Conservancy Times - Spring 2022

from our president MESSAGE

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

We are thrilled to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the non-profit Catalina Island Conservancy. This commemorates half a century of fulfilling the promise that the Wrigley and Offield families made in 1972 when they founded the Conservancy to be a responsible steward of our lands through a balance of conservation, education and recreation.

In the past 50 years, the Conservancy has protected Catalina’s natural habitats. Thanks to our work, the Island’s residents and many visitors are able to enjoy a slice of historic California

landscape. Not only is it important to celebrate our many accomplishments on Catalina Island, but also to look to the bright future ahead.

As the environment continues to change, the Conservancy will further adapt our restoration plans as part of our commitment to science-based conservation. We are making significant investments in both the organization as well as the future of conservation, education and recreation on Catalina Island.

Your generosity, as well as the Conservancy’s committed volunteers and staff, make these accomplishments possible and ensure the health of the Island for decades to come. All of us here at Catalina Island Conservancy look forward to furthering our important mission for the next 50 years and beyond.

Tony Budrovich President & CEO

BENEFACTOR MEMBERS

Alison Wrigley Rusack, Chair

Maria Pellegrini, Ph.D.

Tony Michaels, Ph.D.

Trevor Fetter

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Will Hagenah, Chair

Terry Grill, Vice Chair

Patrick McAlister Past Chair

Bob Breech

Roger Chrisman

John Cotton

Victoria Seaver Dean

Blanny Avalon Hagenah

Maureen Ramer

Austin Rusack

Tim Kielpinski Chief Operating Officer

Monica McCoy

Sr. Director of Human Resources

Leah Melber, Ph.D.

Sr. Director of Education

Deni Porej, Ph.D.

Sr. Director of Conservation

Mary Beth Leonard

Sr. Executive Coordinator

EDITOR

Jessica Boudevin

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Amy Trowbridge

CONTACT US

P.O. Box 2739

Avalon, CA 90704 310.510.2595

320 Golden Shore, Suite 220 Long Beach, CA 90802 562.437.8555

CatalinaConservancy.org

FOLLOW US ON:

Scott Stuart Mike Sullivan Shaun Tucker

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Tony Budrovich President & CEO

Suzy Gardner Chief Development Officer

CATALINA

CONSERVANCY

You may notice our style looks a bit different this year! Catalina Island Conservancy is thrilled to celebrate our 50th Anniversary with a new look and a new logo to carry us through the year.

Inspired by the magic of Catalina's sunsets, we hope this inspires you to explore the wildlands of Catalina Island this year and experience that magic firsthand.

In 1972, members of the Wrigley and Offield families established the Catalina Island Conservancy as a nonprofit organization dedicated to the restoration and protection of Catalina’s wildlands. Today, the Conservancy preserves the Island’s wildlands and wildlife, helps the public enjoy Catalina’s natural offerings and promotes learning about Catalina Island and conservation.

In the past 50 years, the Conservancy has made instrumental strides in protecting the Island’s crucial flora and fauna. The Conservancy has educated and engaged hundreds of thousands of children and adults about the uniqueness of Catalina Island and the importance of nature and has provided crucial access to nature to inspire wonderment and encourage healthy minds and bodies.

The Conservancy will be celebrating its anniversary with events including the iconic annual Conservancy Ball on April 23, 2022. With your help, the organization cannot wait to continue this important work into the future for another 50 years and beyond.

1972

Santa Catalina Island Conservancy is established.

1975

Wrigley and Offield families deed 42,135 acres to the Conservancy.

1987

The Native Plant Nursery opens in Middle Ranch.

1990

To protect fragile habitats, efforts began to remove the non-native pigs and goats.

1990

A bald eagle egg hatched successfully through artificial incubation. High levels of DDT had been making eggs too fragile to hatch naturally.

50 YEARS OF CONSERVATION

One of the key tenets of Catalina Island Conservancy’s mission has always been a focus on conservation of the unique Island landscape. The flora and fauna of Catalina Island are incredibly distinctive, including the more than 60 endemic species found on Catalina and nowhere else in the world. Our Catalina Habitat Improvement & Restoration Program (CHIRP) team continually battles invasive plant species, while the native plant team works to restore local and endemic plants on the Island. The wildlife crew constantly monitors key species on Catalina Island, has been instrumental in the recovery of bald eagles and the Catalina Island fox (both in partnership with the Institute for Wildlife Studies), discovered two new bat species and recently sighted an endemic Catalina Island shrew for the first time in years.

