Catalina Island Conservancy

Catalina Kids' Nature Lab
2026-02-23 14:15 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Trailhead Visitor Center, 708 Crescent Ave, Avalon, 90704
Register Today!

Join us for our free monthly after-school series on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 2:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Trailhead Visitor Center.
Each month, we’ll explore a new theme and engage in hands-on activities that celebrate the natural wonders of Catalina. This month’s focus is Nature’s Teamwork. We will learn about pollination and how plants and animals mutually benefit one another as we enjoy snacks and complete a simple experiment and craft.
Additional Details:

Location: The Trailhead Visitor Center – Second Floor
Transportation: All Avalon School participants will be picked up from the lower turnaround at school and shuttled to the Trailhead by Conservancy staff. Please choose your pick-up option when registering (parent pick-up at the Trailhead at 4 p.m., shuttle back to school, or allowed to walk home from the Trailhead).
Cost: Free for all participants.
Snacks provided for all participants.

Students must have a signed permission slip to participate. Permission slips will be distributed in classrooms and are due by Friday February 20, 2026. For those who register online, a link to the permission slip (Google Form) will be sent via email after registration. If registering multiple children, please choose that option on the permission form. We will not be taking day-of registration.
Please reach out to Alison Robinett at arobinett@catalinaconservancy.org with questions or concerns.

Earth to Sky Guided Botanic Walk
2026-02-25 09:30 - 12:00 | Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, 1400 Avalon Canyon Rd., Avalon, CA, 90704, United States
Register Today!

Join us for a free walk guided by Conservancy naturalists to learn about native and exotic plants.
This activity reoccurs the last Wednesday of every month. Meet at the Trailhead Visitor Center for a shuttle ride at 9:15 a.m. to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Gardens.
The garden exploration portion of the tour takes place 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. with an optional hike from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Participants receive free entry to the garden.

Catalina Mushroom Excursion with Mycologist Stu Pickell
2026-02-28 10:00 - 14:00 | Trailhead Visitor Center, 708 Crescent Ave, Avalon, 90704
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Catalina Island is home to a diverse ecosystem of wildlife and plants. But it also provides ideal conditions for a range of fungi to grow.
Tag along for a day of fun-gi when we venture into Catalina’s wildlands. Our guide is Stu Pickell, a veteran mycophile, award-winning macrophotographer and avid community scientist. After getting a taste for mushroom foraging while living in the Pacific Northwest, he’s spent the last 10 years in Los Angeles documenting the fungal biodiversity of his native Southern California. He currently works as a field collector for the Fungal Diversity Survey’s CA FUNDIS project, the first state-funded fungal documentation and conservation project of its kind. Learn about Island fungus and discover how different types of mycelium grow and benefit the broader ecosystem.

This event will begin at the Trailhead Visitor Center on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. A complimentary shuttle will take participants into the wildlands and return to the Trailhead by 2 p.m.
What to Bring

A packed lunch
Sunscreen
A reusable water bottle
Layered clothing, as temperatures may vary throughout the day

Important to Know
Participants should come prepared for being outside in the field, standing and walking. Sturdy, close-toed shoes and a re-fillable water bottle are required. Some walking on uneven terrain should be expected.

[Deadline Extended!] Catalina California Naturalist Course Spring 2026
2026-03-03 18:00 - 20:00 | CA
Apply Today!

Learn about island ecosystems in Los Angeles County’s largest outdoor classroom. Enroll in the Environmental Stewards Catalina Island California Naturalist Course through University of California and explore one of Southern California’s most unique and biodiverse landscapes. This 9-week hybrid program blends online learning with a 3-day immersive field school on Catalina Island, where participants will experience Island ecology up close.
Expert lectures, guided field explorations and place-based learning will empower participants to gain knowledge on Catalina’s endemic species, restoration efforts and coastal Mediterranean ecosystems. Discover how island systems function as living laboratories for conservation while gaining the knowledge and tools to engage meaningfully in natural resource stewardship.
To participate, your application must be accepted. Interested participants must complete the short application link to be considered. The deadline to submit application is February 20th at 11:59pm. Accepted candidates will hear back on February 9th and receive a registration link with payment instructions.
Cost: $700 for residents and members, $750 for non-members.
Course Schedule:

Virtual Course (online): March 3 – April 28, Weekly Tuesdays, 6 – 8 p.m.
Field School: May 6 – May 8, Catalina Island

Course Fee Includes:

9 weeks of online course and learning
3-day field school on Catalina Island
2-night stay at the Wrigley Marine Science Center
Meals
California Naturalist Certification

Not Included:

Ferry ticket
Required textbook “The California Naturalist Handbook”
Optional four UC Course credits, $80

*Photo provided by Daniel Fort, former course participant.

