Getting Out is Really Getting In…Into the Interior - Catalina Island ...

Arctostaphylos catalinae
A p u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e C a t a l i n a I s l a n d C o n s e r v a n c y S u m m e r 2 0 0 3
Getting Out is Really Getting In…Into the Interior
“I only went out for a walk and
finally concluded to stay out until
sundown, for going out, I found,
was really going in.”
Give John Muir credit for
poetically capturing the feeling
of being embraced by wild
nature. The famed California
naturalist, father of the Sierra
Club and spirit behind the
designation of Yosemite National
Park, championed the outdoors
experience. Here on Catalina, the
“great outdoors” means heading
out: on foot, on wheels, or by
boat to come into contact with
superb wilderness. If Yosemite is
the Jewel of the Sierra Nevada,
surely, Santa Catalina Island is a
jewel in the Pacific Ocean.
Protected by the charter of the
Catalina Island Conservancy, the
island beckons exploration by
hiking, biking, or eco-touring.
Jeep ® Eco-Tours
Nature loving island visitors get
the inside scoop while on
stimulating, open-air Jeep ® Eco-
Tours. With a single Jeep ® in the
late 1980s Doug Propst (who was
then the Conservancy President)
began informal tours of the
interior for guests and visitors. As
the program evolved, additional
vehicles were added. In 1994 the
program was formalized. Now, 15
years after the idea was born, we
offer daily tours year around.
Last year, a record number of
guests ventured into the interior
Jeep ® Eco-Tours are a great way to get into the interior and
learn more about the island’s ecology.
with our trained drivers. What did
these visitors see? They saw the natural
side of Santa Catalina Island: colorful
landscapes, mountains and valleys,
native plants and animals, seascapes as
far as the eye can see, from horizon to
horizon, blue sky dotted with
Learn all about
on-going projects.
See pg. 6
clouds. Visitors learn about
our natural history and the
island ecosystem.
From the beginning, the Eco-Tour
program has been all about
sharing knowledge of this special
I N S I D E
About the Conservancy . . .p. 2
rom the President . . . . . . .p. 2
Welcome Dr. Ann Muscat..p. 3
Conservation Updates . . . .p. 6
Volunteers in Action .......p. 8
Please see page 4
Calendar of Events ....... p. 10
Membership .............p. 14
Support Opportunities .... p. 16
Nature’s Notebook....... p. 18
Calendar of Events ....... p. 10

C ATALINA I SLAND CONSERVANCY
B E N E F A C T O R M E M B E R S
Robert Given, Chair
James H. Ackerman
Paxson H. Offield
Alison Wrigley Rusack
B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S
Maria Pellegrini, Chair
Geoffrey Rusack, Vice Chair
Norris J. Bishton, Jr.
Clifford Hague
Richard Harp
Charles Hathaway
Marie Knowles
Robert Meistrell
Anthony Michaels
Ann M. Muscat
Calvin Parsons
Ada Blanche Schreiner
D i r e c t o r s E m e r i t u s
A. Douglas Propst Robert Thorne
E L E C T E D O F F I C E R S
Ann M. Muscat,
President/Chief Executive Officer
J. Scott Wauben,
Treasurer/Chief inancial Officer
Bruce Guay,
Corporate Secretary
D E P A R T M E N T
Lenny Altherr
Steve Dawes
David Gardner
Rebecca Guay
Mark Hoefs
Deb Jensen
Kathleen King
Paul Moritz
Jane Pulsinelli
Peter Schuyler
Charles Wright
M A N A G E R S
Director,acilities Management
Supervisor, Special Projects
Director, Security
Director, Visitor Services
Director & Curator,
Wrigley Botanical Garden
Director, Education
Director, Volunteer Services
Director, Airport Operations
Assistant Treasurer
Director, Ecological Restoration
Director, Development
rom the President
Dear Friends,
Since the forming of the Conservancy, one of
the mandates for the organization has been
to allow for appropriate recreational use of
the island. Over the past thirty years, many
thousands of people have enjoyed hiking,
camping, bicycling, and touring the interior.
Catalina is an amazing destination for nature
lovers and wilderness adventurers!
This summer, we begin implementation of our
Trail Plan. Trails offer a low impact way for
recreational users to access remote wilderness
areas of the island. Well designed trails at popular locations channel
footsteps appropriately, allowing for ecological protection and restoration
of sensitive areas.
Besides safety and conservation, the educational and recreational
possibilities of well-designed trails include discovery of interesting
historical sites, beautiful vistas, experiencing the diverse terrain and
natural habitats on the island, and exercising mind, body and spirit. It is
exciting to look forward to all aspects of such an important endeavor!
You will be hearing more about this project throughout the year.
Another significant project about to be launched is the improvement of
access to Ben Weston Beach. Since 1995, when the old road to the beach
washed out, we have been deliberating the best and most feasible way to
attend to the situation. In April, the Conservancy’s Board of Directors
voted to go forward with building a new road, providing that the
appropriate permits and adequate funding are procured. A map and
more details about the Ben Weston Road project are available by calling
Bruce Guay at 310-510-2595, ext. 106.
The scope of the Conservancy continues to expand was we endeavor to
remain true to the original intent of the organization. I am honored to
have been a part of this important work for the past 29 years. It is with a
mixture of melancholy, confidence, and excitement that I am changing
roles. Dr. Ann Muscat assumes the title and responsibilities of President
and CEO effective July 1, 2003. I will continue on as a consultant to the
organization for the next few months. My husband, David, and I will
continue to live in Avalon and, of course, will always be among the
Catalina Island Conservancy’s most fervent supporters.
Sincerely,
Contact Us
(310) 510 - 2595
editor@catalinaconservancy.org
or visit us at
125 Claressa Avenue Avalon, CA
Visitor Services hours 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily
From the Editor: You may notice that several articles in this issue use scientific
names as well as common names for island plants and animals. Common names
can be confusing because often a plant or animal has various common names,
and sometimes different-but-similar organisms are called by the same common
name. We want to be very clear about the species mentioned for those readers
who are interested. So, the common names are listed first, in regular font, and
the scientific or Latin names follow, in parentheses, with text in italic.
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Catalina Island Conservancy

Welcome Dr. Ann M. Muscat
New President and CEO
The Board of Directors of the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy has selected Dr. Ann M. Muscat, former Santa
Catalina Island resident, as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2003. Dr. Muscat lived on
Santa Catalina Island for eight years, conducting marine research and serving as Director of the University of
Southern California’s Wrigley Marine Science Center at Big Fisherman Cove. She is an avid sailor and diver, and has
been coming to the island and enjoying its natural beauty for more than 24 years.
“Ann brings a wealth of talent, skills and knowledge to the Conservancy. Her time living on Catalina and her love of
the Island, combined with her experience in leadership positions in nonprofit organizations make her the ideal
choice for this position,” said Board Chair, Dr. Maria Pellegrini.
Muscat received her doctorate in biological sciences from the University of Southern California working in the
near-shore marine environment of Santa Catalina Island. While Director of the Wrigley Marine Science Center she
established the Marine Life Refuge that protects the waters immediately surrounding the laboratory from
harvesting and anchoring pressures. She also initiated the popular Elderhostel Program, which has been
introducing interested adults to the ecology of Santa Catalina Island for more than 15 years.
“I am excited and pleased to be returning to Santa Catalina Island at the helm of such an important organization,”
said Muscat. “The Santa Catalina Island Conservancy and Catalina can serve as a model for balancing human
uses with nature’s needs, and inspire people to enjoy, understand and become responsible stewards of their
natural world.”
After completing her work with the Marine Science Center, Muscat served as Deputy Director and Senior Vice
President for Exhibits and Education at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. There she played a pivotal
role in the transformation and rebuilding of that public institution. As part of the master plan for the California
Science Center, she directed the development of the conceptual program and design for a science elementary
school now being built in partnership with the Los Angeles
Unified School District.
Muscat also served as the Executive Vice President for
Strategic Initiatives at the Natural History Museum of Los
Angeles County. There, she led the Board of Trustees and
staff through a strategic visioning process that redefined
the role of a natural and cultural history museum in the
21st century. Muscat also directed the completion of the
preliminary architectural and exhibition studies for a major
rebuilding of the Natural History Museum’s infrastructure.
She has worked throughout her career to promote sciencebased
conservation and environmental education. She has
been invited to lecture in China and India on her ecological
and museological work, and she was a Research Associate
in the United States Antarctic Program.
Muscat received her master’s degree in biology from San
Diego State University and her bachelor’s in biology from
the University of Detroit.
Conservancy Times
3

