island habitats. In order to help rebuild our rare and endemic wildlife populations, the Conservancy has also identified native plants that provide food for our wildlife species and is planting these species in the restoration areas.
In carrying out this work, we are testing largescale restoration methodologies in the hope of applying proven methodologies to future watershed-level restoration projects.
Facing water stress and the threat of non-native species, these seedlings require a hands-on approach. Several thousand plants are being protected by devices, including tubes and cages, that shelter seedlings from water stress and browsing by deer. Large plant communities are protected by exclosures, keeping curious and hungry animals at bay. Because restoration on this large of a scale is a new and difficult undertaking, the Conservancy has developed methodologies to help in the process. A geographic information system (GIS)based water-sun exposure model predicts viable locations for plant communities. Combining that information with studies identifying historical locations of species, we are able to best 16
We are already making progress toward restoring these Catalina Island ecosystems to their original form. Future planting will also include Catalina ironwood (Lyonothamnus floribundus subsp. floribundus), Catalina cherry (Prunus lyonii), island oak (Quercus tomentella), island redberry (Rhamnus pirifolia), lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia) and Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia). Plants will not be uniformly dispersed, instead being placed where research dictates that species historically thrived. “This is only the beginning of our restoration of those two watersheds,” said Catalina Island Conservancy Conservation Director Bill Giuliano. “In turn, it is only the beginning of our bigger vision—to restore even larger areas of Catalina Island.” Our aim is to conserve and protect Catalina’s rare and endemic plant and animal species through rigorous science-based targeted restoration efforts. The Conservancy is excited about the potential of these projects to highlight each of the three areas of its mission— conservation, education and recreation.
In addition to scrub oaks planted surrounding Little Harbor Campground, current planting at Little Harbor Overlook includes: Catalina manzanita (Arctostaphylos catalinae),California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), felt leaf ceanothus (Ceanothus arboreus),big pod ceanothus (Ceanothus megacarpus), Catalina crossosoma (Crossosoma californicum), island bush poppy (Dendromecon harfordii), St. Catherine's lace (Eriogonum giganteum var. giganteum), island buckwheat (Eriogonum grande var. grande), island scrub oaks (Quercus pacifica), Catalina liveforever (Dudleya virens subsp. hassei), island green dudleya (Dudleya virens subsp. insularis)
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Special Thanks to our Sponsors INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS Douglas DC-3 - $40,000 Catalina Island Company Steve and Pat Chazen Geoffrey Claflin and Alison Wrigley Rusack Grumman Goose - $20,000 Randy and K.C. Boelsems Roger and Sarah Chrisman Blanny Avalon Hagenah Tricia and Will Hagenah Gary and Kellie Johnson Helen A. Rich Cessna Caravan - $15,000 Bob and Mai Breech/ Bob Slobe and Kim Mueller Camp Emerald Bay/ WLAAC-BSA Catalina Island Marine Institute Roger Lang Maria Pellegrini The Redsun Family Mike and Gloria Sullivan Shaun and Katy Tucker Beechcraft Barron - $10,000 Victoria and Dorn Dean Scott and Tammie Stuart Cessna Skyhawk - $5,000 Avalon Environmental Services Lynne Brickner and Jerry Gallard Clay Lacy Diane and Hank Hilty Mari and Patrick McAlister CORPORATE PARTNERS
On April 6, the 24th Annual Conservancy Ball transformed the historic Avalon Casino Ballroom into an aviation-themed celebration of Catalina Island. More than 500 guests arrived looking ‘fly’ in honor of the event’s theme, Soaring Over Catalina, which celebrated the innovative publicprivate partnership to repair the runway at the Conservancy’s Airport in the Sky (see p. 10). Guests entered the Casino by walking a unique ‘runway’ created by the train of a model's elaborate dress. Projections of airplanes soared on the Casino’s ceiling throughout the evening, circling overhead as guests dined and danced below. A delicious meal ended with dessert presented on a runway-styled plate with a handmade dark chocolate plane inspired by the new runway at the Airport in the Sky's ACE Clearwater Airfield. An all-time record event gross of more than $780,000 was raised for Conservancy conservation, education and recreation
programs. Silent and live auctions during the event provided opportunities for bidding on unique auction items, one-of-a-kind paintings, a handmade quilt and the coveted, hand-etched, hand-painted Balthazar of Rusack Santa Catalina Island Vineyards wine.