Naturalist 1 Training (Morning Session)
2026-03-11 10:00 - 11:00 | CA
Register Today!

This training includes approximately one hour of independent study before the group Zoom session, where a Conservancy Naturalist will guide participants through a one-hour webinar. The videos that you watch before attending the webinar provide an overview of the natural and cultural history of Catalina Island and highlight the work that the Catalina Island Conservancy does to manage 88% of the Island. These videos also cover how to keep yourself safe while recreating on the Island, and the important ways that you can help protect this special place.
The webinar also offers the opportunity to ask any questions that may arise from watching the videos.
Please register for the 10:00 a.m. webinar at the link above. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email from Zoom containing the links to the videos.

Naturalist 1 Training (Evening Session)
2026-03-11 17:30 - 18:30 | CA
Register Today!

This training includes approximately one hour of independent study before the group Zoom session, where a Conservancy Naturalist will guide participants through a one-hour webinar. The videos that you watch before attending the webinar provide an overview of the natural and cultural history of Catalina Island and highlight the work that the Catalina Island Conservancy does to manage 88% of the Island. These videos also cover how to keep yourself safe while recreating on the Island, and the important ways that you can help protect this special place.
The webinar also offers the opportunity to ask any questions that may arise from watching the videos.
Please register for the 5:30 p.m. webinar at the link above. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email from Zoom containing the links to the videos.

Naturalist 2 Training
2026-03-19 08:30 - 15:30, 2026-04-23 08:30 - 15:30, 2026-06-11 08:30 - 15:30 | Trailhead Visitor Center, 708 Crescent Ave, Avalon, 90704
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This 7-hour excursion into the wildlands of Catalina Island expands on the concepts covered in Naturalist 1 Training. Education staff will guide you through a course-work book while exploring the landscape and ecosystem of Catalina.
The Naturalist 2 Training field excursion runs from 8:30am-3:30pm and begins and ends at the Conservancy’s Trailhead Visitor Center.
Course workbook is included in the course fee. Boat fare on the Catalina Express is not included. Participants should make those reservations as soon as possible if they do not live on the Island. Lunch at the Restaurant at the Airport in the Sky is not included and participants need to bring or buy their own lunch.
Participants need to come prepared for a full day outside in the field, standing and walking. Sturdy, close-toed shoes, sun protection, and a re-fillable water bottle are required. Some walking on uneven terrain should be expected.

Science Pub: Fierce Females - Women and Wildlife Recovery on the Channel Islands
2026-03-20 18:30 - 19:30 | Trailhead Visitor Center – 2nd Floor Gallery, 708 Crescent Ave, Avalon, CA, 90704, United States
Register Today!

In celebration of National Women’s Month in March, the Conservancy is hosting a Fierce Females Science Pub. This reoccurring event blends science with a social happy hour that’s focused on a unique topic each time.
In March, two women in Science Technology Engineering and Math (S.T.E.M.) will talk about leading conservation efforts on the Channel Islands. Lara Brenner will share her work supporting the recovery of the island fox and island spotted skunk on Santa Cruz Island, while Jaelean Carrero will discuss her efforts to protect the endangered San Clemente loggerhead shrike. Order a drink and pull up a seat to hear about the fascinating roles of women working with wildlife, female creatures of the wild, the challenges of conservation and how these scientists are working to restore balance to globally significant island ecosystems.

About Science Pub
Designed to spark curiosity and conversation, Science Pub brings together community members and science enthusiasts for a lively evening of learning in a relaxed setting. Hosted at Topside in Avalon, this program features two or more engaging speakers who each share a 20-minute talk on a theme. The goal is to make complex ideas accessible and entertaining. Whether you’re a seasoned science aficionado or simply curious, Science Pub is a great way to connect with experts, ask questions and enjoy a drink while diving into fascinating topics about our natural world.

Catalina Tile Making Workshop and Wildlands Excursion
2026-03-21 08:30 - 15:00 | Trailhead Visitor Center, 708 Crescent Ave, Avalon, 90704
Register Today!

