Conservancy Times - Fall 2018

SPRING FALL 2018 2018

ConservancyTimes CATALINA ISLAND

A VISION COMES TO LIFE NEW AND ENHANCED Trailhead Grand Opening MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS Page 4 Page 4

MESSAGE from our president

members are a special community, creating lifelong memories on their many trips to the Island and fulfilling a personal commitment to support the Conservancy’s work to be a good steward of the Island’s interior.

Conservancy Times is a bi-annual publication of the Catalina Isalnd Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1972 to protect and restore Catalina Island for present and future generations to experience and ejnoy.

One of California's oldest land trusts, the Conservancy protects the magnificent natural and cultural heritage of Santa Catalina Island, stewarding over 42,000 acres of land and 62 miles of rugged shoreline.

Just over 20 miles from the mainland, Catalina Island is home to more than 60 endemic plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world.

The Conservancy operates the Airport in the Sky, the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden and two nature centers. It provides 50 miles of biking trails and 165 miles of recreational roads and trails.

For more information, please visit CatalinaConservancy.org

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The Conservancy continues to practice responsible stewardship of our lands through a balance of conservation, education and recreation so Catalina remains protected and accessible for generations to come.

This issue of the Conservancy Times highlights some of the many opportunities on the Island to connect with nature, seek science-based learning or actively explore the wildlands and scenic vistas that make Catalina such a special destination.

Conservancy members can experience the Island’s natural beauty and history more than ever with newly enhanced member benefits, like our Member Guide to Savings and new auto-renew function. Our BENEFACTOR MEMBERS Alison Wrigley Rusack, Chair Maria Pellegrini, Ph.D. Anthony Michaels, Ph.D. Trevor Fetter BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kellie Johnson, Chair Patrick McAlister, Vice Chair Stephen Chazen, Ph.D., Past Chair Robert Breech Victoria Seaver Dean Blanny Avalon Hagenah William J. Hagenah Roger Lang Calen Offield

Geoffrey Claflin Rusack D. Scott Stuart Mike Sullivan Shaun Tucker EXECUTIVE TEAM Tony Budrovich President & CEO Cynthia Fogg Assistant to the President/ Board & Government Liaison Tim Kielpinski Chief Operating Officer Larry Lloyd Chief Finance & Business Development Officer

For all visitors, the Conservancy’s Trailhead visitor center will be the gateway for exploring and learning about the rich ecology that is Catalina’s 42,000+ acres of wildlands. As completion of the building approaches, we look forward to celebrating this milestone project of the IMAGINE CATALINA strategic vision and master plan.

We hope this issue of the Conservancy Times inspires you to visit the Island’s interior soon so you too can enjoy nature and recharge your spirit. We also hope you’ll be inspired to join or renew your membership and take advantage of enhanced member benefits to access those special Catalina places that can only be found in the wildlands. We cannot fulfill our mission without your support. So thank you for your enthusiasm for the essential work the Conservancy does to care for the Island we all love.

Tony Budrovich President & CEO Suzy Gardner Chief Development Officer

EDITOR Morgan Robson

Leah Melber, Ph. D. Director of Education

GRAPHIC DESIGN Amy Fernandez

Michelle Badders Manager of Human Resources

Conservancy Times is printed on Pacesetter coated paper, which is Forest Stewardship Council Certified, made from 10% post-consumer waste and elemental chlorine free.

CONTACT US P.O. Box 2739 Avalon, CA 90704 310.510.2595 320 Golden Shore, Suite 220 Long Beach, CA 90802 562.437.8555 CatalinaConservancy.org

Printed using soy-based inks.

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Contents Fall 2018

04 04 10 12 14 16 18

Spotlight on Membership Course Catalina Fox Puppy Boom Las Caballeras Ride International Visitors

Thad & BZ Jones Hikes

Experience Catalina with a Conservancy Membership

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14 16

Not a member of the Catalina Island Conservancy?

Don't miss out on special opportunities and adventures.

JOIN TODAY! CatalinaConservancy.org | 562.437.8555 x1224

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best backyard. With the Conservancy’s new auto-renew function, members can enjoy the Island year after year without having to worry about an expired membership.

When you

become a member of the Catalina Island Conservancy, not only do you have access to valuable benefits, you also become part of a special community of people dedicated to protecting Catalina Island.

