Winter/Spring 2008 - Catalina Island Conservancy

Help the Conservancy recover
from the May 10 2007 fire.
To make a contribution, go to
www.catalinaconservancy.org
and click on “Fire
Recovery,” or call
(310) 510-2595
ext. 114.
A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E
Winter 2007/Spring 2008
The mission of the
Catalina Island Conservancy
is to be a responsible steward
of its lands through a balance
Catalina’s Hidden Treasures
of conservation, education
By Richard W. Halsey
and recreation.
Director of The California Chaparral Institute
Black cottonwood
Populus balsamifera
ssp. trichocarpa
® 2007 R.W. Pelouze
The fire on May 10, 2007, scorched 4,750 acres causing property damage in Avalon and in the
Island’s interior. It burned more acreage than any other fire recorded on the Island over the past
century. Photo by Bob Rhein
INSIDE ...
From the President

News Briefs

Faces and Places

Bridge to the Future

Life Long Learning

Donor Appreciation

Making a Difference

Calendar

Out and About

Nature’s Notebook

A treasure trove beneath
Catalina’s earth
T
here was once a time when the steep
mountainsides of Catalina would
be dusted with bright yellows from the
springtime blossoms of the Island bush
poppy, a rare and beautiful plant found
only on the Channel Islands. Bald eagles
were abundant and dotted the Island’s blue
skies. Families of the Catalina Island fox
roamed between magnificent old-growth
stands of wild lilac, manzanita and
ironwood.
Nature on the Island has dramatically
changed over the past two centuries,
much of its biological richness lost in
time. Yet there remains a treasure trove
of magical secrets hiding in Catalina’s
earth, waiting for the right moment to
emerge, to help nature smile like it hasn’t
smiled in centuries. Locked away in the
soil are millions of seeds, capable of
returning the Island’s delicate flowers,
unique plant communities, and native
animal populations to a richness that
hasn’t been seen in generations.
Catalina’s unique ecosystem evolved in a
particular “context” of wildlife, with the
largest native herbivore being the
Catalina Beechey ground squirrel. After
years of overgrazing, browsing and
rooting by non-native animals like sheep,
continued on page 3
The
Conservancy Times
is a publication of the
From the President
A Time to Give Thanks
Benefactor Members
Robert Given
Paxson H. Offield
Maria Pellegrini
Alison Wrigley Rusack
Board of Directors
Marie Knowles, Chair
Anthony Michaels, Vice Chair
Geoffrey Rusack, Past Chair
Don Beaumont
Norris Bishton
Jim Brown
Victoria Seaver Dean
Jane Fetter
Blanny Avalon Hagenah
Clifford Hague
Richard Harp
Ann Muscat
Calvin Parsons
George Pla
A
s 2007 comes to a close and the
holiday season begins, I thought it
appropriate to recall the many events
from 2007 for which those of us who love
Catalina Island can be thankful.
While the May 10th fire charred 4,750
acres, there was no loss of life and the
City of Avalon was saved from imminent
destruction. Certainly, the fire has created
challenges for the Island ecosystem, which
will take many years to recover. Thankfully,
our recent summer appeal in support of
fire recovery was met with a tremendous
outpouring of generosity from our many
supporters, and we are grateful.
Executive Team
Ann Muscat
President/Chief Executive Officer
Mel Dinkel
Chief Operating Officer/Treasurer
Leslie Baer
Chief Communications Officer
Jackie McDougall
Chief Development Officer
Carlos de la Rosa
Chief Conservation and Education Officer
Department Heads
Lenny Altherr
Director, Facilities Management
Scott Dennis
Last March and April, we had our own
spring miracle on the Island as four bald
eagle eggs in two nests produced four
healthy hatchlings without the aid of
human intervention from the Institute for
Wildlife Studies (IWS)—for the first time
in 50 years. The Conservancy continues
its work protecting and restoring the
habitat the birds call home, and we’re
looking forward to more good news in
subsequent hatching seasons.
Director, Visitor and Volunteer Services
Aisha Hoffmann
Manager, Leases and Special Projects
Paul Moritz
Director, Airport Operations
Jane Pulsinelli
Controller/Assistant Treasurer
Charles Wright
Director, Development
Contact Us
(562) 437-8555 x221
[email protected]
Editor: Bob Rhein
Production Coordinator: Jeanne McKay
Graphic Design: 2B Communications
Contributors to This Issue
Lenny Altherr, Jack Baldelli, Erica Cushing,
Carlos de la Rosa, Scott Dennis, Mel Dinkel,
Richard W. Halsey, Julie King, Denise Knapp,
John Knapp, Jackie McDougall, Jeanne McKay,
Aaron Morehouse, Ann Muscat, Jen Poyer,
Bob Rhein, Kevin Ryan, Chuck Wright
Thanks to the dedication of the staff of
both the Conservancy and IWS, the
Catalina Island fox population continues
to recover in numbers despite the
mysterious ear tumors that still plague the
federally endangered animals. As of right
now, the number of foxes on the Island
stands at a little more than 500
individuals. I am sad to say that we now
know for certain that some young pups
were lost in the fire. As we continue our
fox monitoring efforts throughout the
winter, we will provide you with monthly
updates through Conservancy Update
ONLINE. (If you’re not receiving our free
electronic newsletter, please visit
http://www.catalinaconservancy.org
and click on “Updates & News” and take a
minute to sign up.) We are continually
grateful for the support of members like
you, who have helped to make it possible
to bring the Catalina Island fox back from
the brink of extinction.
Another exciting project that I, personally,
have been thankful to be involved in is
called “Island Ways.” This cooperative
venture of the City of Avalon, Santa
Catalina Island Company, Catalina Island
Chamber of Commerce and Visitors
Bureau, Catalina Express, the Catalina
Island Museum, and the Conservancy
describes a comprehensive network of
experiences that tell the story of Catalina
for its visitors. It will also enrich Islanders’
own understanding of living sustainably
within a sensitive ecosystem. It has been
gratifying to see these entities with their
diverse missions come together to pen
this exciting interpretive plan.
Of course, the Conservancy celebrated its
35th anniversary this year. I hope you all
have taken the opportunity to read
through the Spring/Summer 2007
Conservancy Times that celebrated the
vision of the Wrigley and Offield families
as they created the Conservancy in 1972,
expanding it in 1975 to more than 42,000
acres—88 percent of the Island. Although
the concept of “ecological restoration” was
practically unknown then, this gift of land
launched an effort that would protect
Catalina’s wildlands in perpetuity in the
face of challenges that, then, could not
have been imagined.
Ann M. Muscat
President and CEO
Catalina Island Conservancy
C O V E R S T O RY
Catalina’s Hidden Treasures
(continued from page 1)
Recovering toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) in the burn area.
Photo by Carlos de la Rosa
cattle, deer, goats and pigs, Catalina Island
was severely denuded—like much of the
Mediterranean region, where similar poor
land-management practices contributed to
the downfall of many great civilizations.
Once forests were stripped bare, and goats
and other domesticated animals destroyed
the vegetation and soil, empires could no
•
3
longer support themselves. This is
why, after extensive touring of the
Mediterranean and seeing the ecological
devastation of the area, American
diplomat George Perkins Marsh warned
us not to repeat the same mistake. He
wrote in 1864, “Let us be wise in time and
profit by the errors of our older brethren.”
Catalina’s recent 4,750-acre wildfire was
the largest recorded on the Island over the
past century. The experience has raised a
lot of questions about why it happened,
how the environment will respond, and
what the various agencies and stakeholders
should do to protect residents from future
fires. It has also provided an opportunity
to heed Marsh’s words and assist nature
Catalina mariposa lily (Calochortus catalinae).