Discover the natural and cultural story of Catalina Island through the art of tile-making in this special Women of Catalina workshop. Robin Cassidy, a local ceramic artist, will guide participants through the workshop. Cassidy is the founder of Silver Canyon Pottery and has been a cornerstone of Avalon’s creative community since 1988. While creating their own Catalina-inspired tile, participants will learn about the Island’s geology and how its landscapes and organic materials have shaped artistic traditions. Tiles created in the workshop will be glazed and fired, then carefully shipped to your home.
After the studio experience, a Conservancy naturalist will guide participants into Catalina’s wildlands to explore remote landscapes and examine the soils, mudstones and natural clays that form the Island’s foundation. Along the way, you may encounter native wildlife and gain insight into how geology influences Catalina’s ecosystems, history and art.
What to Bring

A packed lunch
Sunscreen
A reusable water bottle
Layered clothing, as temperatures may vary throughout the day

Important to Know
The first part of the workshop begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Trailhead Visitor Center, where a complimentary shuttle will transport participants to Silver Canyon Pottery (22 Pebbly Beach Rd, Avalon, CA 90704). Shuttles will also transport participants into the wildlands for the exploration part of the program and will return to Avalon at 3 p.m. Ferry tickets are not included in the cost of this workshop and should be purchased early to ensure a seat is available. Same day ferry riders from Long Beach should reserve the 6 a.m. Catalina Express boat.
Participants should come prepared for being outside in the field, standing and walking. Sturdy, close-toed shoes and a re-fillable water bottle are required. Some walking on uneven terrain should be expected.

Catalina Kids’ Nature Lab: Afterschool Science Mondays
2026-03-23 14:15 - 16:00 | Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, 1400 Avalon Canyon Rd., Avalon, CA, 90704, United States
Register Today!

Join us for our free monthly after-school series on Monday, March 23, 2026, from 2:15 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Each month, we’ll explore a new theme and engage in hands-on activities that celebrate the natural wonders of Catalina. This month we will be exploring the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden! We will tour the garden while highlighting the remarkable women of Catalina Island. At the end of our tour, students will get early access to explore our new children’s garden installation: Little Fox Hollow.
Additional Details:

Location: Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden
Transportation: All Avalon School participants will be picked up from the lower turnaround at school and shuttled by Conservancy staff. Please choose your pick-up option when registering (parent pick-up at the Garden at 4 p.m., shuttle back to school for pickup or allowed to walk home from school).
Cost: Free for all participants.
Snacks provided for all participants.

Students must have a signed permission slip to participate. Permission slips will be distributed in classrooms and are due by Friday March 20, 2026. For those who register online, a link to the permission slip (Google Form) will be sent via email after registration. If registering multiple children, please choose that option on the permission form. We will not be taking day-of registration.
Please reach out to Alison Robinett at arobinett@catalinaconservancy.org with questions or concerns.

Earth to Sky Botanic Walk
2026-03-25 09:30 - 12:00 | CA
Register Today!

Join us for a free walk guided by Conservancy naturalists to learn about native and exotic plants.
This activity reoccurs the last Wednesday of every month. Meet at the Trailhead Visitor Center for a free shuttle ride at 9:15 a.m. to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Gardens. Be sure to select a shuttle ticket when checking out.
The garden exploration portion of the tour takes place 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. with an optional hike from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Participants receive free entry to the garden.
About the Tour and Hike:
Please dress in layers, bring water and wear sun protection. We will begin with a leisurely, guided walk through the garden. Participants who wish to continue are then invited to join a 2.9-mile hike with a 725-foot elevation gain. At the summit, you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views, opportunities to observe diverse wildlife, and a peaceful natural setting. Please note that the hike includes limited shade and several steep sections. Reviewers recommend starting early and wearing sturdy, supportive footwear. Hike Details Length: 2.9 miles Elevation gain: 725 feet.

Spring in the Garden
2026-03-28 11:00 - 15:00 | Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, 1400 Avalon Canyon Rd., Avalon, CA, 90704, United States
Register Today!

The start of spring welcomes blooming flowers, green grass and lush hillsides on Catalina. The Conservancy is celebrating the season with a community celebration and open house at the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden. Learn about native plants, Indigenous history and plant connection, the Conservancy’s restoration work and our improvements at the garden. This event will feature exciting and engaging activities for the whole family. Here’s what to expect:

Explore new garden enhancements
Join the “Find the Foxes” scavenger hunt
Create nature-inspired crafts
Enjoy short, guided tours that highlight plants, stewardship and cultural connections
Try a quick plant guide mini-workshop
Pause for journaling or quiet nature observation
Connect with Indigenous knowledge and community stories throughout the garden

The event is free and open to the public. Shuttles will be available from the Trailhead Visitor Center and walk-ups are also welcome.

Naturalist 1 Training (Morning Session)
2026-04-15 10:00 - 11:00 | CA
Register Today!