1994 1994

1996

Introduced Eco Tours, bringing the public a new opportunity to experience the Wildlands.

Conservancy assumes management of the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden.

2006

New Nature Center at Avalon Canyon opens on Earth Day, becoming the Conservancy’s educational gateway to Catalina’s wildlands.

2000

Launched fox recovery program after Island foxes were near extinction due to a canine distemper outbreak. The captive breeding and vaccination program was a huge success and the population stabilized by the end of the program in 2004.

2003

Initiated the Catalina Habitat Improvement & Restoration Program (CHIRP) Invasive Plant Project.

Launched the Conservation and Education Symposium to highlight work from key staff and Island experts. This has since transformed into the Catalina Island Conservancy Annual Symposium.

Laura Stein Volunteer Camp dedicated in her memory for launching the volunteer program.

50 YEARS OF EDUCATION

Our education team has offered hands-on learning adventures, volunteer opportunities and programs for locals, visitors and students for more than 40 years. Recently, programs expanded to include virtual educational opportunities as well, garnering interest from learners around the world. The Conservancy provides Avalon students and families free access to the wildlands through several programs led by trained naturalists, exposing them to the wonder of Catalina Island. Adult programs, such as the expansion of the Last Friday Lecture Series, the multi-level Naturalist Training Program and locations such as the Nature Center and the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden provide additional educational enrichment. We are proud to help nature lovers learn about the Island’s history and our important work to protect and restore Catalina.

2007

Four bald eagles hatched without human intervention for the first time in nearly 50 years on Conservancy lands.

2009

The 38.5-mile Trans-Catalina Trail opened continuous trail access

2016

Catalina Island foxes downgraded from the endangered species list and comeback hailed as the fastest recovery of any mammal listed under the Endangered Species Act.

2010

2007

After the May 2007 fire scarred 4,000 acres of land, rare plants such as Island rush rose (Helianthemum greeni) and Ocean spray (Holodiscus discolor) were discovered at new locations.

2009

Non-hormonal Porcine Zona Pellucida (PZP), a contraceptive, was administered to female bison of more than two years old to better manage the population.

To date, more than 60 endemic species have been found on Catalina and nowhere else in the world.

Waging Battle Against

50 YEARS OF RECREATION

Providing access to nature to hundreds of thousands of hikers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts each year is essential to Catalina Island Conservancy’s mission. Recreational opportunities abound on Catalina, and the Conservancy has maintained more than 165 miles of roads and trails while developing dozens of miles of new trails on the Island and consolidating social trails. We have also added many amenities like waterless, eco-friendly restrooms and shade structures and expanded accessibility to the natural wonder of the Island by offering Eco Tours led by knowledgeable naturalists that access remote areas of Catalina. The Conservancy recently opened up its flagship Trailhead visitor center to help connect the more than 1 million annual visitors to Catalina and the important work of the Conservancy. We are grateful to the more than 4,200 members that support our nonprofit mission to be good stewards of Catalina’s wildlands.

2019

Airport in the Sky and ACE Clearwater Airfield reopened after unique partnership with Department of Defense brings military members to train by repairing the aged runway.

2020

New acoustic bat monitors detect the presence of two new bat species on the Island.

2020

COVID-19 pandemic disrupts operations.

2017Last Friday Lecture Series debuted.

2020

2017

Launched a sustainable master trails system, Trekking Catalina, with 27 miles of new and expanded trails and high-tech, more sustainable restrooms, creating a world-class hiking experience. TransCatalina Trail is expanded to 38.5 miles.

2019

State-of-the-art, LEED gold certified Trailhead visitor center opens, enhancing the Conservancy's presence and exposure to hundreds of thousands of visitors arriving annually in Avalon.

Launched new virtual education programs and transitioned popular programs online to keep them available to nature lovers.

50th ANNIVERSARY

LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE

Catalina Island Conservancy is proud of the progress we have made on Catalina over the last 50 years, but our work is far from complete.