This is one of the plants that will rebound after
the fire. Photo by Jack Baldelli
continued on page 16
Conservancy Times—Winter/Spring 2008
4
•
NEWS BRIEFS
NEWS FROM THE CONSERVANCY
Fox Injured in Fire is Released
Two months after being
severely burned on all four
paws, Catalina Island fox
“50E25” was released back
into the wild on July 11,
2007. The female fox
sustained her injuries
during the May 10th fire.
Fox 50E25, dubbed “Burnie
Boots,” was sighted in the
burn area and rescued on
May 22nd. She was
immediately taken to the
Conservancy’s Middle
Julie King provides tender loving care
Ranch Wildlife Clinic at
for Fox 50E25 during its rehabilitation
Quail Valley for intensive
at the Wildlife Clinic.
care under the direction of Photo by Calvin Duncan
Institute for Wildlife Studies veterinarian Dr. Winston Vickers. At
that time she weighed in at just over 2.5 pounds.
On June 17—after Julie King, Conservancy Senior Wildlife
Biologist reported “astonishing improvement as the result of her
care”—the fox was transferred to the Captive Breeding Facility
at Middle Ranch where she could learn to get back on her feet.
Upon release, Burnie Boots weighed almost 5 pounds, the normal
weight of a healthy female Island fox.
Sadly, the fire did take its toll on a number of pups born within
the burn area, Julie said. In May, the pups would have been only
a few weeks old and not very mobile. The total number of pups
captured in the burn area following the fire was much less than
in previous years. “The good news is that we hadn’t found any
additional foxes with signs of being injured by the fire, with the
exception of Burnie Boots,” Julie said.
In other Island fox news, the research into the usually fatal ear
tumors—ceruminous gland carcinoma—entered its second field
season in 2007. In 2006, the sampling was focused predominately
on West End foxes, but was expanded Island-wide. Dr. Vickers
continues taking ear-tissue biopsies, collecting blood and bacterial
and fungal ear cultures. These samples will help assess whether
infection with ear mites, bacteria, fungi or viruses or exposure
to environmental contaminants increase the risk of foxes
developing cancer.
Conservancy Takes Mudslide Precautions
The Conservancy is heeding recommendations of county and
federal agencies to help minimize debris flows on steep hillsides
above Avalon and two camps that lease land just below the area
burned during Catalina’s May 2007 fire.
Debris is cleared from the area near Pumphouse #2 near Middle Ranch
to rehabilitate an old catch basin for water and mud as it flows down
the hillside during a heavy rain. Photo by Bob Rhein
Following the fire that charred 4,750 acres, the Los Angeles
County Department of Public Works and the United States Natural
Resources Conservation Service issued reports that have become
the basis for runoff control by the City of Avalon, Southern
California Edison, Long Beach Unified School District, the Santa
Catalina Island Company, and the Conservancy. The Conservancy
is a part of this team, dedicated to protecting Avalon from
crippling mudslides.
The various reports concluded that due to lack of vegetation on
slopes, a substantial increase in debris flow could be expected
with rains—potentially “two to four times the normal runoff.”
If you would like to help the Conservancy fund its ongoing programs to help protect and restore Catalina Island’s wildlife and wildlands, or to join the Conservancy,
please call (310) 510-2595 ext. 114. For email Updates and News about fox recovery and other important conservation efforts taking place on Catalina Island, sign
up for Conservancy Update ONLINE at our website, www.catalinaconservancy.org.
Catalina Island Conservancy
NEWS BRIEFS
The Conservancy is positioning “debris structures” in the canyons
above Toyon Bay, home of the Catalina Island Marine Institute,
run by Guided Discoveries, Inc.; and Gallagher Beach, home of
Campus by the Sea, operated by Intervarsity Christian
Fellowship/USA®. The Santa Catalina Island Company, Southern
California Edison and the Long Beach Unified School District are
planning similar structures in the canyons around and about
Avalon. These structures are designed to hold back mud and
debris while allowing water to flow through normal drainage
channels.
The Conservancy is also working closely with Southern California
Edison to safeguard Pumphouse #2 near Middle Ranch and other
water system infrastructure to ensure safe delivery of fresh water
to Avalon and other areas of Catalina.
Mel Dinkel, Conservancy Chief Operating Officer, said the
precautions would need to remain in place for the next several
years because of the severity of the burn along the mountainsides
above the camps.
Deer Harvest Increased to Control
Burgeoning Population
The California Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Private
Lands Management Program (PLM) on Catalina, which strives to
create a sustainable population of the Island’s non-native mule
deer, has increased its harvest goal this year. The increase aims to
reduce the Island’s deer population to a level that won’t be
detrimental to the areas affected by the most recent fires.
The increase comes on the heels of fires that over the past year
left nearly 6,000 acres or 13 percent of the Island denuded,
decreasing the amount of foraging land available on Catalina for
some 3,000 non-native deer, whose population is kept in check
entirely through the PLM, which is administered by the
Conservancy for the DFG.
Post-fire, the Conservancy and other landowners have engaged
county and federal agencies to make recommendations for
protecting against debris flows in the short term. Engineering
solutions such as debris catchments are being implemented.
However, “the long-term solution is the recovery of habitat and
plant communities that stabilize the slopes, as well as welcome
native wildlife,” explains Carlos de la Rosa, the Conservancy’s
Chief Conservation and Education Officer.
Since they tread on burn areas and consume new growth, deer
intensify erosion, which can lead to mudslides. “Browsing also
Conservancy Times—Winter/Spring 2008
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5
prevents new growth
from taking hold,
prolonging the threat,”
de la Rosa notes.
While in recent years,
the DFG has prescribed
500 deer for yearly
harvest, scientists who
have been studying the
Island’s deer population
for the last three years
have concluded that
“this would not be a
safe harvest given the
extent of the burn and
Deer have become a common site within
the impact of their
Avalon city limits following the fire in May.
feeding,” said Dinkel.
Photo by Jack Baldelli
The current overpopulation not only threatens the recovery of the
burn zone, but is also taking its toll on the deer. There has been a
stream of reports of stressed and starving deer, some even
entering homes and businesses apparently looking for food or
water. Recently, a deer collided with a vehicle resulting in injury
to the occupants. “Fawns are particularly affected,” says de la
Rosa, adding that “since they can’t reach as high as their adult
parents, they starve faster.” There have been reports of a number
of fawns found dead in the interior.
And feeding deer only draws more into town, and encourages
reproduction by “creating a false sense that there is ample
forage,” de la Rosa explains.
In addition to these concerns, Catalina Island is recognized
among the world’s top 100 “biodiversity hotspots,” areas that
contain rare and endangered habitat and species under threat.
Says de la Rosa, “Increasing the deer harvest on Catalina for the
next several years will help to protect the Island’s unique plant
species that nourish and support native wildlife such as the
endangered Catalina Island fox and the recuperating population
of bald eagles.”
Catalina’s wildlands are also a precious recreational resource
for Southern Californians and the world. For additional
information about Catalina’s deer population and managed
bison herd, visit: www.catalinaconservancy.org, “Catalina's Mule
Deer & Bison FAQs.”
6
•
FA C E S A N D P L A C E S
Through Their Eyes
Jeep® Eco-Tour drivers give visitors a truly
personal experience
T
he familiar brown-and-green Eco-Tour Jeep® motors
through Hogsback Gate on its way into the Island’s interior.
At the wheel is a naturalist driver, ready to treat the riders to an
adventure of a lifetime.
Long-time
Conservancy
volunteer Bruce
Poncel had
experience running
a Jeep®-tour business
in Arizona before
moving to the Island
in 1960. Bruce was a
frequent passenger
when Conservancy
President Doug
Bruce Poncel Photo by Bob Rhein
Propst drove out
into the interior. “I rode around with Doug quite a bit to learn
what he knew about the Island,” Poncel said.