Island Recreation
continued from page 1
Our new Sunset tour combines the interior tour with a
stop for a view of the sunset. Included are drinks and
a selection of hors d'oeuvres, cheese, fruit and crackers.
We have a great group of driver guides for the season
including: Julien Foreman, Fred Freeman, Chuck Holt,
Steve Pillman, Don Van Sickle, Beth Vandervelde and
Jim Watson.
Jeep ® Eco-Tours create revenue to support Conservancy
programs while at the same time bringing visitors to
the interior to enjoy and learn about our wonderful
island. Don’t miss a great adventure. Support the
Conservancy and join us for a tour. Reservations
can be made by calling the Conservancy office
at (310) 510-2595 ext. 0.
Eco-Tour staff (l to r) Dave Gaon, Jim Watson, Don Van
Sickel, Steve Pillman, Beth Vandervelde and Fred Freeman.
place. Our unique tours of Catalina journey off the
primary roads, onto rugged four wheel drive lanes. We
have access to over 100 miles of roads, most of which are
not open to the public. Our drivers are naturalist-qualified
having completed substantial classroom and field training.
Trip itineraries vary depending on passenger interest, road
conditions and time of year. Drivers are island residents
and have wide-ranging familiarity of the interior.
Our tours are true ecology trips with emphasis
on the island’s living beings and their
relationship to one another and to their
physical environment. No other tour begins to
present the experience of a Jeep ® Eco-Tour on
Santa Catalina Island. Often, but not always,
bald eagles, reptiles, and the elusive Catalina
Island Fox are seen. The interior has so much to
offer, including wonderful vistas and the quiet
serenity of nature.
On Foot
Hiking enthusiasts discover that Catalina is complex.
First off, you notice the widely varied natural
communities. For instance, Ben Weston beach is as
wild and remote as any beach on the West Coast. In
Cottonwood Canyon, a forest habitat rich with wildlife
thrives under the dense, leafy canopy of native oaks.
There are grasslands on the island, too. Above Ripper’s
Cove (one of the island’s boat-in beach campgrounds),
California bunch grasses add texture to hillsides
generously sprinkled with wildflowers from February
Several routes enable repeat visitors to enjoy
different areas at different times of the year.
Our half and full day charters are mapped out
with the guests to accommodate their
requests. We are proud to show off and talk
about the wonders of Santa Catalina Island.
There are two new tours for 2003. On the 3 ½
hour Catalina by Land and Sea tour, we have
combined our most popular tour of the interior with
a tour by boat. Our guests travel one way by boat or
Jeep ® to Whites Landing for lunch at the beach and
return to Avalon. There are many ways to enjoy
Santa Catalina Island! Catalina by Land and Sea is the
perfect introduction.
Getting out for a hike offers many rewards.
until June. Deep gorges echo birdsongs. On the West
End, landslides of slippery silvery schist and raw red
erosion gullies are reminders of on-going geologic
changes. And then there are the views! The
unpredictable hues of sky and ocean contrast with the
dramatic silhouettes of a steeply sloped landscape.
Most often, the sky is a dazzling blue and the
Mediterranean climate is mild and appealing. But
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Catalina Island Conservancy

Island Recreation
sometimes, chilly fog swirls
around the shoulders of
the hills, the wind whips,
and waves punish the
shore. On the other hand,
summertime temperatures
in Catalina’s low-growing
coastal sage scrub and
chaparral communities can
scorch. Hat, sunscreen, and
plenty of drinking water
are primary gear. There are
only a few locations for
refilling water bottles, so
bring plenty.
Hikers must register for a
permit at the Conservancy
House in Avalon, at the
Airport-in-the-Sky, or at
Two Harbors Visitor
Services. The permit is free
and required. Please see the
calendar section of this newsletter for guided hike
information.
Bicyclists
The Catalina Island Conservancy is pleased to offer a
bicycle program for the serious cyclist who wants to
enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of Santa
Catalina Island. Permits are required at a fee of $50 for
an individual and $75 for a family (spouse and minor
children). Permits are valid from the date of purchase
until the following April 30th and prorated quarterly
beginning May 1st. Included in the permit fee is
coverage for accident, liability, and life insurance while
riding on Catalina.
Due to the island's rugged interior, mountain bikes are
required and riders must wear helmets that meet the
safety standards set by either the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) or Snell Memorial Foundation.
A limited number of roads are open to bicycling and for
the most part are improved gravel.
Bicycle permits may be obtained at the Conservancy
Office, 125 Claressa, 8:30 AM - 5 PM daily (closed for
lunch Saturday and Sunday). Permits are also available
Touring by mountain bike is both challenging and rewarding.
at Catalina's Airport-in-the-
Sky and Two Harbors Visitor
Services during their regular
hours of operation. Bicycle
permits are not available by
mail or telephone, they must
be purchased in person at the
locations mentioned above.
Nearly a million people visit
Santa Catalina Island each
year. Of those, thousands
pass through the Conservancy
House for information about
access to the interior. These
visitors are special because
they are looking for an
experience not found in
Avalon, but an adventure
into a natural environment,
seventy-six square miles of
undeveloped wilderness.
At Conservancy House, Visitor Services Representatives
Liz Johnson and Diane Conover are at the ready to
greet these folks, answer questions, hand out brochures
and issue the permits that will take them into this
special place.
No matter what your mode of transportation, getting
out is the key to finding the very best of Catalina. Be
prepared, the island is capricious; every day out is a
fresh experience. It's best to expect the unexpected.
Rebecca Guay, Director of Visitor Services
Deb Jensen, Director of Education
Dave Gaon, Jeep ® Eco-Tour Supervisor
Each year an average of 6,772 hikers, 1,580 runners, and 850
bicyclists recreate on Conservancy property, while 1,417 people
participate in our Jeep ® Eco-Tour Program. We issue 650 annual
vehicle permits, 370 daily vehicle permits, and 28 moped
permits as well.
Thank You For Your Contribution
The Catalina Island Conservancy’s Administration and Accounting Departments thank volunteers for assisting with general office,
special events, VIP driving and much more. Your time is appreciated. James H. Ackerman, Lenny Altherr, Linda Altherr, Norris Bishton, Jr., Joel Burt, Lynn
Burt, Caitlin Dawes, Steve Dawes, Christa Foster, David Gaon, Dave Gardner, Rose Ellen Gardner, Bob Given, Rebecca Guay, Cliff Hague, Rick Harp, Charles Hathaway,
Marisella Hernandez, Liz Johnson, Kathleen King , Marie Knowles, Robert Meistrell, Anthony Michaels, Ian Morison, Robert Morison, Richard Murphy, Hank O’Melveny,
Paxson Offield, Calvin Parsons, Maria Pellegrini, Alison Rusack, Geoffrey Rusack, Linda Salo, Ron Salo, Ada Blanche Schreiner, Eric Schwartz, Esmeralda Soto, Misdee Wrigley.
Conservancy Times
5