“It’s not only about the critical strides that we have already made, but also continuing the important stewardship that we’ve demonstrated the last five decades,” said Conservancy President & CEO Tony Budrovich.

Looking forward, the Conservancy will continue to adapt to the ever-changing environmental situation while furthering the return of the greenscape to the Island that has been worn away. Over time, the Conservancy is making a significant investment in IT resiliency, improving infrastructure and looking at a variety of green technologies to explore more sustainable power sources on the Island.

The organization prioritizes welcoming all people to Catalina and will continue to work with its Diversity, Education, Accessibility and Inclusion (DEAI) committee to to integrate best practices and connect more deeply with our community. Fire mitigation strategies persist as a key concern and continuing to strengthen our great relationships with LA County Fire, CAL FIRE and our local fire authority on the Island is of utmost importance. By prioritizing education of Island visitors and locals alike, the Conservancy hopes to create and retain stewards of nature and Catalina Island.

Upgraded the irrigation system at the Ackerman Native Plant Nursery to more efficiently care for 85+ plant species.

20202021 2021

Completed experimental oak restoration project at Bulrush Canyon.

2021

Installed new Discovery Trail at Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, enhancing the educational experience.

Conservancy’s innovative partnership with the Department of Defense leads to road and culvert improvements by the U.S. Marine Corps.

2021

Completed repairs at White’s Landing exclosure, a future public showcase site rich with rare and endemic Island plants.

First live endemic Catalina Island shrew sighting in 15 years.

SYMPOSIUM

Conservancy members and others interested in important programs on Catalina joined us for the 2021 Catalina Island Conservancy Annual Symposium on Oct. 8 at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. The one-day symposium featured presentations by Conservancy biologists, educators and partners on research focusing on conservation and education programs on the Island.

The hybrid event brought together the convenience of 2020’s completely virtual symposium with the renewed opportunity for in-person interaction. Across both platforms, more than 120 people enjoyed learning about Catalina Island and the Conservancy’s ongoing work.

“Hearing the passion and expertise of our great Conservancy team allows for added learning and leaves me feeling excited and inspired,” said Conservancy President & CEO Tony Budrovich.

Among the presentations were discussions of several Conservancy programs, including the history and future of Conservancy education program Course Catalina; how Summer Naturalist interns helped visitors make the most out of a stop at Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden; a look at Catalina’s sensitive wildlife species; invasive plant removal; and exploring the importance of fencing and exclosures to protect native and endemic plants from invasive species such as mule deer. Researchers R. Brandon Pratt and Anna L. Jacobsen

of CSU Bakersfield, who have also presented at previous Catalina Island Conservancy symposiums, have been conducting research for about 15 years on the impact of deer on chaparral recovery after fire on the Island.

“What we found was that early on, not long after the fire when the seedlings were sprouting, there were really high levels of browsing for the Bigpod ceanothus (Ceanothus arboreous),” said Pratt. “For the most part, the fenced plants remained unbrowsed.”

Jacobsen went so far as to refer to the Ceanothus arboreous as ‘deer catnip,’ stating that the tops of plants were constantly being picked off by deer and were unable to grow except where protected by fencing. This presents a serious problem because it prevents plants from replenishing their seed banks, so if another fire were to burn through again those species would be gone from those sites. This browsing also creates large changes to Island habitat.

Closed canopy, dense chaparral “provides for the foxes, the squirrels, and the microbes that are all special to the Island, and is very different from unprotected areas” where there have been large reductions in canopy coverage, Pratt added.

Thank you to our Symposium Corporate Partners: Aquarium of the Pacific and Port of Long Beach.

THE FUTURE OF THE

Catalina Herbarium

As we look into the future of botany, one important step is digitizing the herbarium on Catalina. The Catalina herbarium contains 3,678 specimen records of vascular plants representing 726 species and 889 total taxa, including specimens of subspecies and varieties a century old. Providing online access of those specimens via the Consortium of California Herbaria (CCH) will make visuals of our Island species available to botanists and hobbyists around the world.

“It basically lets you do from your desktop what used to require extensive travel,” said Conservancy Botanist and Native Plant Manager Seth Kauppinen. “Finding out whether a given species actually occurs somewhere or making a species list used to be a herculean task. Now, essentially, you can search all the significant herbaria in California in one place.”