In 1994, Poncel was instrumental in making, the Conservancy’s
Jeep® Eco-Tour offering a reality. For the first time, visitors to
the Island had the option of literally creating their own Island
tour. All drivers are experts behind the wheel, and are highly
knowledgeable about Catalina’s flora and fauna.
Now, after 14 years, the popularity of the tour is greater than ever.
Lyndi Medina, her husband Jeff and son, Oliver, from Anaheim,
took the tour for the first time last June. “We are so amazed that
there is so much more to the Island than just golf carts, bikes and
beach,” she said.
Kathy and Chris Baffone from Simi Valley took their 10-year-old
daughter, Nichole, to the Island for the first time last August. “The
Jeep® Eco-Tour was a chance to see the real Catalina, and learn
about its biology and ecology,” Kathy said. “We left with a better
understanding of the challenges for the Island, and what goes on
behind the scenes.”
For Lynda Toth of Los Angeles, her Eco-Tour with Beth Van Der
Velde at the wheel was a “precious” experience. She had visited
the Island several times as a child, and has volunteered with the
Conservancy gathering acorns and installing irrigation for the
oak restoration project. “The Conservancy has such great vision,”
she said. “It is trying to preserve nature and wildlife for our
children and grandchildren.”
The Drivers
A
t 76 years of age, Fred Freeman has been volunteering with
the Conservancy since 1975. Donning a number of hats,
you’ll find Fred driving for the Facilities Department, acting as
Conservancy spokesman for television filming, and serving as a
Jeep® Eco-Tour driver. “The satisfaction I get most is transmitting
the history of the Island and the Conservancy to our visitors,” he
says. “Every time I take a tour out, I always see something new.
What more could anyone ask for?”
Ed and Margot Hume of Huntington Beach not only fell in love
with the Island 15 years ago; they fell in love with each other,
meeting at one of the Island’s famous chili cook-offs. Married
(on the Island, of course) about ten years ago, they have a home
on Catalina and visit regularly. The Humes took their latest
Jeep® tour last June.
“We had two other couples with us,” Margot said. “We try to take
the tour at least once every summer.”
Doug Jones and his wife, Kathy, from Boulder Creek, California,
took Doug’s old college roommate, John McCoy, and his wife, Pam,
from Escondido to Catalina in April 2007—just one month before
the fire. “I was surprised at how pretty the coast was,” Kathy said.
“It was much steeper than I believed. I am thrilled that the Island
is in such good hands. It’s miraculous—unbelievable!”
Fred Freeman is interiewed by The Weather Channel.
Photo by Bob Rhein
Catalina Island Conservancy
FA C E S A N D P L A C E S
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7
Call Conservancy House in Avalon at (310) 510-2595 ext. 0 to book your own Jeep® Eco-Tour
adventure into Catalina’s beautiful interior.
The only driver who doesn’t
actually live on the Island,
although he does have an
apartment there, is Steve Pillman
of La Habra Heights. Steve
has been volunteering for the
Conservancy for the past four
years. Besides driving Jeep® EcoTours, Steve volunteers at the
James H. Ackerman Native Plant
Nursery and works with the
Volunteer Vacationers. “I like to learn about the Island and
associate with people who love the Island, too,” he says. “I feel
very lucky to have the opportunity to share Catalina with others.”
Laurie Jann started volunteering with the Conservancy in 1990
when she first came to the Island. She received her degree in
Biology in University of Nevada at Las Vegas and started teaching
at the Catalina Island Marine Institute at Toyon Bay.
“I start each tour with a favorite quote by William Wrigley Jr. that
was widely used to promote the Island. ‘In all the world, no trip like
this!’” Laurie says. “I like to take the back roads that other people
Left to right: Steve Pillman, Laurie Jann, Beth Van Der Velde
Photo of Steve Pillman by Bob Rhein. Above photos courtesy of Laurie Jann and Beth Van Der Velde
don’t get to see, and re-experience the Island through their eyes.”
“I have driven the Jeep®-Eco Tours for the Catalina Island
Conservancy for a few years now and I would say the best part is
getting out into the hills,” says driver Beth Van Der Velde. “Once
you’re though the gate, the natural wonderland unfolds. Whether
deep in a windy canyon with overhanging growth and ferns or
atop a peak with a panoramic view of sky and sea stretching for
miles as far as the eye can see, it is always so quiet. It is, in fact,
a stunning experience.”
General tickets will be available online February 1, 2008, at
www.catalinaconservancy.org. Click on “Conservancy Ball.”
Conservancy Times—Winter/Spring 2008
8
•
BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE
Robert Given Fund for Ocean Conservation Established
By Bob Rhein
Photos by Jack Baldelli
Foundation, and Geoff Rusack
and Alison Wrigley Rusack.
Also included in the fund were
contributions from the Catalina
Conservancy Divers (CCD), an
organization cofounded by
Given in 1992. He also cocreated and taught the training
program for the CCD “citizen
scientists” that was conducted
regularly at the Cabrillo Marine
Aquarium.
The first activity of the Given
Fund for Ocean Conservation
will be the creation of a pocket
field guide for Catalina’s
underwater life that will be
available for purchase at the
Conservancy’s Explore Store.
The second activity will be to
underwrite costs for a student
intern at the USC Wrigley
More than 50 well-wishers gathered to honor Bob Given at the newly restored Casa del Monte.
Institute for Environmental
Studies, who will analyze more
Contributions from the Offield and Rusack families
than 10 years of CCD temperature readings and key species
and the Catalina Conservancy Divers combine for a
records taken from around Catalina’s shores.
total of nearly $300,000 for ocean conservation
activities.
M
ore than 50 colleagues, friends and family members
gathered in late August to honor Robert R. Given, Ph.D.,
for outstanding contributions he has made in founding and
establishing the University of Southern California Wrigley Marine
Science Center and the Catalina Island Conservancy. Given is
currently one of four lifetime Benefactor members of the
Conservancy.
The celebration, hosted by Geoff and Alison Rusack at Casa del
Monte, their Avalon home, was a tribute to Given for more than
40 dynamic years of service on Catalina Island. Given is a marine
biologist and has recently retired as Senior Professor at
Marymount College in Rancho Palos Verdes.
As the highlight of the event, Marie Knowles, Conservancy Board
Chair, announced the establishment of the Robert Given Fund for
Ocean Conservation that will be a source of funding for the
Conservancy’s educational outreach and research activities related
to the ocean. The fund, totaling nearly $300,000, was created by
generous gifts from Paxson Offield through the Offield Family
“It is one of the few long-term data sets that exist for the Island,”
Knowles said. “USC has graciously agreed to help us make sure it
is truly of value to the scientific community.”
Given said that he was delighted to know that the CCD data was
going to be analyzed and put to good use. “It is good data, taken
by good people using good instruments,” he said. “Temperature is
one of the most important factors in determining the distribution
of organisms,” he added.
Given said he was overwhelmed by the turnout of friends and
colleagues. “I built my career around a lot of these people. I
haven’t seen many of them in a long time.” He said he enjoyed the
humorous remembrances from the past. “It wasn’t all scientific,”
he said with a laugh.
Given, his wife Janet and their family came to Catalina in1966,
where he became the Resident Biologist at the newly constructed
USC Catalina Marine Science Center at Big Fisherman Cove.
In 1970, having obtained his doctoral degree, he was appointed
Assistant Director and then served as Director of the Center
from 1975 to 1984 before assuming a teaching position at
Marymount College.
Catalina Island Conservancy
BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE
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9
grandparents, Philip and Helen Wrigley, Bob has been a friend
and a great educator—one of those rare scientists who can relate
to everyone and communicate in a way we can all understand.