Conservation Updates
Counting Marine Mammals Along
Catalina’s Coastline
May 14 th was a cool, cloudy morning and the mostly calm seas
registered a chilly 60 degrees, but this did not deter numerous
California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus) from frolicking about
in the waters of Avalon Harbor, along Pebbly Beach and on past
the quarry. As we approached Seal Rocks, it became obvious that it
was going to be an amazing day to view marine mammals. Using
binoculars, we counted at least 117 sea lions hauled out on the
rocks and beaches of the Seal Rocks area. Several more could be
seen darting back and forth amongst a pod of Common Bottlenose
Dolphins (Tursiops tuncatus) traveling through the nearby waters.
Catalina’s ecosystems are not only essential for terrestrial plants and animals, but also for marine mammals,
such as seals and sea lions, which use the island’s numerous beaches and offshore rocks to haul out for
important activities such as molting and pupping.
Each spring and fall, Conservancy biologists conduct a census of the marine mammals that use the island’s
various beaches and offshore rocks. The census records the number and type of marine mammals in order to
monitor how their populations fluctuate through time. This spring’s count was our fifth and largest census
ever. With the help of volunteer Captain Scott Wauben and his boat Dulcinea, we began our clockwise
circumnavigation of the island at around 7 AM.
As we proceeded around the far East End of the island and just west of Binnacle Rock, we came across our first
sighting of Harbor Seals (Phoca vitulina), a group of 35, including a few young pups, hauled out on the beach
and not the least bit interested in our position 200-300 feet offshore. Continuing westward we came across
even larger congregations of Harbor Seals hauled out on the beaches between China Point and Ben Weston,
with several groups numbering more than 50 individuals. Then at Land’s End, we observed another large
assemblage of sea lions, 35 this time, lounging on some offshore rocks.
The surf had become increasingly choppy as we rounded Land’s End and we were all ready for a change of
pace as the waves began to flatten out and our peaceful journey resumed once more on the Channel side of
the island. As we traveled past the coves and Isthmus, we continued to record seal and sea lion sightings both
in the water and hauled out on rocks and beaches along the way. However, a wonderful surprise still awaited
us on a beach near Frog Rock. There we observed a female Northern Elephant Seal (Mirounga angustirostris), a
new marine mammal for our species list, hauling out of the water. It was approximately 2 PM when we pulled
back into Avalon Harbor and our census was concluded.
Overall, 565 pinnipeds were observed that day, 285 seals (two species) and 280 sea lions, making it our largest
count ever. The fact that pinniped numbers were three times greater than those for past spring counts suggest
that prey items, such as squid and anchovy, may have been extremely plentiful in Catalina’s waters at the time
of the census, perhaps attracting seals and sea lions from other areas to the island.
Angela Aarhus
Field Biologist
Helping Hands
The Facilities Management Department gives a heartfelt thank you to the following volunteers for all of
their efforts: NCCC Western Region Americorps, Jani Eisenhut, Fred Freeman, David Larsen, Tracy Larsen, Paul McIlroy, Calvin
Parsons, Richard Pelouze, Bruce Seibert, and Chris Messett U.C.L.A.
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Catalina Island Conservancy

Conservation
Learning More About
Orange-crowned Warblers
The Orange-crowned Warbler (Vermivora celata)
breeds widely over western and northern North
America, and east across Canada. There are four
recognized subspecies of this warbler. One of them,
the sordida subspecies (Vermivora celata
ssp.sordida), is endemic to the Channel Islands and
reaches its highest density on Santa Catalina Island.
This subspecies is fairly different from others that
breed on the continent, however, its life history is
poorly known. While mainland Orange-crowned
Warblers are long distance migrants and strict
ground nesters, the sordidas are year round
residents on the islands or migrate a very short
distance to the coast of Southern California and nest
in shrubs or trees as well as on the ground.
In March 2003, researchers from the Smithsonian
Migratory Bird Center and the University of
California at Riverside began a long-term study on
Santa Catalina Island to better understand the life
history and ecology of this warbler. One hundred
individuals including males, females and nestlings
were captured and banded. This banded population
will allow determination of which proportion of the
population stays year round or leaves the island
during the fall.
Over 90 nests are being monitored. On the island,
these warblers start breeding in early March and
nest mainly in shrubs (Lemonade Berry, Coyote
Brush, Monkey Flower), although several nests were
found on the ground as well as in trees (Island Scrub
Oak) at 3 or 4 meters high. A very interesting
finding is that the island sordida warblers are
double brooders, in contrast with the mainland
Orange-crowned Warblers that have only one brood
a year. Orange-crowned Warblers feed by gleaning
insects from plant leaves. During March the warblers
forage mainly on oaks and in late April and May
they also get many insects from the grass and nectar
from flowers.
We are approaching the end of the breeding season
for the sordida Orange-crowned Warblers and the
field is loaded with newborn fledglings. So, hurry
up, get your binoculars and try to find them! If you
are lucky you will get to see their puffed orange
crown.
Note: If you encounter any banded bird try to get
the color combination on its legs and please let us
know when and where you saw it. You can email
the researchers at susanaip@ucr.edu.
Susana Peluc
Researcher
U.C. Riverside
The Status of Bison on the Island
Maintaining a
herd size of 150 -
200 animals, a
change in the
time of shipping
extra animals, and
a request for
more study on the
interaction of
bison and nonnative
annual
grasses were
among the new
bison management guidelines adopted by the Board of
Directors of the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy at its
April meeting. After reviewing the results of a two year
study documenting the ecological impacts of bison on
Catalina’s natural resources, the Board was able to
make an informed decision based on sound scientific
findings. The study was conducted by independent
outside researchers from the University of North
Dakota and the University of California at Davis. The
final report was received in January 2003, and the
Conservancy Board of Directors and staff gave it careful
review before the management decisions were made.
The report, Population Ecology and Ecological Effects
of Bison on Santa Catalina Island, is available to the
public at Conservancy offices, the public library, and on
the Internet. A recap of the management strategy is as
follows:
v Herd size will be maintained between 150 to 200 animals.
v Bison will continue to be allowed range between
the fence at Two Harbors and the fence at the
Summit. Health of the animals is important and will
be monitored.
v Further research will be conducted to explore the
relationship between bison and non-native annual
grasses on the island, especially as related to the
potential of wildland fire, and the spread of nonnative
grasses.
v The Conservancy will seek the advice of expert
range mangers to explore management options to
further reduce the impacts of bison on the island’s
natural resources.
v An annual roundup to maintain animal numbers at a
target of 150 will be completed by August. Extra
animals will be shipped to the mainland.
Conservancy Times
7

