Catalina Island Restoration Project

Habitat Restoration: The Catalina Island Restoration Project aims to combat soil erosion, preserve endangered native species, minimize the risk of wildfires, and foster a healthy ecosystem. This will ensure that the soil is stabilized, unique plant and animal species don’t go extinct, there’s more water capture, and both animals and humans can thrive. Through habitat restoration, the Conservancy aims to create a harmonious balance where the Island’s natural beauty can flourish.

Plant Restoration: To revive the delicate ecological balance on Catalina Island, the Conservancy has established a seed farm dedicated to growing endemic and native plant species. These plants play a vital role in the restoration process, and their seeds are harvested to create specialized seed mixes for restoration projects. By reintroducing and propagating native plants, the Conservancy ensures the preservation of Catalina Island’s unique flora, which is crucial for maintaining a resilient ecosystem.

Species Management: Over time, the introduction of non-native plant and animal species, such as Genista linifolia (flax-leaf broom) and mule deer, has inflicted considerable harm on the Island’s ecosystem. The Catalina Restoration Project encompasses the development of a comprehensive plan for removing deer and reducing invasive plant species to alleviate the detrimental impact of these species on native animals and plants and to restore Ecosystem services.