Our support of the Robert Given Fund represents our thanks for
his dedication to the Conservancy and hard work on behalf of
Catalina's amazing sea environment, and our hope for future
generations of scientists to continue his valuable work.”
Paxson (Packy) Offield, also a Conservancy Benefactor and greatgrandson of William Wrigley Jr., called Bob a “terrific leader and
an example” for the Conservancy. “Both as a Benefactor Member
and as Chairman of the Benefactors, he has been a strong and
steadying influence for the Conservancy,” he said. “This fund will
be used for good projects for our near-shore marine environment
which Bob has cared for for so many years. My family and I are
excited to be able to contribute to the Bob Given Fund."
To further honor Bob, it was announced that a new species of
anemone in the genus Epizoanthus is to be named after him.
Above: Paxson Offield of the Offield Family Foundation, and
Alison Wrigley Rusack were donors to the Robert Given
Fund for Ocean Conservation, in
addition to the Catalina Conservancy
Divers, whose logo appears at right.
Succeeding him as Director in 1984 was Ann Muscat,
Ph.D., now Conservancy President and CEO.
“I have known Bob as a mentor, a trusted friend,
counselor and teacher who helped introduce me to
the wonders of Catalina’s underwater environment 28
years ago when I first came to the Island,” Muscat
said at the tribute. “Bob Given is an original natural
historian, a breed of scientist that is less and less
common today.” She continued, “Bob’s insatiable
curiosity and expertise has tackled both the sea and
land environment of Catalina with equal dexterity.
Through his photography, teaching and writing,
From left: Tony Michaels, Director of the Wrigley Marine Science Center at Big Fisherman
Catalina is better understood and appreciated by
Cove, Catalina; and former directors Russel Zimmer, Bob Given and Conservancy President
thousands of people.”
Ann Muscat.
Alison Wrigley Rusack, Conservancy Benefactor
and great-granddaughter of William Wrigley Jr.,
remembers Given as she grew up on the Island.
“Bob's devotion to Catalina is something my family
has always admired,” she said. “Since he first met my
Conservancy Times—Winter/Spring 2008
Learn how you can donate to the Conservancy’s mission. Go to
www.catalinaconservancy.org and click on “Donations.” Or call (310) 5102595 ext. 114. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
10
•
LIFE LONG LEARNING
Be on the Lookout for Hitchhiking Critters
By Bob Rhein
Introduced wildlife can spell trouble for Catalina.
T
he raccoon that paws through a trashcan in San Pedro
shares the same diseases and viruses with numerous other
animal species in Southern California. However, once it makes
its way to Catalina and gets out into the interior—as did the one
that stowed away on a boat that moored in Avalon Harbor last
summer—it ups the ante for danger to Island animals. It’s now
sharing new pathogens and new strains of existing diseases with
pets and the Catalina Island fox, which may have no biological
defenses against them.
That’s the scenario Conservancy and Institute for Wildlife Studies
(IWS) staff faced in July when three raccoons apparently stowed
away on one or more boats moored in Avalon Harbor. Twelve
days of tracking and unsuccessful efforts to trap one raccoon that
was visibly diseased ended up with the animal being humanely
euthanized; two other stowaway bandits found in Avalon were
captured, tested and returned by Avalon Animal Control to a
mainland shelter.
In the same way that animals can bring diseases from the
mainland, Island foxes can share their diseases and parasites with
raccoons and other introduced animals. These pathogens have
evolved in isolation from the mainland and could be more deadly
for mainland wildlife than the strains to which they are normally
exposed.
Foxes/Humans Share Risk
Canine distemper caused the Catalina Island fox population to
plummet from 1,300 to about 100 individuals in 1999. Through
efforts by the Conservancy and IWS, there are more than 500
foxes that once again call Catalina home. However, another
virulent strain of this disease on the Island could push the species
toward extinction again.
Many diseases carried by wildlife are also threats to humans. For
instance, many wildlife species can carry the rabies virus for
periods of time without appearing to be ill, so that disease could
be introduced to the Island in an animal that appears healthy.
Raccoons are not native to Catalina and pose a threat to native wildlife. Three appeared on the Island last summer.
Photo by Hans-Walter Untch
“Among other diseases, raccoons can carry canine distemper
virus,” said Dr. Winston Vickers, veterinarian with IWS who has
devoted years to fox-recovery efforts on Catalina. “Gray foxes and
Island foxes are two species that are highly susceptible to it.”
Raccoons pose other threats
to humans. For example,
Baylisascaris procyonis, a
roundworm specific to
raccoons, does not actually
harm raccoons, but
roundworm eggs are passed
in feces and can remain
alive in the soil for years. If
ingested by other animals
or humans, they hatch
inside the body and often
migrate through parts of
the nervous system, the
eyes, and other vital organs.
Even a single larva can
cause blindness, and larger
numbers have caused
human deaths. Children are
particularly susceptible to
contamination if they play
in areas frequented by
raccoons.
The influx of raccoons to
Catalina Island may be traced back to a growing population of the
animals in the Los Angeles Harbor and adjacent marinas, where
food is left out for feral cats and other wildlife, or trash is placed
in uncovered garbage bins. While searching for more food, the
critters find their way onto pleasure boats bound for Catalina.
Catalina Island Conservancy
LIFE LONG LEARNING
•
11
These threats to native wildlife and human health are why the
California Department of Fish and Game and the California
Code of Regulations make it illegal to “import, transport or
possess live animals” deemed restricted by the law, including
opossums and deer as well as nonnative species such as ferrets
and starlings, to name a few.
which has no natural predators on Catalina, might be easy
pickings for an aggressive raccoon. Even lizards, snakes and mice
that accidentally find their way to the Island as pets or by stowing
away on a pleasure boat can upset Catalina’s fragile ecosystem by
multiplying and pushing Island animals out of their specialized
niches.
Specialized Niches
“Each of us can do our part to protect Catalina’s native wildlife by
never feeding wild animals and by being careful not to release
pets or harbor hitchhiking wildlife,” said Dr. Carlos de la Rosa,
the Conservancy’s Chief Conservation and Education Officer. “In
wildlife areas, such as Catalina, experts suggest pets be fed inside
and trash cans be securely covered.”
Disease is not the only danger posed to Island animals. Animals
such as raccoons and opossums will compete for food and
resources necessary for native Island animals to survive. As an
example, a raccoon or opossum can be twice as large as an Island
fox and would most likely prevail in a scuffle over food. The fox,
Canine distemper
decimated Catalina’s
fox population in 1999.
The virus is carried
by raccoons. Catalina
Island foxes are pictured.
Photo by Stewart Rassmusen
Your Ticket to the Wild…
JEEP® ECO-TOUR
Exploring the Island Since 1983!
Discover the island paradise of Santa Catalina
in an open-air vehicle. Your Catalina Island
Conservancy Naturalist Guide will escort
you through rugged landscapes and to breathtaking coves along
the route you choose. Experience Southern California as few
ever will, and learn why scientists and naturalists alike consider
Santa Catalina Island to be an ecological treasure.
Tours for up to six people:
The California Department of Fish and Game suggests that those
who encounter wild animals don’t attempt to touch or capture
them. Those who encounter wildlife aboard boats, trapped in
homes, or injured should call the nearest animal shelter or animal
control office:
Area Animal Shelters
Harbor Center Shelter, San Pedro
Long Beach Animal Control
Santa Monica Animal Shelter
Coastal Animal Services Authority
Newport Beach City Animal Control
(888) 452-7381
(562) 570-7387
(310) 458-8594
(949) 492-1617
(949) 644-3717
Relax, Renew…
Wrigley Memorial and
Botanical Garden
Stroll through the Garden’s lush 37 acres
and magnificent memorial, built in 1933,
with its spectacular view of Avalon Bay.