Soaring Over Catalina not only celebrated the ongoing annual work the Conservancy performs, but also served as a countdown opportunity. Conservancy President and CEO Tony Budrovich announced the grand reopening of the Airport in the Sky’s runway at ACE Clearwater Airfield, as well as the highly-anticipated opening of the Trailhead, the Conservancy’s new visitor center and gateway to Catalina’s wildlands. “We are very grateful to our sponsors, members and guests who demonstrated their generous commitment to protecting and restoring Catalina Island and supporting vital Conservancy conservation, education and recreation projects that keep the Island accessible for present and future generations to enjoy,” said Budrovich.
Live Auction Partner Capital Group
Mark your calendars for the 25th Annual Catalina Island Conservancy Ball on Saturday, April 25, 2020!
Cocktail Hour Partner Jordahl Construction
SPONSORSHIPS ON SALE NOVEMBER 1
Charging Station Partner Edison International
Community Partners Aon - Commercial Risk Solutions Albus-Keefe and Associates Bluewater Grill California SwimRun Crevier Family Foundation Mitchell, Silberberg and Knupp Moffatt & Nichol/Michael Baker International Mutual of America Rodriguez, Horii, Choi and Cafferata, LLP T.C. Collins and Associates Business Partners Fuscoe Engineering Mecoy Communications
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WE HAD A BALL!
For a listing of all sponsors, visit catalinaconservancy.org
Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden
Celebrates 85 Years There’s nowhere on the Island quite like the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden. This treasured Island destination celebrates 85 years this summer. Ada Wrigley built the memorial as a tribute to her late husband, William Wrigley Jr., using as many materials from the Island as possible, including iconic and colorful Catalina tiles. The nearly 38-acre Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden places a special emphasis on California island endemic plants, many of which are extremely rare. Make sure that your next trip to Catalina Island includes a stop at Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden! It’s a quick 30-minute stroll up Avalon Canyon and also accessible by golf cart, bicycle or the Garibaldi City Bus.
Catalina:
The Wild Side ART SHOW & SALE
October 20, 2019 Newport Harbor Yacht Club ARTISTS: Cindy Baron John Cosby Don Demers Aimee Erickson
Andy Evansen Paul Kratter Kris Lael Temple Kim Lordier
Michael Obermeyer Colin Page Joe Paquet
www.CatalinaConservancy.org 19
OH DEER. Deer are becoming a more common sight on Catalina Island. They wander into Avalon, through camp sites and into heavily-populated areas in search of food and shelter. Without the natural selection provided by their native habitat, deer have proliferated across the Island leading to an ecological imbalance. Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are not native to Catalina Island. They were introduced in the 1920s and 1930s in an effort to introduce sport hunting programs to the Island. Introducing non-native species to ecologically sensitive areas, like Catalina Island, is now universally recognized as a dangerous idea that would not be considered today. Introduced species put pressure not only on the natural environment, but also face hardships that they would not be subject to in their original habitats.
There are more than 3,000 mule deer on Catalina. Unlike the rest of California, where recent studies have indicated that mule deer populations are declining, populations on Catalina are trending higher as the population continues to grow. The density of deer on Catalina Island measures 10.6 deer/km2. Mule deer density in California measures 1.1 deer/ km2, whereas density in Arizona measures just 0.3 deer/km2. Per the California 20
Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), we have more than four times the suggested Island capacity for deer. This overpopulation of deer leads to increased consumption, or ‘overbrowsing,’ of plants. Deer jeopardize the ongoing conservation and restoration of the Island ecosystem by aggressively feeding on rare, endangered and native plants. These plants are easy prey for roving deer. Having evolved for millions of years without the threat of deer, the plant species on Catalina have lost defenses needed by their mainland counterparts such as toxins, spines and rough leaves. In order to protect and restore these 85+ native Catalina species, the Conservancy uses exclosures, cages and tubes at a total cost of more than $1 million since the formation of the Conservancy in 1972. These restoration efforts have included the planting of more than 70,000 seeds and seedlings. As the Conservancy seeks to execute larger, landscape-level restoration projects, protecting seeds and seedlings will become increasingly problematic. The loss extends beyond the monetary, threatening the richness and diversity of the Island’s native flora. Through overbrowsing, mule deer are also depriving native animals of a vital food source, putting stress on endemic animal populations. For instance, endemic omnivores, such as the Catalina Island fox, have been known to eat Catalina cherry (Prunus lyonii), Catalina manzanita (Arctostaphylos catalinae) and lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia), all favorites of mule deer. Not only does the effect of overpopulation devastate the landscape, it’s also tough on the deer and native animal populations. With no predators on the Island, the deer are subject to a boom-and-bust cycle wherein the population expands, crashes, recovers and repeats. They are also at risk from well-intentioned visitors who feed them. Supplemental feeding leads to increased risks of disease, long-term habitat destruction, increased vehicle collisions and alteration of behavioral patterns. We recognize the ongoing challenge that the booming deer population presents for Island residents and visitors. CDFW’s current solution is to offer an extended deer hunt season annually. While helpful, this doesn’t begin to address the scope of the problem. Hunting season claims just 225 deer on average, less than 8 percent of the booming population. Since the mule deer on Catalina are owned by the State of California and managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, a more permanent solution requires our joint efforts. The Conservancy is actively working directly with CDFW to address the overpopulation of deer on Catalina Island.
