Catalina Connection A Rare Plant Population Has Been Observed on Catalina Island

By: KATHERINE M. CLEMENTS

CATALINA ISLAND — A team of Catalina Island Conservancy and partner botanists forayed into the Island’s fields to search for the very rare Santa Cruz Island rockcress (Sibara filifolia). The plant, federally listed as an endangered species, is tough to find, typically growing on dry south-facing slopes in coastal sage scrub habitats dominated by black sage (Salvia mellifera).

Surveys need to be done incredibly conscientiously.

“Currently, Sibara filifolia is known to occur in one general region of the island,” said Conservancy Rare Plant Ecologist Kevin Alison in an email to the Log. “However, our partners used geographical information systems (GIS) to develop maps that aim to predict other locations on the Island where the species could likely occur. The potential locations are based on factors that suggest suitable habitat for the species. These maps are exceptional tools for discovering new populations on the Island as we continue our management efforts.”

“Due to its small statue, thin vegetation, and cryptic colored leaves – especially when its flowers are not present,” said Alison in a news release. “Because it is so inconspicuous, we need to be especially careful not to trample or disturb the species or habitat,” said Alison.

Catalina Island Conservancy is part of a Sibara filifolia working group, a multi-organizational partnership invested in the survivorship of this species. This group includes government agencies, research institutions, and botanic gardens working toward plant conservation.

On the most recent survey, the Conservancy hosted a group of expert botanists from the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden to check previously known locations where Sibara filifolia was likely to occur.

“These collaborative partnerships are essential as this group can pool resources and expertise collectively toward achieving conservation goals of this endangered species,” added Alison. “This approach not only strengthens our ability to per- form necessary data collection in the field but also work together as a team to interpret that data to inform our management decisions,” said Alison.

Each month from February to June, the Conservancy and partnering botanists set out to explore the slopes of Catalina, observe how the plants are doing over time and look for new populations on the Island.

“These surveys will allow us to better understand the distribution and ecology of the species on the island during their life cycle,” said Alison.

The Conservancy’s first survey was positive for the current populations of Sibara filifolia on Catalina. With these recent and consistent rains, researchers are seeing a significant amount of germination of new seedlings around the remains of plants compared to previous years. These elevated rain years leading to high germination rates are essential periods for the species to maintain healthy population sizes.

Though the Conservancy claims it is optimistic based on the initial survey results, it is still too early to tell if these findings will result in a sustainable population of Sibara fiifolia on Catalina Island.

“As seen in previous years, surveys, seasonal drought, and other events likely cause considerable mortality,” said Alison.

To secure the species long term, the Conservancy will collect and bulk seeds from these plant populations in collaboration with their partners.

“This will ensure a reliable source of plants are available to continue the propagation and conservation of this species,” said Alison.

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8th Annual Mermaid Month at Ventura Harbor Village

VENTURA — The entire month of March is dedicated to the 8th Annual Mermaid Month in the Ventura Harbor Village, with special events on March 19. From March 1-31, a mer-mazing, month-long celebration will be free to the public, except for vendor activities, dining, and retail merchandise.

Visitors across the oceans can meet to enjoy a myriad of mermaid activities. Kicking off Mermaid Month is a Kid’s Free Scavenger Hunt, which gives kids from March 1-31 the time to pick up the scavenger hunt sheets at the Mermaid Gallery, which houses original mermaid art and tons of mermaid merchandise in Ventura Harbor Village and return for special prizes. Participants are encouraged to dress in festive mermaid attire.

Taking center stage is a series of ocean-spired special events and live mermaid meet and greets scheduled on March 19 from 12–3 p.m., weather permitting. Sea lovers can enjoy seaside fun, including interactive booths, a mermaid craft station for kids, chalk art, a mermaid dance party, live entertainment, and more. In addition, on March 19, vendors will showcase their skills for visitors, including face painting, exotic bird photo ops, glitter tattoos, and hair braiding.

Also, on March 19, Surfrider Foundation Ventura Chapter members will be at an interactive booth to share tips and information about keeping the oceans clean. Before the special event, beach lovers of all ages can also participate in the Surfrider Foundation’s family-friendly beach clean-up at Harbor Cove Beach, Surfers Knoll Beach, and Harbor beaches.

Kids will delight in a mermaid craft station presented by Las Posas Children’s Center (LPCC) Inc., which

By: KATHERINE M. CLEMENTS

operates school-aged childcare centers on six Ventura Unified School District campuses, creating a joyous atmosphere for children.

Other activities will include: Mermaid Art:

Visitors can view the artistry of Lysa Ashley as she creates mesmerizing mermaid art in front of Le Petit Café & Bakery on March 19 and catch Village makers with themed-crafted items.

Dance the Day Away:

DJ Darla Bea will put her spin on Mermaid Month with a lively dance party on March 19. Come dressed up in sea-inspired attire for a family-fun dance party. Show off fin-tastic moves for a chance to win bubble wands and more! A walking mermaid will lead kids in fun activities from 12- 3 p.m.

Enjoy Live Music:

Sway to the live tropical tunes of Anacapa Ukulele, local ukulele musicians will perform along the Village’s Seaside Promenade on March 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 12 – 3 p.m. along the Village’s Seaside Promenade.

Kid’s Pirate Ship Fun:

Kids can search for sirens (aka mermaids) in the sea. Climb aboard the pirate ship to look for mermaids below and then slide down to climb up again. Free kid’s activity on the Village Main Lawn on Sunday, March 19, from 1- 4 p.m., weather pending.