Drink in sweet scents and enjoy the colorful blooms of
myriad plants, including Island natives and some that grow
only on Catalina—including the rare Catalina mahogany.
Hours: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., 7 days a week, year-round
Full-Day Chartered Tour (seven hours)—Go Wild! $795
• Beverages and lunch are provided.
Admission
• Individual—Adult, $5, Children under 12 free
• Seniors (55 years and up)—$3
• Group—Call to schedule tours: (310) 510-0954
• Adventurer Members—Free
To schedule a tour, call: (310) 510-2595 ext. 0, or visit the
Catalina Island Conservancy office at 125 Clarissa in Avalon.
The Garden is located 1 3/4 miles from the shore on Avalon
Canyon Road.
Half-Day Chartered Tour (four hours)—Explore! $495
• Includes beverages and light snacks.
You can become a member today and get discounts on Jeep® Eco-Tours and free admission all year long to the Wrigley Memorial and
Botanical Garden for you and your family! See page 15 for details.
Conservancy Times—Winter/Spring 2008
12
•
D O N O R A P P R E C I AT I O N
Thanks to Our Donors
For a complete list of Conservancy donors of $100 or more, please visit
www.catalinaconservancy.org. Click on “Donor Recognition.”
March 1, 2007 to September 30, 2007
(Conservancy Ball auction purchases not included)
The Conservancy thanks all of its supporters
who make it possible to continue to keep Catalina
wild, many of whom are listed in this issue of the
Conservancy Times. Due to space limitations,
donors of $1,000 or more appear here:
$100,000 and Above
Offield Family Foundation
Geoff and Alison Rusack
$50,000 - $99,999
Blanny Hagenah
James H. Ackerman Family
$25,000 - $49,999
Norris and Debi Bishton
Steven and Deborah Ginder
$10,000 - $24,999
Harold McAlister Charitable Foundation
Cultural Site Research and Management
Beyster Family Foundation Fund
Misdee Wrigley Miller
San Diego Yacht Club
Jane Wright
Connolly-Pacific Co.
John and Donna Crean
Philip and Maureen Ramer
Samueli Foundation
John X
Julie Wrigley
$5,000 - $9,999
Charles and Ellen Steinmetz
Jim and Sally McClure
John and Dana Hagenah
Roy Rose
The Little Garden Club of Newport Beach
Jack and Kingsley Croul
Olin and Ann Barrett
C.M. and Edna Peyton Cotton Foundation
Steve and Pat Chazen
David C. Copley
Timm and Peggy Crull
The Elliott Family Foundation Fund
Nick and Leslie Frazee
Grosvenor Family Foundation
Richard and Marie Knowles
The Koll Company, LLC
Paxson H. and Susan Offield
James and Helen Rosburg
Ryan Family Charitable Foundation
Webb Family Charitable Trust
Young Presidents Organization – Colorado
$2,500 - $4,999
Stephen and Ann Hinchliffe
Ruth Lewis
Charles and Nancy Munger
Barbara Stevens
Bernie Horst
Jim and Vicki Warmington
Bob and Mary Longpre
Mike Trujillo and Ed Chang
Greg and Sharon Wohl
G.T. and Shannon Frost
Catalina Channel Express, Inc.
Roger and Sarah Chrisman
John and Adrienne Garrison
Howard Higholt
Steve and Virginia Layton
Willis and Judith Longyear
Michael and Gloria Sullivan
$1,000 - $2,499
Ken and Robin Scheiderman
Rick and Wendy Harp
Ron and Barbara Doutt
John and Eleanor Barbey
Lula Hatfield
Richard and Linda Landes
Doug and Judy Levi
Phil and Susan Hagenah
Tom and Wendy Trujillo
Maria Pellegrini
James and Joyce Brown
Friends of the Island Fox, Inc.
Michael Greenberg
Arlyne Ingold
The Leisure Family Foundation
Ann Muscat and Jack Baldelli
Hal and Carolyn Weed
Jonathan Brown
Brian and Candice Cushard
Will and Tricia Hagenah
Michael and Karen Learned
Terry and Camille Brothers
Lions Club of Avalon
San Gabriel Valley Council - B.S.A.
Bruce and Carol Brisson
Barbara Kellogg
Craig and Roe Reynolds
John and Nancy Wilks
Doug and Audrey Bombard
John and Christie Glanville
Todd and Kathy Hallenbeck
Charles Lake
Richard and Geri Peckham
Eugene Stern
Tom Mapes
Bill and Judy Banning
Charles and Candace Bell
Ann Caspers
Tim and Sheila Collins
James and Diane Connelly
Charles and Margaret Crary
Roy and Patty Disney
John and Julie Dixon
Fine Line Construction
Bob and Judy Fisher
Kurt and Dara Golden
Gary Goodgame
Eric and Sene Gray
Cliff Hague
Norman and Jan Harris
Charles and Patty Hathaway
Shelli Herman
Dean and Laurie Hill
Todd and Kristin Jackson
The John B. and Nelly Llanos Kilroy Foundation
The Kleiner Cohen Foundation
Bob Kreidel
Peter and Edith LaDow
David and Kay Linden
LLWW Foundation
Mike and Lori Martin
Mike and Antonia Massie
Mike and Julie Matthews
Patrick and Mari McAlister
Jerry and Bonnie McClellan
Robert and Joan McClellan
Frank and Janet McCord
Dan and Pamela Munzer
Julio and Grace Negrete
Gary and Liz Piazzoni
Frank and Joann Randall
San Diego Trust Bank
Philo Smith and Diane Jordan-Smith
Southern California Yachting Association
Dan and Claire Stuart
Larry and Sue Werner
Pat and Libby Werner
Tod and Linda White
White Mountains Capital, Inc.
Lewis and Pat Whitney
Vincent and Judy Wood
Guy Yocom
Catalina Island Conservancy
D O N O R A P P R E C I AT I O N
2007 Conservancy Ball Auction
Purchases Generate $145,115
The Conservancy thanks all attendees who
participated in the Auction at the 2007 Conservancy Ball. Due to space considerations, attendees
who purchased $500 or more are listed here.
$10,000 and Above
John and Julie Dixon
Bill and Bobbitt Williams
John and Christie Glanville
Pat and Janet O'Leary
$5,000 - $9,999
Patrick and Mari McAlister
Brian and Candice Cushard
$2,500 - $4,999
Geoff and Alison Rusack
Boyd Cargill
Steven and Deborah Ginder
Glenn and Judy Hibbs
$1,000 - $2,499
Tom Mapes
Sam and Cathy Muslin
Richard and Marie Knowles
Charles and Katharine Hope
Chuck Liddell
Myron and Andrea Lyon
John La Fleur
Tim and Robin Gallagher
Fred Applegate
Bruce and Carol Brisson
Vicki Clark
Ted and Kristina Montag
Doug and Pam Werner
James and Margaret Ingraham
Ben and Pat Ehrman
Rock and Kathleen Gosselin
Jim and Debbie Tondelli
$500 - $999
Frank and Joan Dwinnell
Donald and Nancy DeFever
Calen Offield
John and Judy Watt
Tim and Ulrike Pirrung
Mike and Mari Fink
James and Joyce Brown
William and Patty Galvin
Fire Recovery Fund
The Conservancy has received a number of inquiries regarding
how contributions can be made for fire recovery following the
May 2007 blaze. We have set up a Fire Recovery Fund specifically
for that purpose, which can be accessed by going to
www.catalinaconservancy.org and clicking on Fire Recovery
Fund, or calling Conservancy House at (310) 510-2595 ext. 114.
There is much work to be done to alleviate two major threats
to the recovery of Catalina’s natural areas: invasive weeds, and
damage from browsing non-native deer that will eat newly
germinated native plants, particularly the unique endemics,
to the point that they are eliminated. We are also continuing
to work with specialists and engineers to protect against
mudslides and erosion.