Digitizing will be valuable for Catalina’s herbarium not only for the value it will represent to botanists, but also to preserve the specimens themselves. Herbarium specimens are delicate; vulnerable to deterioration from age, insects, improper handling and building disasters such as fire.

“It digitizes a resource and makes it available to the general public. You can’t just knock on the door of a herbarium and say you’d like to look at plants, but now you can log in and see specimens that are 200 years old,” he added. “It freezes a snapshot of the collection at this point in time.”

The Conservancy has purchased the necessary specialty scanner for the digitization project and plans to begin the time-consuming process this year. The CCH2 portal is managed by UC Berkeley, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and Michael Simpson of San Diego State University, who has been key in advising Catalina on this project. View the current collections at CCH2.org.

CONSERVATION ALL ABOUT

The history of water on Catalina is intricate and interesting, and remains a topic of great importance today and looking toward the future. Even as late as the early 20th century, there wasn’t enough water on Catalina to supply all of the Island residents and visitors with drinking water. In the 1800s and early 1900s there was barging of water from the mainland that was stored in wooden tanks in town to supply water.

“It wasn’t until William Wrigley Jr. purchased the Island in 1919 that he and his general manager, David Renton, recognized the need to develop water on this Island if they were going to grow the Island into the world-class destination that they envisioned,” said Laura Minuto a trained hydrologist and member of the Conservancy's conservation department. In 1923, Wrigley ordered a survey to better understand water source options for Avalon. One of the first areas they focused on was ‘Sapphire Lake in Haypress Country,’ also known as Patrick’s and Haypress Reservoirs, and around Avalon. “Because of its proximity to town, it was one way to harness a lot of the surface flow that was going through this watershed and capture it before it went out to Grand and Silver Canyons,” Minuto added.

Haypress Reservoir and Wrigley Reservoir were

If you do the Patrick’s Reservoir hike to Inspiration Point, you’ll still see a lot of evidence of catching water at Patrick’s and pumping it to Haypress, including cast iron pipes along the trail. No longer evident is where the water went from Haypress – up to the summit reservoir (Wrigley Reservoir) in a buried pipeline and then gravity fed to the top of Falls Canyon where water freely cascaded to a reservoir behind a dam at the back of Falls Canyon.

“As they were developing this area, they were also looking at other areas on the Island, including Thompson Reservoir at Middle Ranch, which was constructed in 1924,” added Minuto. In the late '40s, Thompson Reservoir was enlarged and became the primary source of water to convey to Avalon, and Patrick’s Reservoir and Haypress Reservoir were decommissioned and left to be available to livestock and wildlife.

Today, Catalina has two reservoirs: Thompson Reservoir and Wrigley Reservoir. There are also 10 groundwater wells throughout the Island, primarily in the alluvial system to supply various areas on the Island and 13 storage tanks. Finally, there are two desalination plants in Avalon, with one constantly in operation producing about 220,000 gallons of water per day.

Thompson Reservoir at Middle Ranch

LECTURE SERIES Last Friday

BRINGING AVALON STUDENTS TO THE WILDLANDS OF CATALINA

To promote outdoor engagement and learning within the community, Catalina Island Conservancy is excited to reimagine our existing field trip program with Avalon School as Island Explorers. There are about 240 children in grades kindergarten through fifth grade on Catalina who will benefit from this free program.

“Many of these students don’t always have access to Catalina’s wildlands unless they go with us,” said Sr. Education Specialist Cressita Bowman, who leads the program. “We get to explore the Island in a new way and talk about subjects they haven’t explored before, giving us unique memories of a special place on Catalina and experiencing its beauty and nature.”

From kindergarten through fifth grade, Avalon School students will venture into the wildlands with Conservancy education team members for hands-on exploration, traveling to a different part of the Island each year aligned with grade level curriculum. In line with state standards’ emphasis on learning about their home state of California, fourth graders will participate in four explorations aligned with their school curriculum. This laddered design allows for a gradual learning experience with the focus of each grade’s lesson and field excursion building year over year.