Usher in Spring:

Guests can revel in daily Springtime shopping for unique mermaid-themed merchandise such as:

1. Bath and body, fashion, accessories, mermaid socks, ocean-inspired accessories for the beach, hats, coastal decor, artwork, pottery, and jewelry.

2. Uncover a treasure trove of mermaid and nautical-themed retail merchandise from the famous Mermaid Gallery – for mermaid art, gifts, toys, and shells.

3. Seek out original mermaid-inspired artwork from pottery to fine paintings.

Celebrate A Seaside Selfie:

All month long, visitors can also engage in seaside selfie stations, including large mermaid shells and the 20-foot-long sign feature that reads “I (Love) the SEA” on Ventura Harbor Village’s Promenade.

Take to The Sea:

Get a glimpse of fantastic wildlife at sea by booking an Island Packers Whale Watching trip to view these magnificent animals. For tickets and dates, visit www.islandpackers.com. A must-sea is a visit to the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center (Free admission) to visit the tide pool, exhibits, viewing tower, gift/bookstore, and the theater that is open daily. Parking is available at the end of Spinnaker Drive, or visitors can take an 8–10-minute leisurely walk from Ventura Harbor Village.

Those sea goers who wish to “make waves” by gliding over the water with ease in search of fins and flippers can rent a kayak, SUP paddle board, electric boat, or one of the new colorful pink flamingo or dragon pedal boats along with other swan and duck character boasts offered by Ventura Boat Rentals. During a visit, water enthusiasts can catch a real live mermaid or just a large fish (bragging rights included) by jumping aboard a vessel from Ventura Sportfishing or get a possible glimpse of the elusive mermaid swimming with the whales.

Indulge

in

Succulent

Seafood & Sweet Treats:

In a salute to the sea, Ventura Harbor Village’s bars and restaurants are serving an array of “sea-sonal” cocktails, regional wines from Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room, freshly caught seafood, tasty clam chowders, mouthwatering oysters, savory calamari, appetizing salmon, and flavorful fish tacos. Take some sustainable fresh fish home with a stop at Wild Local Seafood or purchase the weekly catch at Andria’s Seafood Market. To cap off the perfect meal, diners delight in specialty mermaid sweet treats from Top This Chocolate, Sugar Lab Bake Shop, and Coastal Cone Ice Cream.

About Ventura Harbor: shelter before a Norther starts blowing on the outside of Baja and inside the Sea of Cortez.

Situated along the picturesque California Central Coast, endowed with breathtaking views, Ventura County’s Ventura Harbor is bordered by the City of Ventura on three sides and the Pacific Ocean on the west. Ventura Harbor is 20 miles from Santa Barbara and is 60 miles from Los Angeles, and just minutes off scenic US Highway 1 and 101. The Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center makes its home in Ventura Harbor.

For visitor information, contact Ventura Harbor Village at 805-477-0470 or online at www. VenturaHarborVillage.com.

Port Captains usually “close” their ports to vessels departing into dangerous storms, but boats can always enter a closed port if they’re seeking shelter –“buscando refugio.” However, after a blow has started, the most comfortable spots might already be filled.

Ensenada: T he enclosed yacht basins of Marina Coral and Cruiseport Village Marina are excellent Norther shelters. Some of the docks in boat yards at t he north end of Ensenada harbor also give reasonable shelter as an alternative.

S an Quintin: This anchorage along the south side of the 3-mile-long sandspit provides excellent shelter from a Screaming Blue Norther for a couple of dozen vessels.

Turtle Bay: T he anchorages on the north and east sides of this nearly circular bay offer the best Norther shelter in many miles; however, the east side may get some refraction waves.

Santa Maria Bay: Anchor well into the north curve of the bay, away from Punta Hughs and nearer to the shallow estuary mouth, or anchor anywhere below the tall hills except directly below the notorious notch.

L os Cabos: Slips in the interior marinas at both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo provide good Norther shelter.

La Paz: The enclosed yacht basins at Marina CostaBaja and Marina Palmira are the best Norther shelters in town. At Espiritu Santos Island, Partida Cove has good shelter from Norther seas, but the other choice spot, San Gabriel Bay, is temporarily closed to anchoring.

Puerto Escondido: Slips inside Marina Puerto Escondido’s enclosed back ba sin offer the most shelter from a Norther along the private residential island. Marina slips closest to shore, and moorings away from the two Windows have been good, too.

Santa Rosalia: The north end of this enclosed harbor provides good anchoring shelter from Screaming Blue Northers, and a slip in the small Marina Santa Rosalia has been good as well if you can get one.

Puerto Don Juan at LA Bay: T his small bay in the upper Sea of Cortez has the best N Norther anchoring shelter in many miles, with room for 40 boats if they cooperate.

Puerto Penasco: This whole enclosed harbor has excellent Norther shelter. Due to the extreme tidal variance, the small marinas and fishing docks are usually a better choice than anchoring in the bay.

San Carlos & Guaymas: Slips in the enclosed yacht basins at Marina Real and Marina San Carlos are best. However, an- choring on the northwest side of Bahia San Carlos usually works if boats are attended. Marina Fonatur Guaymas and the anchorage area at the north end of G uaymas harbor provide good shelter during Northers.

Topolobampo: The anchorage just inside Punta Santa Maria and the downtown basin encircled by Dominguez Street are best. A slip in Marina Topolobampo at the end of the secondary channel is also good shelter from a Screaming Blue Norther.

Puerto Don Juan near Bahia del Los Angeles provides good shelter from spring’s Screaming Blue Northers. Not only is this bay enclosed in wind-blocking hills and one low window, its narrow dog-leg entrance channel foils large white caps that would invade from the north. With room for about 40 boats to swing, Puerto Don Juan is also a well used hurricane hole in summer.