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New Improvements for a New Year

E-News, Publications

January 2023

 

The Conservancy is pleased to kick-off the New Year with a NEW website and membership platform! The website serves as an important tool for guests of the Island, residents, members, donors, educators, learners, researchers and more. With over 20 years of experience, the creative team of Cross & Crown re-imagined and redesigned the Conservancy’s website with their passion for purpose. The final product features a clean, visually engaging and meaningful website to serve as an accessible, compelling, and valuable resource.

Also new this year, is the launch of the Conservancy Membership Platform, Wild Apricot. This automated program provides instant access to membership tools upon purchase. Membership cards are accessible through the member’s online profile or Wild Apricot Membership app, to easily redeem discounts and benefits. It also has an auto-renew feature to avoid lapses in membership. To access a current membership or purchase a new membership click here.

The Conservancy is pleased to provide these upgrades for an improved member and guest experience as we value your support.

Take a look at our new website and membership platform below! Click on JOIN at the top of the screen to become a member today!

 

Conservation

Falling for Shrews
Catalina Island Conservancy is beginning pitfall trapping for Catalina Island shrews, Sorex ornatus willetti, for the first time in more than 15 years. This technique is the most reliable way to catch shrews, but also takes the most skill. The Conservancy team will learn about pitfall trapping and practice the technique with Dr. Tim Beam from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Traps will deploy in January at historical shrew locations as part of a five-month project. If shrews are captured, biologists will not only be able to determine habitat information, but also population diversity and reproduction data through small tissue samples before releasing the small endemic animals. The Conservancy is looking forward to gathering more information to help protect this Species of Special Concern.

 

Education

Christmas for the Birds
Community science took center stage on December 18 during the Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC), a birding tradition for more than a century that is back on Catalina Island for the second time after a decade-long hiatus.

About 30 community members representing all levels of birding experience volunteered for the opportunity to explore Catalina’s wildlands while capturing data about migratory birds. Participants spotted dozens of different species this year, including a White-faced ibis (Plegadis chihi), White-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus), and several Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). Data from the event will be shared with the National Audubon Society. These annual censuses are incredibly important to monitor the health of bird populations and ecosystems over time, as well as record shifts in bird ranges and migration patterns. Look for other opportunities to get involved as a volunteer with the Conservancy at community science events and to hone your skills at a Naturalist Workshop coming up this Spring.

 

Recreation

Ball Sponsorships on Sale!
As we explore the restoration of Catalina Island’s rare plant communities, we hope that you will support the Catalina Island Conservancy as a 2023 Ball Sponsor. Ball Sponsors play a critical role in helping the Conservancy fund our vital conservation, education and recreation programming.

As a Sponsor, you receive access to the exclusive Pre-Ball Sponsor Reception with priority check-in before you make your way to the historic Casino Ballroom for dinner, dancing and celebrating into the night.

Sponsorships are on sale online now! Single tickets go on sale Wednesday, February 1, 2023. We expect a strong response for attendance at the 2023 Ball, so becoming a Ball Sponsor is the best way to secure your attendance (and priority seating) in advance! CLICK TO PURCHASE NOW!


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