The Conservancy has created a bilingual Exploration Summary in English and Spanish to go home after each field trip to encourage families to talk about what their child experienced and do related home-based activities. Each classroom will also receive a Classroom Journey Kit of learning materials, including things like scientific tools, specimens and books, that they can use to amplify the grade level topic throughout the year. Exploration Packs will be created that students can check out from their teachers for use at home to further the learning.

"The main goal for me is to help the students appreciate the uniqueness of the Island they get to grow up on and be inspired to become stewards of the land,” added Bowman. “It is great to watch them learn and advocate to protect the things that exist here and nowhere else.”

The Island Explorers program was specifically designed to promote the home-school-community learning connection which ultimately contributes to science learning success for children. We are grateful to the National Recreation Foundation for a grant that has enabled the Conservancy to take an already successful experience of getting kids out in nature and make it an even deeper adventure that broadens learning through home, school and community.

Avalon fourth graders observe as Conservancy biologists conduct a health workup on an endemic Catalina Island fox before releasing it back into the wild.

EDUCATION STRategic plan

Catalina Island Conservancy continues to develop strategic plans stretching across the next decade in our key mission areas. The Conservancy’s Education Department has recently completed its comprehensive plan dedicated to achieving our vision to inspire a lifetime of exploration and stewardship of the natural and cultural world. The Conservancy’s Education Strategic Plan presents a reliable, laddered and diverse suite of engagement opportunities structured to deepen connections with Catalina Island and other natural spaces.

“Creating the Education Strategic Plan engaged not only our entire department, but also team members from other departments and our board of directors,” said Dr. Leah Melber, Sr. Director of Education. “We relied on participant feedback from programs, as well as observations from staff that lead these programs. These multiple viewpoints and voices support an inclusive vision for the future direction of education programming.”

The Conservancy is committed to creating personally relevant learning experiences designed to stimulate curiosity, make connections and foster appreciation for the unique ecology and history of the Island. We plan to continue this important work of creating opportunities for all learners through four key education goals: connection, engagement, appreciation and collaboration.

“These four goals are really our driving factors,” added Melber. “They highlight our commitment to a broad audience that seeks to connect with us in different ways.”

The goal of connection focuses on the importance of providing opportunities for learners of all ages and diverse interests to find meaningful connection through our programming. We ensure a range of engagement opportunities that acknowledge people learn differently and have different activity preferences. Our goal of appreciation recognizes that our programming is not just about facts and content, it’s about inspiration. We seek to increase appreciation for the uniqueness that is Catalina Island and an overall enjoyment of being in nature.

Lastly, we recognize that through collaboration we strengthen our offerings and expand our reach. Working with like-minded partners further advances our vision.

“One exciting thing about this plan is that it provides a shared roadmap for us all to follow, ensuring our efforts are concentrated in a single direction,” Melber said. “A shared vision is better positioned for success.”

If you are interested in learning more about the plan, feel free to reach out to Leah Melber at lmelber@catalinaconservancy.org.

SPOTLIGHT ON INFRASTRUCTURE

Infrastructure has been a hot topic not only nationwide, but also for Catalina Island. The Conservancy has prioritized updating aging infrastructure in the last couple of years, addressing issues at Airport in the Sky and on our roads system. Currently, we have other exciting foundational projects in the works that will benefit Catalina Island, its residents, and visitors, now and into the future.

NOW

Catalina Island Conservancy continues to expand our network of shade structures at key hiking locations on our trails system. As of the end of 2021, we have 18 structures that provide muchwanted shade and seating for those hiking or biking on the Island, especially during the warmer seasons. Most recently, we completed the shade structure at Lobster Bay and have plans for two more on the East End and near Tower Peak.

SOON

The Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communication System (LA-RICS) is designed

to improve communication between emergency responders in LA County, including police, firefighters, paramedics and more. By installing a system where these organizations can readily communicate with each other, there will be less delays and responders will be able to act more quickly with life-saving, up-to-date information.

“The government realized that our first responders didn’t have the ability to really talk to each other during an incident, so this more universal communications system will really improve interoperable communications between different first responder groups,” said Conservancy Chief Operating Officer Tim Kielpinski.

Catalina’s location and broad expanse of sightlines makes it advantageous for LA-RICS, which can install smaller towers here that service a large area of mainland LA County in addition to the Island. Installation of all three towers was completed at the end of 2021, with LA-RICS communications up and running within the next year.

