As we explore the restoration of Catalina Island’s rare plant communities, we hope that you will support the Catalina Island Conservancy by joining us at the 2023 Conservancy Ball – Enchanting Island. This year’s event will again feature an online auction from April 7 – April 21, for all Conservancy supporters to participate in, as well as the opportunity to enjoy an enchanting evening at the historic Avalon Casino Ballroom on Catalina Island on Saturday, April 22. No matter how you participate, you will help the Conservancy fund our vital conservation, education and recreation programming.

All Ball guests are invited to kick-off the weekend at the Founders’ Party on Friday, April 21, hosted by Randy and K.C. Boelsems, and those joining as a Ball Sponsor will also enjoy exclusive access to the Sponsor Reception at Catherine’s Terrace which takes place just prior to the Ball on April 22.

Full details are available online, including information on how to donate auction items or purchase an ad in the event program. If you missed last year’s Ball, you won’t want to miss this one – and seats will sell out quickly!

Purchase Sponsorship & Tickets

 

Conservation

Searching for Scripps’s
In January, Catalina Island Conservancy began seabird surveys for the elusive Scripps’s Murrelet (Synthliboramphus scrippsi). This year’s survey looks a bit different. The Conservancy has expanded our collaboration with California Institute of Environmental Studies (CIES) for a longer period to try to determine the peak of breeding season.

Nocturnal surveys will take place at regular intervals from January until June. Determining the peak of breeding enhances our data and, consequently, the information we have about these incredible seafarers and how to best protect them. Learn more about Scripps’s Murrelet surveys.

 

 

Education

Reimagined Volunteer Experience
The first outing of the Conservancy’s reimagined Native Plant Nursery Volunteer Group experience kicked off on January 26. Volunteers traveled to the Nursery with Volunteer Services Manager Monique Nasland and met with Rare Plant Ecologist Kevin Alison, Conservation Horticulturalist Cayman Lanzone, and Plant Technician Rachel Boyce for an introduction to the program.

The group learned how to use horticulture supplies and tools to clean and process seedlings, basic plant inventory and identification including of sea rocket (Cakile maritima) and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), as well as fire safety and safe plant handling. The group traveled to Little Harbor where they began putting what they learned into practice. We are looking forward to growing the expertise of this important group of Island stewards. Those interested in participating in this program or other volunteer opportunities can learn more on our website or email [email protected].

 

 

Recreation

Hitting the Road
Recent rains in January hit the Island’s roads, causing damage and closures in their wake. Rock slides impacted Stage Road, which leads from Avalon to East Summit. Flooding affected Middle Ranch Road, making the way impassable. Storms caused intermittent trail closures as well, since hiking on muddy trails can be not only tricky for hikers, but also damaging to the structure of the path.

Roads previously addressed by the Conservancy’s partnership with the Department of Defense held up well during the rains and demonstrated how successful private-public partnerships can help secure our Island infrastructure for all. The Conservancy would like to extend a special thank you to our facilities and trails teams for the important and dusty (and sometimes muddy) task of keeping up Catalina’s roads and trails!

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