The Catalina Island Conservancy wholeheartedly appreciates
your ongoing support.
Oak sprouting new growth.
Photo by Conservancy Conservation Department
Conservancy Times—Winter/Spring 2008
•
13
For a complete list of 2007 Auction Donors of $100 or more, please visit
www.catalinaconservancy.org. Click on “Auction Donors.”
Mark and Anne Wallace
Ralph and Penny Rodheim
Carl and Francyne Lambert
James Negele
Ken and Robin Scheiderman
Todd and Kathy Hallenbeck
Randy and K.C. Boelsems
Blaine and Susan Bush
Wytie and Sally Cable
Don Van Sickle
Jim and Beth Oberg
Kenn and Melanie Coble
Ernie Brown
Terry Brown
David Cort and Carol Armitage
Oley and Kate Olsen
John Burnham
Gary and Liz Piazzoni
John and Vikki Franck
Bob and Mary Longpre
Richard and Susan Vanderpool
Donald Wylie
14
•
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Conservancy Supporters Kick up Their Heels
and Circumnavigate Catalina Island
2007 Conservancy Ball
Five hundred and twenty-five guests from across the Southland
braved gale-force winds and small craft warnings to cross the
San Pedro Channel to attend the 12th Annual Catalina
Conservancy Ball, hosted by the San Diego Yacht Club, held
Saturday, April 14 in the beautiful, historic Avalon Casino
Ballroom.
The Ball netted $330,519, with proceeds supporting the
conservation, education and recreation programs of the
Conservancy. Dr. Ann M. Muscat, President and CEO of the
Catalina Island Conservancy, thanked Ball Chairs Michael and
Mari Fink of the San Diego Yacht Club in addition to all
volunteers, residents and guests who made the evening
memorable.
She also thanked Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., for its
generous donation of a 2007 Prius sedan hybrid, won by Bill
Halladay of Corona Del Mar.
Blanny Avalon Hagenah (white dress), a member of the Conservancy’s
Board of Directors, poses with her guests at the 2007 Conservancy Ball.
Photo by Bob Rhein
Special thanks to Board of Directors member Don Beaumont of
Catalina Classic Cruises for use of the Catalina Duchess, and
Cathy Aguilar, Ryan Palmer and the rest of his staff for an
experience that will last a lifetime.
35 th Anniversary Cruise Around the Island
It was a full day at sea on Saturday, August 25, 2007, as
Leadership Circle and Conservancy members and guests
boarded the Catalina Duchess for a trip around the Island that
included lunch, drinks and snacks in addition to valuable
information about the Island from a distinguished group of
experts.
Lending their input to the cruise was Tony Michaels Ph.D.,
Director of the USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies;
Carlos de la Rosa Ph.D., Chief Conservation and Education
Officer for the Conservancy; and Mark Legg Ph.D., President,
Legg Geophysical of Huntington Beach.
On the Leadership Circle Cruise, Ann Muscat introduces guest speakers (from
left) Carlos de la Rosa, Mark Legg and Tony Michaels. Photo by Jack Baldelli
New Leadership Circle Members: March 1, 2007 and Sept. 30, 2007
New Members
Qualify for the Conservancy’s Leadership Circle by contributing a
minimum of $2,500 annually, or at least $5,000 for a special event such as
the Conservancy Ball. Leadership Circle members have opportunities to
meet with nationally renowned scientists, learn firsthand about Catalina
conservation projects, attend special events and discuss Conservancy
leadership issues with Conservancy Board and Executive Staff members.
David Copley
G.T. and Shannon Frost
Arlyne Ingold
Jim and Sally McClure
Mike Trujillo and Ed Chang
Julie Wrigley
John X
Consider becoming a member of the Leadership Circle. Please call Jackie
McDougall or Chuck Wright at (562) 437-8555.
Catalina Island Conservancy
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Welcome New Conservancy Members
As a part of the Conservancy family, our members know their
ongoing support is a vital factor in helping to restore and protect
the magnificent wildlands and beautiful shorelines of Catalina.
Members also reap many benefits at each level of membership.
Not a member? Please visit the membership page
at www.catalinaconservancy.org, or call the office
at (310) 510-2595 ext. 114.
New Members: March 1, 2007 to September 30, 2007
Margaret Adelman
Ashleigh Allione
Dennis and Joni Allison
Richard and Norma Alvarez
Robert and Jeannie Anderson
Robert Anderson and Kim Mitterling
Raymond and Carlynn Ashley
Abelardo and Alicia Balderas
Tamara and Jack Baringer
Janet Barker
Lucia Barker
Craig and Diana Barnes
Gary and Melanie Barney
Carol Bayer and Alan Johnson
Dennis and Nancy Bear
Robert Beard
William Bescoby
Juma Bharadia
Karin Binz
Dave and Leigh Bittner
Gary and Dawn Bluman
Stuart and Rebecca Bowne
John and Claudia Boyle
Christopher and Carolyn Bridge
Jean and Merilyn Brisson
Tad and Mary Susan Britt
Terry and Shelly Bucklew
Neal and Louise Buckley
Nora Burritt
Paul and Britton Buss
Marilou Butler
Michael and Rita Calandrino
Matt and Shelley Capron
William and Clarice Carls
Lynn and Robert Chapman
Donald and Joan Clucas
Adam Coleman
Janet and Bill Cornyn
Ronald and Carolyn Corradini
Leana Corral and Kathleen Roe
Gordon Cowan
Charles and Christine Crookall
Brian and Candice Cushard
Chris Cushman
Brownwynn Daniels
John and Rennie Darnell
Conservancy Times—Winter/Spring 2008
Gary and Nancy Davidson
Scott and Adrian Davies
Charles and Charlottee Davis
Lee Davis
Tom and Diane Day
Steven and Tori De Groote
Robert Dean
JoAnn Dikeou
June Donovon
Shawn Dooley and Ken Villa
Robert and Kathie Durban
Robert Eicholz and Steve Scott
Paul and Georgie Erskine
Harry and Christina Essex
Tara Fadel and Adam Patten
Glen and Karen Farr
Sean Farrell
Larry and Paulette Filz
Ron and Joanne Foland
Nathan and Ellie Gale
Alvin and Lisa Gels
Kenna Gillette
Shannon Green
Kyle Gunderman
Brad and Donna Guske
Fred and Lainie Hagedorn
George and Nancy Hall
Scott and Whitney Hammond
Heidi Hanson
Michael and Evelyn Harms
Kenneth Hartman
Gary Hayes and Patricia Roskowski
John and Karla Heidelberg
Daniel and Judith Heinze
William Helm
Eric and Lisa Hodder
Jim and Aisha Hoffman
Eddie and Cyndi Hoffman
Katherine Homann and Luke Voss
Joel Humble and Lynette Beltran
Todd and Kristin Jackson
John and Judy Jacob-Schram
Doug and Laurie Jann
Thomas Jenkins
Donald and Margaret Jervis
Peter and Mary Johnstone
Susan Kanfer
James and Jill Kavanagh
Patricia Kepple and Michael Klinkert
Tom and Holly Kern
Kenneth and Norine Kraemer
David and Mary La Montagne
Phillip and Laurie La Plante
Donald and Rosemary Jane LaLonde
Lisa Landres
Patrick Leber
Horst and Ginny Lechler
John Lee and Patti Castle
Arthur Lewis
Lesly Lieberman
Gregory Linden
Bobby Lopez
Phil and Donna Lopez
Bernard Lowe
Larry and Dot Mace
Chris and Judalon Manes
Michael and Joy Mann
Michael and Mary Ann Margulis
Elise Mazanek
Patrick McCalla and Alicia O'Shea
Caitlin McClellan
Robert and Joan McClellan
Georges and Patricia McCormick
Bill McDermott
Dean and Jackie McHenry
Frank and Carole McKenna
Peter McKievick
Noah and Deborah McMahon
Wayne McMahon
Thomas and Karen McMillen
Gary and Dominique Meinke
Keith and Sally Miller
Lem and Lisa Misemer
Richard Newman
Timothy and Lynnette O'Bryan
Kim Olenicoff
Leo Otake and Petra Scanborova
Rick and Sara Over
Nona Belle Paulsen and
Cindy Bergfield
Alois and Kimberly Peter
Forrest and Denise Petersen
Micah Phillips
Joyce Poulson
Jen Poyer
Maynard and Jeannie Quesenberry
Erik and Andrea Rangno
William and Martha Raymond
Philip Renton
Jaye Rhodes
Catherine Rogers
Doug Rosen
Walter and Courtney Rowin
Steven Rucker
Peter and Maria Saber
Tony and Hillie Sacremento
Steven and Susan Scheithe
Michael and Jennifer Schilling
Michael and Anne Schmitt
Fred and Carol Schrader
Stephen and Corinne Schroeder
William Selditz
Richard Shiffman
John and Shirley Shulze
Fred and Connie Smales
Patricia Smith
Cara Stafford
Barbara Steinberg
Barry and Lorraine Sterman
Richard and Meryl Talbert
Ted and Jamie Tanabe
Lyndon and JoAnn Taylor
Gunnar Torre
Howard and Jeanne Tuttle
Liz Virtue
Kevin and Debi Walker
Thomas and Robin Walker
Ed and Mikelle Watson
Riy Wescoatt
John and Nancy Wilks
Robert and Helen Willey
Justin Williams
Alex and Sherry Wilson
Sharon Davis Wright
Thomas and Debbie Wright
Maxwell and Cindy Wuthrich
Bob and Debby Wycoff
•
15
16
•
C O V E R S T O RY
Catalina’s Hidden Treasures
in restoring the Island’s remarkable
landscape in a way that will benefit all.