Volunteers in Action
the front of the nursery, followed by sporty games of “King of
the Mulch Hill” played atop a nine-foot pile of eucalyptus
mulch. We also worked at Airport in the Sky doing some
maintenance work on the grounds of the Nature Center. The
highlight of our day was a buffet style lunch of sandwiches and
brownies provided by the Conservancy Education
Department.
On our last day, the group ventured into Avalon to explore the
town and take a break from work. Our activities included
kayaking, snorkeling, visiting the Botanical Gardens, shopping,
and of course dining at the many restaurants in town. A change
from the week’s camp foods like hot dogs and peanut butter
and jelly sandwiches was much needed and enjoyed!
8
Spring Break, But Differently
Spring Break! Relax on the beach, take a rest from hectic
academic schedules! Or, for a group of students from the
University of Arizona (UofA), spring break is the opportunity to
travel to new communities and participate in philanthropic
activities. This group is called Alternative Breaks, and from
March 14-22 students traveled to Catalina to volunteer with
the Catalina Island Conservancy.
Alternative Breaks is a non-profit, student run organization at
the UofA in Tucson, Arizona. It is a local chapter of a nationwide
program based out of Florida State University called, Break
Away. Each year an average of 5 service-oriented trips are taken
in surrounding areas to provide members meaningful spring
break projects as an alternative to leisure activities. Trips are
funded by the participants, through fundraising events, grants,
support of local businesses, and the University.
This spring break, fourteen participants ranging from
freshmen to seniors and including majors such as Veterinary
and Wildlife Sciences, Finance, and Engineering, piled into two
vans bound for Long Beach, CA. It was raining when we
reached Long Beach, approximately 10 hours later. We took a
ferry to Santa Catalina Island and were greeted by the
Conservancy’s Coordinator of Volunteers.
During the week we camped at the Laura Stein Volunteer
Camp, jokingly coined the “Hilton in the Hills.” We were amazed
by the campground facility and at the fact that volunteers
constructed a majority of it. The greater part of our free time in
the evenings was spent huddled around the outdoor kitchen
area preparing dinner, or sitting around the campfire telling
stories and listening to NPR radio for updates on the war with
Iraq.
Throughout the week we worked with the Conservancy to
complete landscaping work for the James H. Ackerman Native
Plant Nursery. Landscaping included mulching and weeding
We started the week at the UofA as a group of newly
acquainted students, coming together to work on a service
project. We ended the week as a group of close friends who
had just spent an amazing spring break together on Santa
Catalina Island. Our time with the Catalina Island Conservancy
will be forever remembered by each of us, and our
organization hopes to continue a relationship with
Conservancy into the future.
Jessica Stevens,
Alternative Breaks Site Leader
Wanted: Information Leading to
Invasive Plant Control
Sixty known invasive plant species on Santa Catalina Island are
being exposed to scrutiny. The Conservancy and California
State Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo graduate
student John Knapp are collecting data to develop a prioritized
invasive plant management plan. Invasive plants in California
are defined as species introduced after European contact
through direct or indirect human activity. Invasive plants arrive
and become naturalized 1,000 times faster by human activities
than they would under natural conditions; native plants and
animals haven’t the time to deal with the invasion through
evolution. Invasive plants displace vegetation that provides
habitat for wildlife, but their most severe impacts arise when
they alter ecosystem processes such as fire frequency, soil
Catalina Island Conservancy

Volunteers
erosion and chemistry, and water flow in streams. Invasive
species like Dyer’s greenwold (Genista linifolia), Italian thistle
(Carduus pycnocephalus) and tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) are
among others found on Catalina that create these impacts.
Controlling invasive plants without a management plan is like
trying to win a baseball game without any batters; it doesn’t
work, you must have a full-lineup strategy. By knowing the
characteristics and invasiveness of each species, we can
determine how much of a threat each species truly poses to
the health and stability of Catalina’s island ecosystem. The
plan will accomplish this goal through four stages: 1) Map
each species, 2) Conduct a literature review of biological
characteristics, such as flowering period, seed production and
invasiveness of each species, 3) Model the climatic conditions
of certain species’ area of origin to infer potential
invasiveness, and then 4) Subject all species to ranking for
prioritization of control taking into consideration the island
habitat infested, size and density of each invasive population,
ease of control, and level of invasiveness. Thus far volunteers
have played an integral part in the mapping aspect, and
without their knowledge and work, it would be an even
greater challenge to survey the whole island. Scheduled
completion for the plan is March 2004.
Santa Catalina Island is home to many plants and animals that
are not found or enjoyed anywhere else on earth, and has
some of the best natural habitat left in Southern California. If
we work now to protect it from invasive plants, we can keep it
that way.
Mapping the Invasive Plants
On the weekend of March 22 -23, nine volunteers, one
Conservancy employee, and one researcher traversed the
ridges and drainages of Middle Canyon to map invasive plants
for the Second Invasive Plant Mapping Extravaganza.
Imagine picking up a hitchhiker and taking him in to your
home with the good intensions of helping someone out. Now
imagine coming home after a long day’s work to only find
him sprawled out on your couch taking up all the space,
eating all your food, sleeping in your bed, and inviting his
buddies over to share in his newfound wealth. That is
basically what invasive plants do. Somehow, directly or
indirectly, they have been given a ride through human
activity into wildland ecosystems, such as Catalina’s, only to
outcompete native species for water, nutrients, space and
other valuable resources. Invasive plants can alter ecosystem
processes while displacing native plant species that provide
habitat for wildlife. Giant reed (Arundo donax), which
originated from Southeast Asia and is a serious and costly
problem in much of the South Coast area, can displace
streamside vegetation that provides the necessary structure
for many nesting birds. It also has shallow roots, which can
result in soil erosion and silt accumulation downstream.
Fortunately, giant reed was not found in the areas searched.
Currently the Conservancy is mapping roughly sixty species
of plants that are known to be invasive throughout California
and on the island. This information will aid the Conservancy in
understanding the distribution and infestation of each
species. Once the island has been mapped, the data collected
will be used to rank which invasive plants are of the greatest
threat to the health of the island, and to help guide
management action.
New and returning volunteers with expertise on Santa
Catalina Island, plant identification and the use of global
positioning system (GPS) units recorded invasive plant
location, population size and density, reproductive condition
and habitat infested for each of the weeds found. The
Conservancy owns and manages 42,173 acres, and without
the efforts of volunteers from the island and mainland,
mapping invasive plants would be a daunting challenge.
Mainland volunteers camped at the Laura Stein Volunteer
Camp, and were joined in the morning by island volunteers
and Conservancy staff. After a long day of searching for
invasive plants through poison oak and prickly pear cactus,
they indulged in an excellent meal prepared by Mary Story.
Her delicious treats eradicated everyone’s invasive appetites,
and prepared them for another day of mapping. Over dinner
and the camp fire, volunteers told tales of “the one that got
away”- referring to invasive plants, and the rare and unique
island vegetation that was encountered while mapping.
It took the eleven mappers ten hours to map half of Middle
Canyon, which would have taken one mapper roughly three
days to complete. The Invasive Plant Mapping Extravaganza
would not have been a success if it were not for the
knowledge, enthusiasm and sweat of the nine volunteers.
Thank you!
John Knapp
Invasive Plant Researcher
Conservancy Times
9