2019
Charitable Giving After Tax Reform
Island foxes, birds, and native plant habitats all benefit when you donate to Catalina Island Conservancy
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eople don't necessarily donate to charity because of tax benefit. At the same time, without it, they are less likely to give. Here are two increasingly common charitable giving tactics that can help you leverage your assets to ensure that you - and the people and causes you care about - get the most benefit. Be Aware of the Higher Standard Deduction After tax reform, the standard deduction nearly doubled, meaning it may be to your advantage to itemize your deductions (the spot where your charitable gifts are recorded). To exceed the standard deduction, consider contributing multiple years' worth of giving into a single year. You're then incentivized to itemize your taxes and enjoy a larger tax deduction. You can bunch your gifts directly to a nonprofit, such as Catalina Island Conservancy, or to a donor-advised fund. (Donor-advised funds allow you to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax deduction and then recommend grants from the fund over time.) The next year, if you choose not to itemize, you can take the standard deduction.
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Consider Tax-Savvy Approaches to Giving A few impactful gifts still offer tax advantages, regardless of whether or not you itemize. Appreciated stock: Despite market fluctuations, many of your investments are likely worth more than you originally paid for them. By giving your appreciated stocks (held more than one year) to a nonprofit like the Conservancy, you will qualify them for an income tax charitable deduction and eliminate capital gains tax. Retirement plan assets: These assets are taxable when distributed to a loved one but are tax-free when given to a nonprofit organization. If you are 70 1/2 or older, you can fulfill your required minimum distribution with a charitable gift and it’s not considered taxable income. Real estate: Many real estate markets are enjoying gains. Appreciated real estate may be subject to capital gains tax unless donated to charity or transferred to a charitable trust.
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Talk with Your Tax Professional There are many ways you can give this year that will make a difference at Catalina Island Conservancy. Your tax or financial advisors can help determine the best charitable giving strategies for your personal situation. We are so grateful for your generosity. Contact Suzy Gardner at 562.437.8555 x1228 or sgardner@catalinaconservancy.org to discuss your goals for furthering our mission and how your gift can be used.
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Honor Roll of Donors
Listing includes annual support from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018, 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 Geoffrey Claflin and Alison Wrigley Rusack Steve and Pat Chazen Lillian Olander Trust Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. Blanny Avalon Hagenah Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation James H. Ackerman Family and Evalyn M. Bauer Foundation Offield Family Foundation $50,000 - $99,999 Victoria and Dorn Dean Marathon Roger and Sarah Chrisman $25,000 - $49,999 Maria Pellegrini Scott and Sue Redsun Dorrance Family Foundation John and Cindy Cotton Gary and Kellie Johnson The Boone Foundation Mike and Gloria Sullivan Capital Group A.G. Cox Charity Trust Melissa and Trevor Fetter Tricia and Will Hagenah U.S. Bank $10,000 - $24,999 Donald Slavik Family Foundation Catalina Island Company