FOR THE FUTURE

In preparation for future safety technology on Catalina, telecommunications provider GeoLinks is installing equipment to support high-definition cameras that will connect firefighting agencies with images and environmental data during wildfire events. There are three or four strategically chosen locations for prospective fire camera equipment that will be supported by solar panels and wireless internet connectivity, including Silver Peak and Cactus Peak.

“GeoLinks knew that it was likely Catalina could get some fire cameras in the wildlands and wanted to install the equipment ahead of time so they can move quickly once cameras are requested and approved by the utility company,” said Kielpinski. “To get images over to the mainland to be processed we need internet, so a side benefit of equipment to support fire cameras being there is that we will get internet – including public Wi-Fi hot spots –at several locations throughout the Island by late spring 2022.”

Current cameras throughout western North America are monitored via crowdsourcing on ALERTWildfire, with volunteers looking at data on their own time. Between 2016 and 2020, these cameras provided information for more than 1,500 fires. For more information, check alertwildfire.org. The Conservancy is also in the process of planning four additional housing units for employees in Middle Ranch. The modular homes will include two bedrooms and two bathrooms with a common kitchen and living room area.

These units will replace dwellings in Quail Valley, which were determined to be uninhabitable due to their location relative to an earthen dam. The Conservancy board approved the potential locations of the new homes, and we have completed percolation tests to ensure their feasibility.

“Being able to provide affordable housing for staff helps in recruitment and retention of our team,” said Kielpinski. “We hope to see the homes ready for use in 2023.”

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS RECREATION

100 YEARS OF BALBOA YACHT CLUB

In the long history of boating on Catalina, Balboa Yacht Club (BYC) and its members stand out as an exemplary example of how boaters enjoy Catalina. More than 600 BYC members are also Catalina Island Conservancy Marinero members, part of the Conservancy’s boating community.

Catalina is an attractive destination for boaters because of the warm and welcoming hospitality, the recreational opportunities and the extreme diversity and availability of nature just outside of the hustle and bustle of the city.

BYC’s centennial kick off on Dec. 3, 2021 included a ceremony with the installation of new officers, a fireworks show and a silent disco. BYC Commodore Paul Blank said that the club is celebrating both the past 100 years that have established its foundations while doing their best to move into the future.

“We will continue to maintain the traditions that have been time-honored over a century of existence,” said Blank. “Our responsibility is now to ensure the club is around for at least another 100 years.”

SCOUTING FOR A CENTURY

For about 100 years, scouts have enjoyed and learned from the wonder that is Catalina Island. There are currently two permanent scout camps on the Island: Emerald Bay and Cherry Cove. Previously, both boy and girl scouts have enjoyed additional locations such as Camp Fox and White’s Landing.

“In the scouting world, Catalina is a unique place,” said Jeff Sulzbach, Scout Executive & CEO of the Greater Los Angeles Area Council of Boy Scouts of America. “There are very few scout camps that have programs on the ocean. And then, for the area, having access to what is the historical look of Southern California before people paved it over right in our backyard is pretty spectacular.”

Sulzbach also shared that approximately 60 percent of the campers that come to Camp Cherry Cove

each year come from outside of Los Angeles, with about half of those being from out of state.

“Catalina doesn’t seem far away – on a clear day you can see it – but once you get there it’s the experience of being somewhere quite remote,” he said.

Scouting mixes the traditions of nearly a century with the modern era, including the addition of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) focused programs.

“While Scout camp is still very traditional in a lot of ways – we still camp in tents and teach outdoor skills – we’re also teaching them about the technology and sciences of the world they live in today,” Sulzbach added.

BIDDING ON ADVENTURE BALL AUCTION WINNERS EXPERIENCE FIELD WORK FIRSTHAND

One of the many exciting aspects of the Catalina Island Conservancy Ball each year is the opportunity to bid on exclusive experiences during the silent auction. These experiences include everything from a day with the CEO to a day in the field with conservation or education staff. Recently, Conservancy members completed experience packages they won during the 2021 Conservancy Ball auction.

Jean Walker went fox trapping for the second time, joining Sr. Wildlife Biologist Emily Hamblen. Her son Drew (now 16) went when he was 14, and this year she brought her 14-year-old son Nick.