C ALENDAR
Your guide to getting
EDUCATION OFFERINGS
July 9, Evening Nature Program
8:00 p.m. Join Dr. Peter Sharpe, Institute
for Wildlife Studies, as he discusses the
reintroduction of the Bald Eagles.
Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden.
Aug. 2, The HIKE
8:00 a.m. Check out the huge restoration project going on
in Middle Canyon.
Reservations must be made by July 26.
Aug. 13, Evening Nature Program
8:00 p.m. "Catalina Views" is the year's work from some
island photographers. Come see what developed.
Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden.
Sept. 6, The HIKE
8:00 a.m. Travel to Starlight Beach on the West End. This
HIKE departs from Two Harbors.
Reservations must be made by Aug. 30.
Sept. 10, Evening Nature Program
7:00 p.m. "Bats Roost Here." Join Angela Aarhus, Field
Biologist as she introduces us to Catalina's bats.
Los Angeles County Interpretive Center.
Oct. 4, The HIKE
8:00 a.m. Join us as we walk on a trail of beauty from Black
Jack to Middle Ranch.
Reservations must be made by Sept. 27.
Nov. 1, The HIKE
8:00 a.m. Visit the rarest tree in North America, the
endangered Catalina Mahogany.
Reservations must be made by Oct. 25.
Want to join in on an education program? Contact the Education
Department (310) 510-0954 or education@catalinaconservancy.org
VOLUNTEER HAPPENINGS
Volunteer Vacations
Volunteer Vacations are an exciting
change of pace from the usual vacation.
Your experience will serve as an excellent
opportunity to learn about the unique ecology of Santa
Catalina Island, give back to the environment, and have
some fun at the same time.
Sept 8 - 12 Volunteer Vacation
Sept 22 - 26 Volunteer Vacation
Save Our Seeds to Begin New Life
Learn the different types of seeds and how they are
propagated for new life. Give us a call, we will train you on the
various techniques needed for seed processing. Don't let the
Seed Seekers get ahead of us!
Island Field Day with the Ecological Restoration Dept.
Come join the Ecological Restoration Department staff for
their monthly island “ER” Field Day, the first Tuesday of each
month. Projects vary month to month and run the gamut
from fence removal to out planting to weed removal. Call us
in advance to find out what’s scheduled for the next exciting
field day.
Visitor Services Greeter
Join our Visitor Services Team and greet visitors at the
Conservancy House. Volunteers work alongside staff, issuing
hiking permits and sharing general information about
Catalina Island and the Catalina Island Conservancy. One
Saturday a month 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Training will be
provided.
GPS Mapping Opportunity
Participate in a hands-on, field class to learn how to use our
Trimble Explorer GPS units. Then travel around the island
mapping utility poles or non-native tree species in the
Middle Canyon watershed area. Volunteers should enjoy
hiking and be able to hike over rigorous terrain. Vehicle and
training are provided. Let us know your schedule.
Would you like more information about these and other volunteer
opportunitites with the Catalina Island Conservancy? Call Director of
Volunteer Services Kathy King at (310) 510-2595, ext. 102 or email
volunteers@catalinaconservancy.org
Please Don’t Overlook the Contribution Envelop
Enclosed in this issue of the Conservancy Times is a contribution envelope. Whether or not you are currently a donor to the Conserva
Your contributions allow us to do our work. And as we work our way through these summer and upcoming fall months, our plannin
makes it all possible. A contribution at this time, in the enclosed return envelope, will help us.
10
Catalina Island Conservancy

Featuring .
involved
on Catalina
SUMMER NATURALIST
PROGRAMS
JUNE 28th THROUGH
AUGUST 31ST
Sundays, Avalon Nature Hike
9 a.m. Come join us as we take a moderate uphill climb to
the back of Avalon Canyon for spectacular views. Wrigley
Memorial and Botanical Garden.
Tuesdays, Avalon Nature Walk
10 a.m. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the gardens led by
our knowledgeable naturalist guide.
Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden.
Learn to use the Trimble GPS to help with
mapping projects on the Island.
Fridays, Avalon Campfire Program
8 p.m. Gather around for stories, legends and facts about
Catalina’s history at the evening campfire.
Hermit Gulch Campground.
Saturdays, Avalon Nature Walk
10 a.m. Enjoy a guided leisurely stroll through the
botanical gardens led by our knowledgeable naturalist.
Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden.
Saturdays, Two Harbors Nature Walk
10 a.m. Explore the natural history of Two Harbors as we
take a leisurely stroll at the Isthmus.
Meet at the Conservancy Kiosk.
Saturdays, Little Harbor Nature Walk
3 p.m. Join us as we take a closer look at one of Catalina’s
sensitive ecological areas.
Meet at Little Harbor Campground kiosk.
Enjoy a photo presentation by local
photographers at “Catalina Views” on
August 13 at the Wrigley Botanical Garden.
Summer Naturalist Programs are FREE and open to the public
(admission for the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden is $3.00
for adults). Reservations are not required. For more information
call 310-510-2595, ext. 134.
e in This Issue
ncy, please consider sending a contribution now.
g and our projects increase and your financial contribution
Join in on a hike or nature walk at one of
our Summer Naturalist Programs through
August 31st.
Conservancy Times

Volunteers
Volunteers Are Recognized in Style
High energy was the mind-set at the Riviera Room on the
evening of April 3rd as the 11th annual Volunteer Reception
kicked into full swing. A combination of volunteers, staff, Board
of Directors, Benefactors and their guests totaling 170, filled the
room with laughter, goodwill and heartfelt appreciation
for one another. The Reception brings everyone together
for a fun time and also recognizes the achievements and
milestones that many volunteers have accomplished.
The year 2002 was indeed a year to be proud of for
volunteers. A grand total of 21,020 hours was dedicated
to various projects. To list a few:
Eagles Nest Road Const.,Fox Habitat Const./Maint., Fence
Removal, Trail Work, Seed Seekers, Brush Clearance,
Reserve-Ranger, Exhibit planning, Field Trip Assistance,
Environmental Education, Bison Research, Road Repair,
Special Events, Christmas Bird
Count, Fence Walkers Plant
Studies, VIP Dinners, Camp
Maintenance, General
Maintenance, Boat Captain,
Burn Area Surveys, Data Entry,
Drivers, Feral Cat Research,
Seed Processing, Weed
Removal, Weed Mapping,
Land Bird Monitoring, Beach
Cleanup, Outplanting, Plant
Propagation, Hike Leading,
and Research.
We were fortunate to work with
47 Junior Volunteers who dedicated 1,248 hours
in 2002. Each year the Catalina Island
Conservancy awards the Junior Volunteer with
the most volunteer hours with a $50.00 savings
bond. This year’s proud recipient was Robert
Morison with a grand total of 54.5 hours. Robert,
who is 12, has consistently volunteered since
1996.
Junior volunteers are an important part of
the volunteer force.
Milestones were many for 2002. Milestone
awards for total accumulated hours are
recognized at 100, 500, 1,000, and 2,000
The Montgomery family celebrates
increments. Receiving their one hundred hour Ryan’s accomplishments.
ruby lapel pins were Randy Boelsoms, Erica
Browne, Joel and Lynn Burt, John Celick, Michael Clifford, William
Corey, Joseph and Rita Dlugokecki, Annerose and Hans
Grellmann, Richard Hague, Liz Johnson, Erick Katzmaier, Pat
Klingensmith, Frank Minuto, Calvin Parsons, and Rudy Piltch. Five
hundred hour emerald lapel pins were awarded to Cliff Hague,
Ryan Montgomery and Roy Rose. One thousand hour diamond
lapel pins went to Dean Hill and Ryan Montgomery. And
receiving the 2,000-hour recognition award were Paul McIlroy
and Steve Story. New for this
year, the 2,000-hour award is
the “Wall of Honor.”
Exhibited at Visitor Services
in the Conservancy House,
this handsome oak wall
proudly displays the names
of volunteers who have
reached this colossal
milestone.
Steve and Mary Story, volunteers
Additional awards were
extraordinaire!
received by a group of 14
volunteers who dedicated a
combined total of 4,543 hours of volunteer service.
Ranging from 200 hours to 828 hours each, these volunteers
spent meaningful and rewarding time participating in many,
many different jobs. Congratulations to Ryan Montgomery,
Steve Story, Paul McIlroy, Mary Story, Dean Hill, Michael
Clifford, Patricia Moore, Cliff Hague, Dennis McDonald,
Whitey Mendenhall, Joel Burt, Lynn Burt, Shawn Cyr and
Judy Hibbs.
A special thank you was awarded to Ryan Montgomery
naming him the Volunteer of the Year. He consistently
dedicated three days a week at the James Ackerman Native
Plant Nursery for the entire 2002 year. To top that, he is
currently volunteering five days a week at the nursery!
In addition to the awards there was
sincere thanks for the people who
made the Volunteer Reception the
memorable evening that it was;
Joanna Arnold, Catalina Marineros,
Geoff and Alison Rusack and Rusack
Vineyards, Mary Stein, David
Markowitz, Audrey and Chris Clasen,
Margarette Wagner, Adam King,
Peter Schuyler, Michael Herrera,
Linda Altherr, and Nick Riera.
Kathleen King
Director of Volunteer Services
Above and Beyond
The Volunteer Department recognizes the following volunteers for participating in our special events to our site
managers who keep Bosky Dell, Summit Vista Garden and Haypress, beautiful. A big thank you to; NCCC Western
Region Americorps, Anne Johnson Casa Colina, Dave Gardner, Odie Hernandez,Rickie Hernandez, Robert Husted, Jupiter Jones, Adam King, SEA
Lab LA Conservation Corp, Paul McIlroy, National Sierra Club, Richard Pelouze, Bruce Seibert, Paul Carlton Sierra Sage Club, Esmeralda Soto, Mary
Story, Steve Story, Chris Messett U.C.L.A., Cambel Berk University of Arizona, and Margarette Wagner.
12
Catalina Island Conservancy