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Southern California Edison Natural Resources Conservation Service Frank and Joann Randall Shaun and Katy Tucker John Hagenah Family Fund Western Los Angeles Council, Boy Scouts of America Bob and Mai Breech Earl B. Gilmore Foundation Elliott Family Foundation Fund Coastal Quest C.M. and Edna P. Cotton Foundation James and Diane Connelly D. Scott and Tammie Stuart Charles and Ellen Steinmetz Richard Johnston Douglas and Judy Levi Erickson Family Charitable Foundation Gardner Grout Foundation Guided Discoveries Howard Higholt REI The Seaver Institute $5,000 - $9,999 Friends of the Island Fox, Inc. The Hexberg Family Foundation MATT Construction Phil and Susan Hagenah Nelson and Mimi Jones Lisa and Bruce Gelker Jeremy and Brandi Dicker Ron and Cheryl Nichols
Diane Wilkinson Los Angles County Fourth District Supervisor, Janice Hahn Timothy and Sheila Collins Patrick and Mari McAlister Laurence and Terry Grill Janice Rutherford Hinds Michael and Kimberly Mason U.S. Bank Anonymous Joe and Annette Oltmans, II Steve and Katie High The Catalina Cowboy Heritage Foundation Laura and Carlton Seaver Catalina Classic Cruises Connolly-Pacific Co. Avalon Environmental Services Anonymous Donald L. Schoellerman Geraldine Knatz and John Mulvey James W. and Anne D. Johnson Family Foundation Johnny Carson Foundation Richard and Marie Knowles Marvin Wheat Nichols Foundation West Patty Hathaway Philip and Maureen Ramer Ann and Stephen Hinchliffe $2,500 - $4,999 Jason and Erin Kennedy Howard and Jeanne Tuttle Paul and Jackie Neil
Julia Banning Ben Widhelm G.T. and Shannon Frost Scott and Cyntha Barnard Crevier Family Fund Greater Los Angeles Area Council, Boy Scouts of America Offield Family Foundation County of Los Angeles Fire Department John and Diane Bertram James and Susan Birmingham Roger Lang and Lisa Lenard Catalina Island Yacht Club Foundation Steven and Stephanie Hathaway Merl and Luz Seastrom Andrew and Gaye Saxon J. and Sarah Barnes Christian Spenker Michael and Elizabeth Rabbitt Frederic and Lucille Ripley Thornton S. Glide, Jr. and Katrina D. Glide Foundation Nancy Katayama Ryan Family Charitable Foundation William and Vicki Bloomberg Lee and Theresa Hennis Ann Muscat and Jack Baldelli Roger and Sandy DeYoung John and Julie Dixon Steve and Amanda Calhoun Alex and Janet Boggs
Balboa Yacht Club Richard Woodward Laura and Charlie Tomlinson Rick Ingold and Dean Kiser Brian Bissell Tom and Gerda Sparks Ron and Cheryl Roberts Mutual of America Aon Risk Solutions California Swimrun Colony Capital, Rising Realty Partners David and Jeanne Albus Lamb Family Foundation Bluewater Grill Richard and Elizabeth Steele Fund Graham Tingler Jack and Shirley Herron Jessica Hibbs John and Barbara Anglin Lynne Brickner and Gerald Gallard Catalina Express, Inc. Mitchell, Silberberg & Knupp, LLP Richard and Becca Waycott Robert D. Voit The Confidence Foundation The Louis and Gladyce Foster Family Foundation Todd and Tatiana James $1,000 - $2,499 Scott Kennedy Gregory and Cindy Dillion Bank of the West Lisa Skelly
Michael and Cheryl Mooradian Joseph and Lisa Banning James and Carol Schmidt Robert's Home Audio & Video, Inc. Gillian and Gerald Groves Gina Long Kleiner Cohen Foundation Georges and Patricia McCormick Robert and Carolyn Duncan Sam Piffero Robert and Julie Woolley Todd and Jean Walker Blake and Terri Quinn Cinde MacGugan-Cassidy and Mike Cassidy Gary Stewart and Margot Kutner Las Caballeras Ben and Denise Carter Fine Line Construction Paris and Lisa Rebl Marcus and Cynthia Crahan C. David and Andi Culbertson Lions Club of Avalon Neal Trudeau San Diego Yacht Club Sang Lee Steven and Linda Glanville Trent and Linda Anderson William and Linda Scilacci Thomas and Sheryle Fipp Michael Baker International Moffatt and Nichol
Scott and Sharon Gorelczenko William and Krista Partridge Edgar and Audrey Jessup Sadie Parsons Doug and Jeanie Shelton Willis and Judith Longyear Walter and Judith Larkin Port of Long Beach Peter Wells Forrest Worthy McCartney Otis Healey Roxanne M. Wilson Long Beach Community Foundation Steven Rocha Rhon Linn Williams Dennis and Peggy Moran Joseph and Peggy Stemler Terry Causey Jeff Bertuleit Graham and Kerry Fleming Bill Young Lee Harrison Allison and Robert Price Family Foundation Margaret A. Frank Fund at The Chicago Community Foundation Curtis and Michelle Drever David and Karen Lindquist David and Kathleen Renton John and Diana James Drew and Jane Lanza Emily and Daniel Vogler Gary and Sandi Hill Harold McAlister Charitable Foundation Hudson and Michele Saffell
