Whitney Latorre, President and CEO 

Catalina Island is more than a destination. It’s a responsibility. And this month, as I mark my second year as Catalina Island Conservancy President and CEO, I find myself reflecting not just on our work, but on the dedicated people who make it possible.  

Today, July 22, also marks the Conservancy’s 53rd anniversary. For more than half a century, the organization has protected this extraordinary island and nurtured a mission that connects conservation, education and recreation. We are one of California’s largest and most significant private land trusts, managing 88% of Catalina’s 48,000 acres. That scale comes with real urgency and real opportunity to shape the Island’s future amid growing threats. 

Restoring Catalina from the Ground Up 

Since taking my leadership position, we have embarked on our most ambitious undertaking in decades with the Catalina Island Restoration Project. Guided by science, this project is restoring balance to Catalina’s ecosystems by regenerating critical habitat, reestablishing native plants and managing non-native plant and animal species.

This work is a monumental step in ensuring a fire-resistant and climate-resilient island for future generations who deserve to experience the Island’s full biodiversity. We have taken bold action before, and with urgency and optimism, we’re doing it again. 

A Campaign for Catalina’s Future 

Catalina’s future depends on action at scale. Major plans are underway to resource our strategic objectives, align our aspirations with funding priorities and grow our community of members, donors, influencers and advocates. These investments will advance place-based nature learning, restore native habitats, support science-based programs, reimagine recreational amenities and opportunities, and position Catalina as a model for how island conservation can uplift both ecosystems and communities.  

Strengthening Access and Inclusion 

As L.A. County’s largest outdoor classroom, we’ve expanded access through a new reservation system for recreationists, enhanced public programs at the Trailhead Visitor Center and welcomed thousands of students and life-long learners from diverse communities into the wildlands. We also continue to invest in the people who make this mission possible. New health benefits, added holidays and our first education assistance program reflect our commitment to equity and to building a workplace where everyone feels supported, seen and empowered to grow. 

 

A Shared Effort 

No milestone is ever achieved alone. 

To our field crews who monitor and manage sensitive habitats, our administrative and operations staff who keep us running, and our scientists, educators, volunteers and partners, I say thank you. Your dedication to Catalina, and to each other, makes our work possible every single day. 

And to our members, donors and guests, every hike, every seed planted, every shared conversation moves our mission forward. We could not do this without your support. 

Leading the Conservancy is one of the greatest honors of my life. But what I’m most proud of is standing with a team, a community and a cause that extends beyond Catalina’s 48,000 acres. 

Together, we’ll carry this work forward for another 53 years and beyond.