“I had no idea everything that would be involved with trapping the foxes,” she said. “Emily is very hands on with the boys letting them do the absolute maximum they’re allowed to do and sharing about the animals.”

She said that Drew has always been very interested in animals and even hung a framed picture from his experience of him with Emily and a fox in his room.

“I would say it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience except that I’ve done it twice,” Walker said with a laugh. “But it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and anyone would love it.”

Julia Banning and her sister Ellie Anderson joined Plant Conservation Manager Lauren Dennhardt, Ph.D. for a day in the field with the invasive plant team, having been fox trapping several years ago.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the opportunity to go out with – in both cases – these very knowledgeable young women,” said Banning. “It’s an access to the Island and to expertise that you just can’t get anywhere else.”

While the two pulled a couple of fennel plants, they spent more time at Ben Weston Beach pulling sea rocket (Cakile maritima) since it is easy to identify and pleasant work. After a stop at Airport in the Sky for lunch, the crew visited a scrub oak grove and the Summit Vista Garden on the way back to Avalon.

“Pulling weeds was part of it, but it was so much more than that,” added Banning. “The really great part was being able to spend a day in the field, see a lot of different things and being able to talk to Lauren.”

Suzy Gardner

We were sad to say goodbye to Chief Development Officer Suzy Gardner in January after five years with the organization. During her time with the Conservancy, Suzy restructured the development and communications department and built a highperforming development team that she calls "hands-down the best team I’ve ever had the privilege to work with.” She leaves the Conservancy with membership at an all-time high, including a doubled amount of Leadership Circle members.

“It has been an honor and pleasure to work alongside our amazing donors, all of us with a deep appreciation for Catalina,” she said. “The Island is truly a magical place and it is incredibly satisfying to know that I was able to contribute to advancing the mission to keep it beautiful and accessible for future generations to enjoy.”

Over the last five years, Suzy and her team have closed our capital campaign, refreshed branding, and attained GuideStar Platinum Rating and Better Business Bureau Accreditation. She has been a strong leader and contributor to the executive team, always championing compassion and values.

We thank Suzy for her indelible contributions to the Conservancy and wish her luck in all future endeavors!

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: Ranz Navarro; Pg. 2: Energized.Edison.com; Pg. 3: (top to bottom) Ranz Navarro, Jes Stackhausen, Adobe Stock, Cressita Bowman, Jes Stackhausen, Jessica Boudevin, Shana Cassidy, Adobe Stock; Pg. 4 Ranz Navarro; Page 5: (left to right) Santa Catalina Island Company, Santa Catalina Island Company, Catalina Island Conservancy, Muench, Santa Catalina Island Company; Pg. 6: Wrigley Memorial: Ranz Navarro, all others Catalina Island Conservancy; Pg. 7: Catalina Island Conservancy (all); P.g 8: Jes Stackhausen, Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya, Jes Boudevin; Pg. 9: Geoff Coster, Jes Boudevin, Catalina Island Conservancy, Joseph Vickers; Pg. 11: Joseph Vickers; Pg. 13: Jes Stackhausen, Catalina Island Conservancy; Pg.14; Cressita Bowman; Pg. 15: Catalina Island Conservancy, Ernie Rodriguez; Pg.16: Kevin Ryan; Pg. 17: Steve Tabor; Pg.18: Art by Amy Trowbridge; Pg. 19: Photo provided by BYC; Pg. 20: Catalina Island Conservancy; Pg. 21: Amy Trowbridge; Pg. 22-23: Jes Stackhausen; Pg. 24: Shana Cassidy

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID SANTA ANA, CA PERMIT NO. 949

P.O. Box 2739

Avalon, CA 90704

CONSERVANCY CALENDAR

BZ Jones Hike

APRIL

Catalina Island Conservancy Ball

The 26th 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.

BZ Jones Annual Cross-Catalina hike will explore the Island's gorgeous terrain for a weekend of exploration, mixing and mingling. Join us for future member events like this one.

Annual Catalina Island Conservancy Symposium

Join Conservancy biologists, educators and invited researchers and scientists for discussions of Catalina Island natural history and scientific discoveries at this day-long series of presentations at Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.

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.

Last Friday Lecture Series 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