Fire has always been a natural part of the
Catalina landscape. It is not known
exactly what the natural fire cycle was on
Catalina in the past because of the lack of
reliable information. However, since
lightning-caused ignitions are not
particularly common and the moist, ocean
climate reduces fire risk, many decades
likely passed between natural fires. Some
areas on the Island may have been firefree for centuries.
Since fire is inevitable in Southern
California, most plant communities have
evolved to survive its occurrence. But
these communities are not adapted to fire
in general, but to specific fire patterns. In
other words, too much fire or fire at the
wrong time can completely eliminate a
native ecosystem. For example, many
areas in California have been burned
repeatedly to eliminate chaparral and
other shrub lands in order to replace them
with open grasslands. This has seriously
compromised the ecological health of tens
of thousands of acres in the state, reducing
wildlife habitat, causing soil erosion, and
increasing fire frequency.
Natural plant communities on the Island
suffered additional harm with the arrival
of non-native grazers. By stripping the
landscape and disrupting the soil, these
(continued from page 3)
animals made Island plant communities
vulnerable to invasion by alien weeds.
These weeds create highly flammable,
thin fuels that are easily ignited and can
quickly carry flames across the landscape.
As human activity has increased on the
Island, so have the fires. Of the 299
recorded fires on Catalina over the past
century, only six of them were naturally
caused.
Bringing back goats to eliminate
vegetation in wildland areas is not a
reasonable or productive way to reduce
fire risk, but only perpetuates destructive
land-management practice. The damage
they cause to soils, landscape values, and
native plant communities exceeds their
presumed benefits.
Fire Safety Begins at Home
The best strategy to protect communities
from wildfire is to start from the house
out instead of from the wildland in. This
means the structures need to be fire-safe
themselves with proper fuel-management
zones maintained around them. This will
allow the natural environment to operate
with minimal disturbance and Catalina’s
landscape to recover from years of abuse.
Recovery is necessarily a community
effort. In order for it to succeed, everyone
should make an effort to understand not
only wildland fire but also how Catalina’s
ecosystems cope with
it. Within the soil are
seeds that have been
hidden for perhaps
centuries; seeds that
are stimulated by
various fire cues to
germinate. During
the rainy season,
these seedlings begin
to cover the fire scar
like a carpet of green
velvet. Given the
Tree poppy (Dendromecon rigida). Another one of Catalina’s beautiful
right
conditions,
“fire followers.” Photo by Jack Baldelli
wildflowers in numbers and densities that
have never been witnessed by a living
person on the Island can cover the
landscape in a breathtaking display of
vibrancy and color. Shrubs resprout with
renewed vigor and the landscape
transforms in a way never imagined.
Catalina Island could become known
around the world as one of the few success
stories where we have taken the time and
made the right decisions to return a
brutalized ecosystem to its former glory.
Removing many of the non-native animals
over the past few years from Catalina has
allowed the natural systems on the Island
to begin their recovery. The next step is to
properly manage the remaining nonnative grazers, such as deer, in the burn
zone. Placed on the Island in the late
1920s for hunting, these animals (along
with the bison) have to be prevented from
entering the fire scar and dining on the
new sprouts and the wildflower seedlings,
forage that is favored over non-native
weeds. (See related update in Conservancy
News, page 5.) Without this protection,
the area will likely become a vast weed lot
filled with foxtail stickers and memories
of what could have been.
The chaparral, sage scrub, oak woodland,
and native grassland communities on
Catalina Island provide priceless natural
resources and a vital sense of place for all
who call the Island their home and for
those who visit. With proper management,
these natural communities, especially
those impacted by the recent fire, will
continue their recovery process and
provide remarkable benefits for not only
residents and visitors, but the unique
wildland environment of Catalina— a
little patch of Eden in the Pacific.
Richard W. Halsey coordinates research and
education efforts through The California
Chaparral Institute. He can be reached at
[email protected].
Catalina Island Conservancy
CALENDAR
•
17
Calendar
Evening Nature Program
NEW Schedule
Second Wednesday in May, June,
July, August and September
(Please note that is a change from
past schedules.)
Free community program.
Nature Center at Avalon Canyon
1202 Avalon Canyon Road
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Call (310) 510-0954, or go to www.catalinaconservancy.org
and click on “Visitor’s Guide/What’s New/Calendar.”
The HIKE – NEW Schedule
First Saturday in May, June,
July, August and September
(Please note that is a change
from past schedules.)
Members: $30.00
Non-Members: $35.00
8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Space is limited. Register early!
Call (310) 510-0954, or go to www.catalinaconservancy.org and click
on “Visitor’s Guide/What’s New/Calendar.”
Volunteer Vacations
NEW!
Join us for a Volunteer
Vacation this year! Help
preserve the rare native
plants and animals on
Santa Catalina Island,
just twenty-two miles
off the coast of
Southern California.
Assist with the rare
opportunity to help restore the interior from the fire of May 2007.
It is a grand undertaking to help assist Mother Nature and restore
the ecosystems of this precious island. This is the first year we are
offering two levels of involvement:
Catalina Adventurer
The Catalina Adventurer is for those who would like more of a
physical challenge. The benefits include vacationing at a private
camp with beautiful views of the coastline and mainland cityscapes,
and becoming part of a unique conservation initiative.
Cost: $180.00 per person.
Available Dates:
• June 23–28, 2008 • September 15–20, 2008
For more information, call: Lesly Lieberman at 310-510-2595 ext. 112,
or [email protected]. Go to www.catalina
conservancy.org and click on “Volunteer Vacations.”
Conservancy Times—Winter/Spring 2008
Catalina Adventurer Light
The Catalina Island Conservancy has partnered with Catalina Island
Vacation Rentals in a new program that offers the best of both worlds.