aces and Places
Knee deep in weeds,
Steve Story gets a head
start on spring-cleaning
at the Laura Stein
Volunteer Camp
Paul McIlroy lends the acilities
Management Department a
knowledgeable and welcome helping
hand at the Airport-in-the-Sky.
With the anticipated arrival of
Volunteer Vacations, Mary
Story makes certain that her
kitchen is in tip-top shape.
Each Thursday you can count on seeing
Reserve-Ranger, Dean Hill out in the
ranger truck patrolling Catalina’s interior.
Jupiter and Barbara Jones with volunteer driver
Jeannie Shelton enjoy a Tuesday at the Native
Plant Nursery.
Welcome New Volunteers!
Individuals…make the decision to become involved…If, they don’t, they miss their most important chance to feel inner
power and to become whole human beings.
~John D. Rockefeller
Leah Jane Adams, Jacqueline Aldern. Jared Aldern, Mary Aldern, David Andrade, Heather Andrade, Carl Bell, Jill Boivin, Julie Bovay, Alice
Castro, Devyn Christiann, Deborah Clayton, Clark Cowan, Christine Crow, Kristyne Dahnert, Nicolette David, Phillip Davis, Donna Denning,
Barbara Diamond, John Diamond, Diamond Girl Scouts, Robbie Dixon, Geoff Doner, Danielle Drabeck, Elizabeth Drake, Sabrina Drill,
Barbara Ehrick, Steve Ehrick, Barbara Erin, Sue Etherington, Christa Foster, Lee Freeman, Mary Lou Freeman, Pat Freeman, Edward
Greenberg, Jane Greenberg, Patric Greene, Nancy Hansen, Khris Hughes, Vincent Hughes, Jennifer Irvine, Barbara Jones, Jupiter Jones,
Blair Kerr, Adam King, Alyson King, Dorothy Knox, John Knox, Katherine Lamb, Randy Lewis, Raylene Lewis, Tony Licari, Michael Lieb,
Brooke Long, Annie MacAulay, Jennifer McMahon, Robert Meistrell, Milo Mendenhall, Chris Messett, David Moreno, Stella Moreno, Lauren
Nickerson, Veronica Nunez, Chris Peterson, Darcy Peterson, Wendy Peterson, Roger Polanco, Katherine Porterfield, Tom Privett, Richard
Raker, Michelle Richman, Bill Ross, Agueda Sancho, Kevin Schmidt, David Scott, Judie Scott, Doug Shelton, Ronnie Silos, Kimberly Starbuck,
Loretta Steffen, Eric Story, Matthew Sutton, Kate Symonds, Francisco Tablas, Bryan Thompson, Chris Messett U.C.L.A., Carlos Valencia,
Marijke Valencia, Christmas Wakefield, Frank Wakefield, Alice Weatherford, Peterson Wendy, Lori Whalen, Dayna Whitlock, Kelsey
Whitlock, Matt Williams, Michael Wozniak, Alison Wrigley-Rusack.
Conservancy Times
13

Memberships Move Us
A warm welcome to our new members! (2-1-2003 through 4-30-2003)
AMIGOS
$100 annual dues
Warren and rances Hinton
Sam and Cathy Muslin
Doug and Daneen Olsen
CATALINA MARINEROS
$100 annual dues
red and Penny Delaney
Richard and Ronni Gates
Eric and Sene Gray
Allan Harriman
Mark and Glorianne Johnston
Jane Moore
Rob Pink
Arthur Robinson
William and Debra Schroeder
Gaylin and Marlene Schultz
Pamela and Jeff Swindells
Travis and Nicolle Winsor
CATALINA CONQUISTADORS
$100 annual dues
David Purser
CATALINA CONSERVANCY
DIVERS
$100 annual dues
Dennis Chiniaeff and Teresa Kolbas
Daniel and Shelly Dennies
Suzanne Grayson
Jack Henz
Leif and Stephanie Kiewlich
Denise Kuha
Jeffrey Reitz
Stewart Roy
Todd Warshaw
ISLAND RESIDENTS
$25 annual dues
Ava Conn
Larry and Ellen Herich
Steve and Susan Kellogg
CATALINA CABALLEROS
$100 annual dues
Harold and Gisele Grabosky
Molly Isaksen
Join Us!
RIENDS O CATALINA
$25 annual dues
Michael and Kendra Burnham
George and Angela Burwick
John and Katie rasher
Don and Loretta Gibbs
John Gilchrist
Alcy Grimes and Mike Lambert
George Helme
Jerry and Pat Henderson
Steve and Karen Hill
Andrea Horwatt and Wendy Mitchell
Ken and Connie Keith
Blair and Lauria Kerr
Penny Koines
Justin and Ava Maciulis
Michael and Christina Martinez
Sallie Odom
Edward and Dianne Remus
Barbara Rogers
David and Anne Sharpe
Kevin and Deana Sherry
Karen Shragg
Larry and Debbie Strother
Lenny and Janet White
or further information about membership and contributions,
please contact:
Development Director Chuck Wright at (310) 306-3577, ecofunder@aol.com,
or
Erica Cushing, Development Assistant, at (310) 510-2595, x 114,
ecushing@catalinaconservancy.org
You’re a Lifesaver
Catalina Island Conservancy Ball, Earth Day, Underwater Cleanup, Video, Trade Shows, and Golf Tournaments are just a few projects
that volunteers help the Development and Membership Department achieve. Our deepest gratitude to the following volunteers: Randy
Boelsoms, Jill Boivin, Randy Brannock, John Celick, Emily Cleveland, Linda Jo Cleveland, Estelle Conover, Caitlin Dawes, Donna Denning, Phil Dockery, Brian Frankish, Pat
Freeman, Glenn Hibbs, Judy Hibbs, Dean Hill, Laurie Hill, Kathleen Hill-Zeller, Gary Holmes, Robert Husted, Liz Johnson, Barbara Jones, Jupiter Jones, Dick Kellogg, Nancy
Kellogg, Tina Kennedy, Alyson King, Kathleen King, Jackie Kruse, Jeremy Leonard, Randy Lewis, Raylene Lewis, Lynnette Licari, Tony Licari, Isabella Luv, Maria Marks, Ruth
Martinez, Mary McKernan, Jim Meier, Peggy Meier, Robert Meistrell, Robert Morison, Linda Salo, Ron Salo, Doug Shelton, Jeanie Shelton, Jim Steffen, Loretta Steffen, Mary
Story and Steve Story.
14
Catalina Island Conservancy