This training includes approximately one hour of independent study before the group Zoom session, where a Conservancy Naturalist will guide participants through a one-hour webinar. The videos that you watch before attending the webinar provide an overview of the natural and cultural history of Catalina Island and highlight the work that the Catalina Island Conservancy does to manage 88% of the Island. These videos also cover how to keep yourself safe while recreating on the Island, and the important ways that you can help protect this special place.
The webinar also offers the opportunity to ask any questions that may arise from watching the videos.
Please register for the 10:00 a.m. webinar at the link above. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email from Zoom containing the links to the videos. Please check your spam folder if a confirmation email is not received.

Naturalist 1 Training (Evening Session)
2026-04-15 17:30 - 18:30 | CA
Register Today!

This training includes approximately one hour of independent study before the group Zoom session, where a Conservancy Naturalist will guide participants through a one-hour webinar. The videos that you watch before attending the webinar provide an overview of the natural and cultural history of Catalina Island and highlight the work that the Catalina Island Conservancy does to manage 88% of the Island. These videos also cover how to keep yourself safe while recreating on the Island, and the important ways that you can help protect this special place.
The webinar also offers the opportunity to ask any questions that may arise from watching the videos.
Please register for the 5:30 p.m. webinar at the link above. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email from Zoom containing the links to the videos. Please check your spam folder if confirmation is not received.

Catalina Kids’ Nature Lab: Afterschool Science Mondays
2026-04-20 14:15 - 16:00 | Trailhead Visitor Center, 708 Crescent Ave, Avalon, 90704
Register Today!

Join us for our free monthly after-school series on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 2:15 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Each month, we’ll explore a new theme and engage in hands-on activities that celebrate the natural wonders of Catalina. This month’s theme is Spring into Stewardship. We will learn all about how kids can care for Catalina Island while enjoying snacks and making an upcycled craft.
Additional Details:

Location: Trailhead Visitor Center
Transportation: All Avalon School participants will be picked up from the lower turnaround at school and shuttled to the Trailhead by Conservancy staff. Please choose your pick-up option when registering (parent pick-up at the Trailhead at 4 p.m., shuttle back to school, or allowed to walk home from the Trailhead).
Cost: Free for all participants.
Snacks provided for all participants.

Students must have a signed permission slip to participate. Permission slips will be distributed in classrooms and are due by Friday April 16, 2026. For those who register online, a link to the permission slip (Google Form) will be sent via email after registration. If registering multiple children, please choose that option on the permission form. We will not be taking day-of registration.
Please reach out to Alison Robinett at arobinett@catalinaconservancy.org with questions or concerns.

Catalina Speaker Series: Island Bats
2026-04-24 17:30 | CA
In Person Registration

Virtual Registration

Explore the fascinating world of bats and their critical role in ecosystems with this special after dark Catalina Speaker Series and optional excursion. The speaking portion is also available to watch virtually.
We begin the evening at 5:30 p.m. with an engaging presentation featuring a pair of bat experts who will discuss their research, conservation efforts and the broader environmental significance of these often-misunderstood species. The presentation will connect local insights from Catalina Island to global conservation themes, including biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Following the discussion, participants will travel to Haypress Reservoir for light refreshments and a guided field excursion from 8-9:30 p.m. We will observe bats in their natural habitat using specialized tools, such as night vision goggles and bat echo meters. Pre-set bat nets will support demonstration and research interpretation, offering a deeper understanding of field methods used in bat conservation. Watch this video for an idea of what to expect.
Presenters: Joey Curti, UCLA Post-Doctoral Fellow, and Jill Carpenter, LSA Associates Inc. Senior Researcher

What to Bring

A reusable water bottle
Layered clothing, as temperatures may vary throughout the night
Headlamps recommended (bring your own or consider purchasing one at the Trailhead Visitor Center)

Important to Know
The first part of the workshop begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Trailhead Visitor Center with a 1-hour-long presentation by our experts. Afterward, a complimentary shuttle will transport participants to Haypress Reservoir and will depart for Avalon at either 8:40 p.m. (approximately 9:15 p.m. arrival at the Trailhead) or 9:30 p.m. (approximately 10 p.m. arrival at the Trailhead). Select your preferred return time when registering.
Ferry tickets are not included in the cost of this workshop and should be purchased early to ensure a seat is available. Same day ferry riders from Long Beach should reserve the 2 p.m. Catalina Express boat.
Participants should come prepared for being outside in the field, standing and walking. Sturdy, close-toed shoes and a re-fillable water bottle are required. Some walking on uneven terrain should be expected.

City Nature Challenge
2026-04-26 10:00 - 14:00 | Trailhead Visitor Center, 708 Crescent Ave, Avalon, 90704
Register Today!