Catalina Adventurer Light is geared toward people who would like to
volunteer but also enjoy the comforts of home. Participants will stay
at either a private cottage in the heart of Avalon or in an ocean view
condo booked through Catalina Island Vacation Rentals. The package
also Includes:
• Conservancy Membership at the Explorer Level
• Conservancy T-shirt
• Volunteer water bottle
• 2 tickets to the Wrigley Memorial Botanical Gardens
• 2 tickets to the Catalina Island Museum
• Lunch in the field on the full service day
Cost: $575.00 per couple or $287.50 for individuals plus
accommodations. Available Dates:
• February 17–23, 2008
• May 4–10, 2008
• April 6–12, 2008
• June 8–14, 2008
For more information call Janet DeMyer, Catalina Island Vacation
Rentals, at (800) 631-5280, or email [email protected]. Go
to www.catalinaconservancy.org and click on “Volunteer Vacations.”
27th Annual Avalon Harbor
Cleanup
Saturday, February 23
The one chance a year divers
have of exploring Catalina
Harbor. For more information, go
to: www.catalinaconservancy.org
and click the link on the home
page.
13th Annual Conservancy Ball
Saturday April 12, 2008
Avalon Casino
Enjoy an evening of glamour
while supporting the Conservancy.
For more information, go to
www.catalinaconservancy.org and
click on “Conservancy Ball.”
Earth Day Celebration
Saturday April 19, 2008
Wrigley Memorial & Botanical
Garden
Live music, demonstrations,
and fun for the family.
For more information, call
(310) 510-0954, or go to
www.catalinaconservancy.org
and click on “Visitor’s Guide/
What’s New/Calendar.”
18
•
OUT AND ABOUT
On Catalina, All Trails Lead to Fun
By Bob Rhein
New trails give hikers more options.
W
hen it comes to outdoor recreation, Catalina Island fills the
bill. Whether you are a diver, biker, boater, camper or hiker,
the Island provides its own rugged charms and challenges.
As for hiking, Catalina is unsurpassed—no other Channel Island
features the diversity Catalina has to offer. More than 200 miles of
trails beckon both the “tennis shoe” hiker and the experienced
trekker. An assortment of loop trails give day hikers a great
glimpse of a variety of Island locales, returning them to where
they started. Of course, the “granddaddy” of them all, the TransCatalina Trail, is nearly finished. Upon its completion in 2008,
hikers will be able to leave Avalon on the Hermit Gulch Trail and
transverse the Island on a series of trails that will take them 26
miles to Parson’s Landing. The Conservancy’s Trails Department
will continue to develop and improve the Trans-Catalina Trail in
the years to come.
Here are highlights of some of the new trails that have recently
opened:
Airport Loop Trail
2.3 miles
Trailhead: Junction of the Airport Road and El Rancho
Escondido Road adjacent to the Airport in the Sky.
What you’ll see: This is a nice easy loop trail for people who visit
the airport. As its name implies, it loops around the perimeter of
the airport past the ponds on the north side of the airport and the
Soapstone Quarry. There are great views of Mt. Orizaba above,
and Cottonwood Canyon below.
How to get there: Take the Conservancy’s Wilderness Express
shuttle bus from the Plaza in Avalon.
Fares: Hikers’ Special: $10 one-way to the Airport in the Sky. 7:30
a.m. bus only.
$20 Round trip (adults)
$15 Round Trip (children ages 5-11)
$15 One way (adults)
$13 One way (children ages 5-11)
Little Harbor to Isthmus Stretch of the Trans-Catalina
Trail
4.5 miles
Trailhead: Isthmus or Little Harbor
What you’ll see: Two of the Island’s most exotic locales, Little
Harbor and its twin, Shark Harbor—home to some of the best
surfing on the Island; the Isthmus and the quiet community of
Two Harbors, complete with a restaurant, general store, indoor
restrooms and hot showers.
How to get there: From the Airport in the Sky (see Airport Loop
Trail for fares from Avalon), take the Safari Bus to either Little
Harbor or Two Harbors. Reservations are required. Call (310) 5104205 or (310) 510-8368 for reservations, pricing and schedules.
Goat Whiskers Trail – West End
1.2 miles
Trailhead: Lion’s Head on West End Road
What you’ll see: Sweeping views of the San Pedro Channel and
the mainland in the distance. Another nice view is down into
Cherry Cove.
How to get there: From Two Harbors, hike the West End Road to
Lion’s Head and follow the signs.
Parsons Beach Trail – West End
.5 miles
Trailhead: West End Road above Parsons Beach
What you’ll see: Views of Parsons Beach below and the Channel
in the distance.
How to get there: From Two Harbors, hike the West End Road
to Parson’s Beach.
Whenever you’re in Catalina’s interior, be on the lookout for
poison oak, rattlesnakes and bison, which are wild animals and
should never be approached. Bring plenty of water. And because
of the fire danger, there is no smoking except in designated
camping areas. For more information about hiking the Island,
please call the phone numbers listed below, or log onto
www.catalinaconservancy.org and click on “Recreation.”
For your safety, hiking permits are required by the Catalina Island
Conservancy. They are free of charge and available the day of your
hike. They can be obtained at these locations:
Conservancy House in Avalon, at 125 Clarissa Avenue
Open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., closed for lunch.
Call (310) 510-2595.
Airport in the Sky
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter; to 7 p.m. in summer.
Call (310) 510-0143.
Two Harbors Visitor Information Center
Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in winter; to 6:30 p.m. in
summer. Call (310) 510-4205.
Catalina Island Conservancy
OUT AND ABOUT
Sierra Club Members helped build the Airport Loop Trail.
Photo by Kevin Ryan
The Island’s newest trail circumnavigates the Airport in the Sky.
Photo by Bob Rhein
event, you can learn more by contacting our special events coordinator at
Conservancy Times—Winter/Spring 2008
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[email protected]. Or visit www.catalinaconservancy.org and click on “Weddings & Special Events.”
Hikers can access the Island’s beautiful interior. This is the Sheep Chute
Trail—a portion of the Trans-Catalina Trail. Photo by Bob Rhein
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N AT U R E ’ S N O T E B O O K
To Be Eaten or Not to Be Eaten?
That is the question!
W
ith teeming, hungry masses of mammals, birds and insects,
native plants on Catalina have developed a variety of
protection mechanisms against their enemies.
Some plants, like the sages, have a strong taste. Others, like poison
oak, exude toxic chemicals. The milkweed secretes sticky saps,
while the cactus grows spines. This broad set of responses creates
a balance that allows both the plants and the animals to flourish.
When plants lack the necessary protections from these new
herbivores, the Conservancy intervenes and helps them reach
maturity and seed new growth through the use of fences and
other controls.
Note the leafy oaks and other native species on the far side of the
fence near the Goat Harbor burn area. These native plants have
been protected from grazing pressure.
Photo by Conservancy Conservation Department
Over the centuries, some Island endemic plants lost their
defenses. This is because it takes a lot of energy to produce
protection such as spines or sticky sap. Such defenses aren’t
needed when the largest native herbivore is the Beechey ground
squirrel. The large, soft leaves of the endemic felt-leaf ceanothus
(Ceanothus arboreus), for example, are virtually defenseless
against introduced browsing animals.
Bison, for example, eat both native and non-native grasses but
also may trample and munch on fresh new growth, such as oak
seedlings. Mule deer will eat ornamental and garden plants as well
as rare species of native plants, which have no natural defenses
against these large herbivores.
NON-PROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
SANTA ANA, CA
PERMIT 1782
P.O. Box 2739
Avalon, California 90704
www.catalinaconservancy.org
The mission of the Catalina Island
Conservancy is to be a responsible steward
of its lands through a balance of
conservation, education and recreation.