Member Happenings
Surprises from the Sea
Conservancy Divers’ Thermograph Project
Results from the Catalina Conservancy Divers’ Thermograph project are now becoming
available and show many surprising features. For over ten years, the divers have maintained
an array of underwater thermographs, the devices that record temperature at various
locations and depths around the island. Ongoing studies include the analysis of seasonal and long-term
temperature trend variations, how temperature changes with depth, short-term fluctuations and the differences in
temperature between various locations about Santa Catalina.
The thermograph project is executed
entirely by volunteers. Thermographs are
purchased by the CCD and housed in
structures built by CCD members. Divers,
often taken to the instrument locations by
Marineros, periodically download data from
the sensors and replace them when needed.
The retrieved data are organized and stored
on CD-ROM and distributed to volunteers
trained in data analysis.
Unexpected results found so far include the
so-called “March effect,” a mysterious,
sudden, temporary, warming of water
occurring at all depths around the island.
Another surprise is that the seasonal
temperature variations change with depth;
the average maximum temperature at 15 ft
occurs at the end of August, but at 100 ft
the maximum average occurs at the
beginning of October.
Research conducted by Catalina Conservancy Divers provides
invaluable information about the ocean that surrounds the island.
One of the biggest surprises was discovering
large, rapid temperature variations found at deeper depths. Shorter-term variations, those that occur daily or even
as frequently as every 5 hours, are produced by the flow of water masses of differing temperature and are related
in a complicated manner to the tides. One of the tough problems is to unravel the temperature data to determine
these flow patterns. Such rapid variations as seen in the CCD data are rarely found in other thermograph arrays
outside the island.
Scientists suspect that rapid variations in temperature, such as those measured by the CCD thermographs, play a
significant part in near-shore marine biology. In the past, researchers have used temperature studies on the island
to compute the availability of nutrients for giant kelp growth and the dispersal of larvae such as those of kelp bass.
The latest data will help us to characterize and better understand the marine environment of Santa Catalina Island.
Craig Gelpi
Catalina Conservancy Divers
Bravo, Good Job!!
From meetings to patrol, the Ranger Department congratulates the Reserve-Rangers on a job well done: Boyd
Cargill, Joseph Dlugokecki, Cliff Hague, Richard Hague, Dean Hill and Scott Patterson.
Conservancy Times
15

Support Opportunities
8th Annual Conservancy Ball a Sellout!
This year’s Conservancy Ball in the Casino Ballroom was a great success with over 600 guests attending. They enjoyed
a hosted cocktail hour, gourmet dinner, silent and live auctions, dancing, and of course, a stroll around the Casino’ s
balcony overlooking the beautiful Avalon Harbor. The 2003 Ball was sponsored by Newport Harbor Yacht Club and
raised almost $300,000 in proceeds to the Conservancy for its work in restoring and protecting the island.
Brian and Tannis rankish (front) and John and
Nancy Celick (rear) arriving at the Ball in their
formal wear, in a dinghy.
Erica Cushing of the Development Department
checking in guests at the Ball.
Several of the silent auction selections were plein
aire paintings of Santa Catalina Island.
Randy and K.C. Boelsems
(left) Corsair Yacht Club, and
Bill and Nancy Charneski
(right) from Blue Water
Cruising Club, join Bill and
Sharon Allen (center) from
Newport Harbor Yacht Club.
Guests reviewing auction items.
Give a Little or Give a Yacht
The Conservancy recently announced the Boat and Yacht Donation Program. This program presents an
alternative to a boat or yacht owner who is going through the agony of selling his craft. And it is also an
opportunity for those boat or yacht owners who have decided to move on to other adventures to do something
to help ensure the continued success of our work protecting and preserving Santa Catalina Island. The Catalina
Island Conservancy offers a perfect remedy for these situations. In lieu of trying to find a quick buyer for the
vessel, the owner can offer it to our charitable organization on a tax-deductible basis.
The Conservancy has teamed up with the Southern California Marine Institute (SCMI), to accept donations of
these types. SCMI is a non-profit organization built on the combined ocean studies of several southern California
colleges. Their goal of marine research and education fits in nicely with the goals of the Conservancy. If you are
interested, contact the Conservancy’s Director of Development, Chuck Wright at (310) 306 3577 and he will put
you in touch with our boat donation expert, Holly Scott, who can help in determining whether the donation of
your boat or yacht would be mutually beneficial to you and to the Conservancy.
Donors come from all across the spectrum of society and they give for many reasons. We welcome your inquiry.
16
Catalina Island Conservancy

Conservation
New Vegetation Map Aids Conservation
Question: if you were responsible for wildlife habitat, plant life recovery, fire risk, and rare plants, what would you need? Answer: a
vegetation map! Just such a thing was finished for the entire island early this year. This new map identifies 17 different plant
communities, including island chaparral, coastal sage scrub, grassland, and southern riparian (streamside) woodland. The map was
done at an uncommonly fine scale, so plant communities are mapped to about 66 by 66 feet. This makes it more useful for analyzing
habitat, tracking plant community changes, and guiding restoration.
Because Catalina’s plant communities are often mixed, there were two versions of the vegetation map produced: one which shows
combinations, such as when oaks are scattered through a grassland, and one which represents only the dominant community. The
next step in the process will be to sample and describe each of these mixes throughout the island, identifying alliances. Plant
alliances are poorly described for the Channel Islands, and understanding their composition and distribution is the first step in
determining what is rare, what is changing, and how best to protect the diversity of our island home.
The volunteer opportunities in the Ecological Restoration Department are countless and the valuable time that volunteers dedicate
seems endless. Sincere thanks to the following; Leonard Abrescia, Leah Jane Adams, Jacqueline Aldern, Jared Aldern, Mary Aldern, Lenny Altherr, NCCC
Western Region Americorps, Art Barker, Carl Bell, Anne Johnson Casa Colina, Peter Chaibongsai, Diane Conover, Estelle Conover, Donald Cook, William Corey, Clark
Cowan, Nicolette David, Phillip Davis, Caitlin Dawes, Diamond Girl Scouts, Sabrina Drill, Jani Eisenhut, Dave Farley, Howard Fineman, Ben Fortson, Jonathan Fox, Fred
Freeman, Lee Freeman, Pat Freeman, Edward Greenberg, Jane Greenberg, Jani Hall, John Hayden, Michael Herrera, Glenn Hibbs, Judy Hibbs, Dean Hill, Robert
Husted, Jennifer Irvine, Jeff Jensen, B.Z. Jones, Barbara Jones, Jupiter Jones, Thaddeus Jones, Erik Katzmaier, Jim Kehr, R. Blair Kerr, Kathleen King, Pat Klingensmith,
Dorothy Knox, John Knox, SEA Lab LA Conservation Corp, David Larsen, Tracy Larsen, Chuck Lavington, Doyle Lindsey, Leonard Lopez, Annie MacAulay, Dennis
McDonald, Mary McKernan, Milo Mendenhall, Whitey Mendenhall, Frank Minuto, Ryan Montgomery, Patricia Moore, Charles Morse, National Sierra Club, Veronica
Nunez, Chris Peterson, Katherine Porterfield, John Reese, Linda Salo, Ron Salo, Agueda Sancho, Dylan Schuyler, Jaime Schuyler, Peter Schuyler, David Scott, Judie
Scott, Jeanie Shelton, Paul Carlton Sierra Sage Club, Hugh T. Smith, Kimberly Starbuck, Eric Story, Steve Story, Lisa Stratton, Matthew Sutton, Kate Symonds, Francisco
Tablas, Cambel Berk University of Arizona, Margarette Wagner, Matt Ward, Scott Wauben, Dayna Whitlock, Kelsey Whitlock, Matt Williams, and Leilani Williamsen.
Conservancy Times
17