James and Michele Dewey Ladeen Miller Michael and Alice Flynn Michael and Antonia Massie The Dubois Family Charitable Fund Orangewood Foundation Peter R. LaDow Richard and Geraldine Peckham Richard Williams Terry Maddox Tom and Dana Jacobs William and Kathleen Mudd
SPECIAL THANKS TO AIRPORT RUNWAY PROJECT DONORS ACE Clearwater Enterprises Alison Wrigley Rusack and Geoffrey Claflin Rusack Department of Defense Innovative Readiness Training Program U.S. Marines and U.S. Navy Anonymous Clay Lacy Aviation Smith-Emery For more information, contact Geoff Coster at 562.437.8555 x1225 or email gcoster@catalinaconservancy.org
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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
Photo Credits: Cover photo: Amy Fernandez; Pg. 2: Steve Tabor; Pg. 3: (top to bottom, left to right) Elisa Ferrari, Jen Poyer, ŠMerlinTuttle.org, Monica Tydlaska, Jack Baldelli; Pg. 4-5: Amy Fernandez; Pg. 6-7: (top to bottom, left to right) Amy Fernandez, Gerry Bravo, Jessica Boudevin, Amy Fernandez (top right three), Gerry Bravo; Pg. 9: John Cosby (painting), Cressita Bowman (photo); Pg. 10-11: (left to right, top to bottom) Glen Gustafson, Amy Fernandez, Jen Poyer, (DC-3 plane) Cpl. Jacob Pruitt, Jessica Boudevin, Cpl. Jacob Pruitt, Jen Poyer; Pg. 12: ŠMerlinTuttle. org, Echolocation pulses provided by Lara Brenner and Emily Hamblen; Pg. 13: Amy Fernandez; Pg. 14: Ernie Rodriguez; Pg. 15: Kevin Ryan (all); Pg. 17: Monica Tydlaska (bottom right), Catalina Island Conservancy (all others); Pg. 18: Shana Cassidy (all); Pg. 19 (WMBG): (left to right, top to bottom) Catalina Island Conservancy, Jack Baldelli, Matt Mclain Pg. 19 artwork: Kris Lael Temple, Paul Kratter, Michael Obermeyer; Pg. 20: Tyler Devorak; Pg. 21: Jaymi Heimbuch, Catalina Island Conservancy (bottom two)
CONSERVANCY CALENDAR MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR ADVENTURE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF THESE EVENTS, GO TO CATALINACONSERVANCY.ORG OR CALL 562-437-8555 Member Bird Watch September 28, 2019 Explore trails in Catalina Island's interior while learning about the Island's bird species from education specialist Hillary Holt. 9th Annual Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show October 20, 2019 This year's show at Newport Harbor Yacht Club features 11 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.
Join us in our mission!
Catalina Island Half Marathon November 16, 2019 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 and BZ Jones Hikes March 20-21, 2020 Join the Conservancy's Marineros support group for one of the weekend's exciting hikes taking place in Catalina's wildlands. The hikes honor the legacies of two dedicated Conservancy supporters and volunteers, the late Graham "BZ" Jones
and his brother, Thad Jones. The BZ Jones Hike is an annual, one-day trek. The biennial Thad Jones Hike is a two-day hike along the Trans-Catalina Trail. For more information, please call 562.437.8555 x1224 or email gdartt@ catalinaconservancy.org.
the Conservancy. For more information, visit CatalinaConservancy.org/Ball or call 562.437.8555 x1239.
25th Annual Catalina Island Conservancy Ball April 25, 2020 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
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@CatalinaConservancy
CATALINA'S FUTURE, YOUR LEGACY Please let us know if you've included Catalina Island Conservancy in your will so that we may recognize your support and say "thank you." Your legacy gift ensures continued protection of Catalina's wildlands and natural treasures. To learn more about the Conservancy's Legacy Society, contact Suzy Gardner at sgardner@catalinaconservancy.org or call 562.437.8555 x1228.
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