Document local biodiversity as part of a team while hiking and exploring Catalina’s wildlands. Findings documented during this experience will support City Nature Challenge, an international event that tracks urban biodiversity, providing valuable “research-grade” data to scientists, conservationists and land managers for monitoring species and habitats.
Working in small groups, we’ll survey different areas of the landscape, learn how to observe and document species, and contribute our findings to this international effort using iNaturalist. No science background or experience is necessary to participate. Conservancy Senior Naturalist Alexandra Brainerd will open and close the event with a short discussion.
About the Challenge
What started in 2016 as a competition between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the City Nature Challenge (CNC) has grown into an international event that inspires people around the world to find and document wildlife in their own cities. Run by the Community Science teams at the California Academy of Sciences and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM), the CNC is an annual 4-day global bio-blitz at the end of April, where cities collaborate to see what can be accomplished when we all work toward a common goal.
City Nature Challenge participants not only learn more about local nature, but also make their cities a better place for all living beings.
What to Bring:

Bagged lunch
Sun protection
Smart phone
Closed-toed shoes

Important to Know
We will meet at the Trailhead Visitor Center for an iNaturalist briefing with Conservancy Senior Naturalist Alexandra Brainerd before departing for the wildlands. A complimentary shuttle will transport participants into the wildlands around 10:30 a.m. to begin the challenge. We will eat lunch in the field. Plan to return to the Trailhead by 2 p.m.
Ferry tickets are not included in the cost of this workshop and should be purchased early to ensure a seat is available. Same day ferry riders from Long Beach should reserve the 8:15 a.m. Catalina Express boat.
Participants should come prepared for being outside in the field, standing and walking. Sturdy, close-toed shoes and a re-fillable water bottle are required. Some walking on uneven terrain should be expected.

Naturalist 1 Training (Morning Session)
2026-05-13 10:00 - 11:00 | CA
Register Today!

This training includes approximately one hour of independent study before the group Zoom session, where a Conservancy Naturalist will guide participants through a one-hour webinar. The videos that you watch before attending the webinar provide an overview of the natural and cultural history of Catalina Island and highlight the work that the Catalina Island Conservancy does to manage 88% of the Island. These videos also cover how to keep yourself safe while recreating on the Island, and the important ways that you can help protect this special place.
The webinar also offers the opportunity to ask any questions that may arise from watching the videos.
Please register for the 10:00 a.m. webinar at the link above. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email from Zoom containing the links to the videos. Please check your spam folder if a confirmation is not received.

Naturalist 1 Training (Evening Session)
2026-05-13 17:30 - 18:30 | CA
Register Today!

This training includes approximately one hour of independent study before the group Zoom session, where a Conservancy Naturalist will guide participants through a one-hour webinar. The videos that you watch before attending the webinar provide an overview of the natural and cultural history of Catalina Island and highlight the work that the Catalina Island Conservancy does to manage 88% of the Island. These videos also cover how to keep yourself safe while recreating on the Island, and the important ways that you can help protect this special place.
The webinar also offers the opportunity to ask any questions that may arise from watching the videos.
Please register for the 5:30 p.m. webinar at the link above. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email from Zoom containing the links to the videos. Please check your spam folder if a confirmation email is not received.

Naturalist 2 Training
2026-05-28 08:30 - 15:30 | CA

Naturalist 1 Training (Morning Session)
2026-06-10 10:00 - 11:00 | CA
Register Today!

This training includes approximately one hour of independent study before the group Zoom session, where a Conservancy Naturalist will guide participants through a one-hour webinar. The videos that you watch before attending the webinar provide an overview of the natural and cultural history of Catalina Island and highlight the work that the Catalina Island Conservancy does to manage 88% of the Island. These videos also cover how to keep yourself safe while recreating on the Island, and the important ways that you can help protect this special place.
The webinar also offers the opportunity to ask any questions that may arise from watching the videos.
Please register for the 10:00 a.m. webinar at the link above. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email from Zoom containing the links to the videos. Please check your spam inbox if a confirmation email is not received.

Naturalist 1 Training (Evening Session)
2026-06-10 17:30 - 18:30 | CA
Register Today!

This training includes approximately one hour of independent study before the group Zoom session, where a Conservancy Naturalist will guide participants through a one-hour webinar. The videos that you watch before attending the webinar provide an overview of the natural and cultural history of Catalina Island and highlight the work that the Catalina Island Conservancy does to manage 88% of the Island. These videos also cover how to keep yourself safe while recreating on the Island, and the important ways that you can help protect this special place.
The webinar also offers the opportunity to ask any questions that may arise from watching the videos.
Please register for the 5:30 p.m. webinar at the link above. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email from Zoom containing the links to the videos. Please check your spam inbox if a confirmation email is not received.