Nature’s Notebook
Posion Oak
It’s Poison Oak Season!
The bare sticks and twigs that remain dormant all winter are now producing
a canopy of shiny leaves. Poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) can display
itself as a bush, a vine twining up the trunk of an oak, a twisted root and
sometimes even take on a tree form. The lobed leaves come in many shades,
ranging from light green to pumpkin orange to brick red. The leaves are
arranged in three leaflets, thereby leading to the saying of “Leaves of three,
let it be!”
Poison oak is widespread throughout mountains and valleys of California,
generally growing below 5,000 feet in elevation. It commonly grows as a
climbing vine with roots that adhere to trunks of trees in shady canyons, but
can also be found in streamside habitats. On Catalina it can be found in such
places, as well as in chaparral and coastal sage scrub communities.
A rash from run-ins with poison oak is caused by a chemical called Urushiol, which is present in the
leaves, branches and roots. When any of these plant parts are touched the oil is absorbed into the skin
and the rash that forms is our body’s defense against this foreign substance. While most people tend to
have a negative view of this plant because of this allergic reaction, poison oak plays an important role
on the island by the habitat it provides and the diversity it contributes to our island ecosystem. If you
can get past the negative association with poison oak, you will begin to see how striking this plant
really is. This summer, watch for poison oak to avoid getting a rash, but also to appreciate its beauty and
chemical uniqueness.
Young Naturalists on Catalina
Island Scholars, a group of 4th, 5th and 6th graders from
Avalon School, studied recycling as their project for this
school year. These are a sampling of their thoughts.
Recycling Poems:
We could reduce paper to make trees safer.
All the trash is really dirty we could quickly reduce to
make it tiny.Taking recycling seriously could
definitely clean the dump. But if you slowly recycle
the dump will grow big.
Use blue bags to recycle paper, cans and glass.
Neatly sort and recycle to keep clean.
We cleanup simplify pickup clean.
Making the Difference
With the assistance of Volunteers, the Catalina Island Conservancy is able to provide a wide curriculum of courses and
classes specifically designed for students. The Education Department appreciates the following volunteers for
dedicating their valuable time: NCCC Western Region Americorps, Lynn Burt, Jeff Chapman, Judith Clark, Rita Dlugokecki, Dean Hill, Laurie
Hill, Dick Kellogg, Nancy Kellogg, Denise Knapp, Whitey Mendenhall, Richard Pelouze, Lisa Stratton, and Cambel Berk University of Arizona.
18
Catalina Island Conservancy

The View rom Here
This collection of writings was gathered from a notebook at Lone Tree trail, a popular hiking destination for Avalon
residents and visitors. After a somewhat strenuous trek, hikers share their experiences, views, and ideas in this
notebook, lending to a creative collection of writings. The hike to the overlook is approximately 7 miles round trip,
and affords spectacular views of the island’s backside, the Palisades, and San Clemente Island. Hiking permits to Lone
Tree are issued at the Conservancy House. Be sure to leave a sample of your own writing in the notebook once you’ve
made it to the top!
“Well, we made it! It was a tough
decision to make once you see the ups
and downs out here to the tree. The
cliffs, the rocks, the water are
magnificent. The serenity and quiet
here are rejuvenating.
What a beautiful
ocean! This island has
offered us a great
renewal and energy. I
am glad we came out
here- if you are going
to do something do it
all the way!”
Rebecca and Mitch
Langeuer
Chicago, IL
“It couldn’t be more
beautiful. Cirrus clouds
sweeping across the azure
blue sky as the sun darts in
and out of them. Light breeze that tickles your
bare skin. Infinite colors of blue and green from
the shoreline to the sea. Vast expanse of the
world as it is supposed to be. One of many
paradises I am fortunate to have enjoyed.”
Melinda
Davis, CA
“Laying on my back I watch the ravens
above. It is a cool and windy day…last
night it rained and all seems fresh. Here, I
can quiet my mind and perceive reality,
unbiased, unfiltered.
Thank you …Pimu,
raven and sea.”
“Twenty four years of
living and hiking on this
island and there’s always
something new to see!
The beauty of knowing
the island has made most work
days a pleasure. How can you not
be…as some say…a happy camper
when this is your back yard? I daily
thank the powers that be for
guiding me to this island. I must be
blessed.”
Anonymous
Jeff Chapman
Los Angeles, CA
On this page, we welcome your thoughts, musings, sketches,
and photos of Catalina. Please submit to:
Editor, Conservancy Times
P.O. Box 2739
Avalon, CA 90704
All items become the property of the Catalina Island Conservancy.
Conservancy Times 19

The Catalina Island Conservancy – preserving one of the world’s most magnificent islands – presents . . .
Summer Naturalist Programs
DISCOVER THE NATURAL SIDE O SANTA CATALINA ISLAND THIS SUMMER!
Sundays, 9 a.m.
Avalon Nature Hike
Enjoy a moderate uphill climb that affords
breathtaking views of the ocean, the other
Channel Islands, and Catalina's terrain. Meet at
Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden.
Tuesdays & Saturdays, 10 a.m.
Avalon Nature Walk
Learn about Catalina's unique social history and
ecology on this easy stroll through the beautiful
Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden.
June 28 - August 31
Saturdays, 10 a.m.
Two Harbors Nature Walk
Explore the natural and human history of the
Two Harbors area. Meet at the Catalina Island
Conservancy Kiosk in downtown Two Harbors.
Saturdays, 3 p.m.
Little Harbor Nature Walk
Take a closer look at one of Catalina's sensitive
ecological areas while learning about the
Conservancy's restoration efforts in this unique
area. Meet at Little Harbor Campground Kiosk.
ridays, 8 p.m.
Avalon Campfire Program
Journey through time with stories, legends, and facts about
Catalina's history. Meet at Hermit Gulch campground fire ring.
Programs are REE and open to the public
(admission to the Botanical Garden is $3 for adults).
Reservations are not required.
Call 310-510-2595 x134 for more information.
Catalina Island Conservancy
P.O. Box 2739
Avalon, California 90704
www.catalinaconservancy.org
The mission of the Catalina Island
Conservancy is to be responsible
stewards of its lands through a
balance of conservation, education
and recreation.
Printed on 100% recycled post-consumer waste paper with vegetable-based ink.