Catalina Island Conservancy

IT'S ON THIS FRIDAY! Join us for Ocean Jewels Reborn: White Abalone Conservation and the Power of Partnership 🐚 Learn about the world of white abalone, as we explore their ecological importance and the challenges they face due to population decline. Discover how the Aquarium of the Pacific is leading conservation efforts through aquaculture and outplanting, and learn about the unique successes and challenges in Southern California. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the Catalina Island movement to save these and other at-risk marine species. Catalina Island is where land meets sea and where humans and nature can thrive thanks to the Conservancy. Sign up! ➡️ https://bit.ly/4g1UyI8

Thank you to our Director of Education, Dr. Jolie Colby, for sharing her insights on the importance of outdoor education for youth everywhere. Thanks to a generation donation by the Hathaway family and partnership with the Boy and Girls Club of Metro Los Angeles, the Catalina Island Conservancy is working to close the nature access gap! This August 23-25, 14 inner-city youth will get to experience the wild and scenic gem of Catalina Island! 🏕️ Over three days and two nights at Laura Stein Volunteer Camp, 8th to 10th graders, along with two dedicated chaperones, will connect with the land, sea, and sky. Led by CIC's Director of Education, Jolie Colby, they'll dive into hiking, water activities, and more—building self-confidence and a love for exploration. Fostering an early appreciation and understanding of the environment and strong sense of sustainability in young people is vital for the health of our planet and for human health. In addition to having a profound impact on physical and mental health, educating the youth about the great outdoors and land stewardship is also shown to enhance their comprehension of science and other academic subjects. 🌎

Conservation work guides us deeply into the field every day on challenging, spectacular, and rewarding journeys! We recently made our semi-annual trek to behold the magnificent Malva Rosa, a rare plant species.🌺 Before sunrise, the journey began by boat with the CIES (California Institute of Environmental Studies) team to Bird Rock and Indian Rock, two islets off the coast of Catalina Island, to collect seeds from 34 maternal plants and cuttings for future propagation. The Malva mission is one of many examples of the proactive conservation measures we take to protect vulnerable species and maintain biodiversity on Catalina Island. As Island stewards of 48,000 acres, we are working hard to ensure a resilient future where humans and nature thrive. As we look to the future, we look to you. Join us now and learn more! ➡ https://lnkd.in/g_JV_RPt 📷: Cayman Lanzone, Conservation Horticulturist

Restore and explore Catalina Island! Join us every Tuesday in August as we tackle invasive plant removal in both remote locations and in-town! And if Thursdays work better for you, come get your hands dirty at the Ackerman Native Plant Nursery. Help us sow seeds and pot plants. We'll provide music and snacks to keep you going! Sign up now! ➡️ https://bit.ly/3v2pLrU

Today, on International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, we honor the legacy of the Tongva people and other Indigenous communities. The Tongva have a profound and ancient history spanning over 8,000 years on the southern Channel Islands, including Santa Catalina Island, known as Pimu in the Tongva language. The Tongva's connection to Pimu and its surrounding waters is deep and enduring. Their way of life is intricately tied to Pimu’s unique environment. Tongva cultural practices ensure the careful and respectful use of plant life for food, medicine, and crafting materials. Catalina soapstone, used in cooking implements, jewelry, and figurines, was traded extensively throughout the western United States. We acknowledge the resilience of the Tongva people and their rich and complex history. We honor their significant contributions to the region and celebrate their enduring cultural heritage.

On Sunday, we had an incredible Leadership Circle experience on Catalina Island featuring The Wasp, Philip K. Wrigley’s 1946 DC-3 aircraft. It was a special day at the Airport in the Sky Hangar connecting with fellow stewards of Catalina Island. Leadership Circle is a dynamic community of adventurers and advocates who generously support the Conservancy to renew, discover, and learn about Catalina Island. We invite you to become a Leadership Circle member. Leadership Circle members help to advance crucial science-based conservation practices, lifelong learning experiences, and nature-based recreation opportunities. With your generous, and powerful support, we can create a healthier, climate-resilient Island now and for future generations. As a member, you'll enjoy: ✨ Unique lectures and behind-the-scenes tours ✨ Intimate salons with scientists and educators ✨ Community science programs for all ages ✨ Special events on the Island and mainland Each membership level offers exclusive benefits and insider access. Join today! ➡️ https://bit.ly/3Y00FWZ

Today is #WorldRangerDay, and we are celebrating the incredible rangers on Catalina Island! These rangers work tirelessly and deftly to patrol and protect all 42,000 acres of this unique and wild environment. Bringing their strategic and tactical smarts to the role every day, we are proud to recognize the hard work and dedication that these rangers put into their roles and are thankful for their commitment to keeping everyone safe.

The Catalina Island Conservancy team and I wish everyone enjoyed a resilient World Nature Conservation Day today! Around the globe, people are coming together to celebrate the importance of work like the Conservancy's—preserving, promoting, and protecting natural resources and vibrant ecosystems. Our planet's biodiversity-rich areas are the lifeline: they not only safeguard our planet from climate change, but they also stimulate economic prosperity and ensure cultural heritage. Marking my first year as CEO, I have been privileged to deeply learn from so many across our organization—educators, scientists, naturalists, and land stewards—who have dedicated their lives to conserving this magnificent Island and creating the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and community conservationists. I can't wait for what we do together next. As we look to the future, we look to you. Catalina Island is a place where humans and nature can thrive. Join us today and every day to work toward a resilient Catalina Island.

World Nature Conservation Day is just a few days away! This occasion raises awareness about preserving and protecting our natural resources and ecosystems. To celebrate, we’re spotlighting a couple of our conservation educators. First up is Alexandra Brainerd, who leads our Naturalist Training Program. Her favorite part of the program is educating people about Catalina Island's unique aspects. It's home to 60 endemic species, like the Catalina Island fox and Santa Catalina Ironwood tree. "Sharing these details and seeing participants' curiosity grow is incredibly rewarding," Alexandra shares. As an educator, she believes there are many meaningful ways to celebrate World Conservation Day. "I recommend deepening our understanding of indigenous conservation practices, as indigenous communities, despite comprising less than 5% of the global population, protect 80% of the Earth’s remaining biodiversity, and their wisdom is invaluable to conservation efforts," says Alexandra. "Supporting indigenous conservation efforts, sharing knowledge of sustainable practices, planting native species, supporting conservation organizations, and simply spending time in nature to appreciate its beauty are all great ways to honor this important day." Join us in celebrating World Nature Conservation Day by learning more about our Naturalist Training Program and the dedicated work of educators like Alexandra. For more info, go here https://bit.ly/4foeYei

Catalina Island Conservancy is dedicated to a resilient future where nature and people thrive. Our mission is more than preservation. We're transforming Catalina Island into a living laboratory where learners explore ecology, history, and indigenous culture. By supporting hands-on outdoor experiences, you can inspire future leaders. In 2023, we engaged over 1,000 K-12 students through our educational programs, and with your support we can reach even more children and youth. Your donation today will empower the next generation of environmental stewards. Donate today! ➡️ https://bit.ly/4cX0D7l