The Conservancy is grateful for the involvement of every one of our 3,500+ members. Membership fees support the Conservancy’s vital conservation, education and recreation programs ensuring that Catalina remains beautiful, natural and accessible.

Beyond that, membership with the Conservancy certainly has its benefits, especially with recent enhancements to the program. Whether you are an adventure seeker or just looking for a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, the Conservancy has a membership level that helps you to enjoy the Island your way.

Membership starts at only $35 and comes with many perks: 50% off fees at Conservancy campgrounds, free entry to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, discounts at the Trailhead visitor center (see pg.8), invitations to special member-only events and more!

Adventure is found in Catalina’s 42,000+ acres of wildlands but starts right in Avalon. With the Conservancy’s new Member Guide to Savings program, members receive discounts at more than 20 participating Avalon businesses. Present your membership card for discounts and enjoy special deals at great local shops, restaurants, hotels and attractions, including Catallac Tours, Hermosa Hotel, Brown's Bikes, Catalina Food Tours and more!

Members can access the savings guide from our website and look for participating business decals in Avalon storefronts.

New members get some great Conservancy gifts when they join: a hiking map, signature patches, pins, sunglasses, bandanas and more.

Membership also gives you access to join special Catalina support groups and opportunities to spend time with them enjoying all that the Island has to offer. Protect the Island’s natural beauty while also connecting with those who have similar interests like flying into the Airport in the Sky, boating or horseback riding.

The Conservancy is dedicated to keeping Catalina Island natural and accessible, allowing members to continue to enjoy California’s

“Our members directly impact the protection and restoration of Catalina Island by supporting the work of the Conservancy in stewarding more than 42,000 acres of the interior. Each and every member helps keep the Island natural and accessible,” says Gina Dartt, Membership Manager with the Conservancy. “Membership also benefits members by helping them to explore countless recreational activities on the Island, be part of a community and connect with other members at events and feel the immense satisfaction of caring for the Island.”

The Conservancy ensures the protection of Catalina’s natural habitats, making it possible for residents and more than one million annual visitors to continue to experience a beautiful landscape that reflects California as it once was. Membership with the Conservancy helps achieve this goal and allows visitors to make the most of their time on the Island.

To become a member with the Catalina Island Conservancy visit CatalinaConservancy.org/Membership or call 562.437.8555 x1224.

Check out the following pages for more membership details!

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MEET OUR MEMBERS "One of the benefits of membership that I have enjoyed is obtaining a permit to go mountain biking on some trails in the interior. A group of us started in Whites Cove and made the ascent to the airport. There was a great single track that circumnavigates the landing strip up there. It was very scenic and the perfect amount of challenging terrain. The inland Eco Tour is also a must do. My wife and I went on one and learned so many interesting facts about the Island. Our tour guide was funny, knowledgeable, interesting and a pretty good off-road driver!"

-Brian Bissell, Conservancy Member since 2016

" The biggest benefit of my membership is knowing I am supporting the Conservancy and a place I dearly love. The research and knowledge available from Conservancy personnel is great. I love participating in the interior hikes with Conservancy staff as well as the lectures and, of course, the annual Conservancy Ball!"

-Diane Wilkinson, Conservancy Member since 1995

"I fell in love with Catalina from the moment that I first visited as a college student.

The rugged terrain rising from the clean ocean waters just beckons adventurers.

My Conservancy support protects and enhances this Southern California jewel and provides me with a sense of stewardship from afar. I also use my membership for Island updates through the Conservancy Times and discounts for camping and various services on the Island."

-Mike Rall, Conservancy Member since 2015

Join a Support Group!

AERO CLUB members are pilots at any member level who purchase the additional $115 annual landing fee. Aero Club combines general Conservancy membership benefits with unlimited annual landings at the Airport in the Sky and a free Killer Cookie.

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THE CATALINA CABALLEROS is an equestrian membership support group of the Conservancy.

Members participate in volunteer events on the Island, socials on the mainland and Conservancy fundraising activities.

MARINEROS are members at

the Adventurer level and above who are particularly interested in boating and get involved in cruises, social events and special projects that support the restoration and protection of the Island.

member benefit Highlights Membership starts at $35 with different benefits for each level!

off of Conservancy Campsites

off of purchases at the new Trailhead store and restaurant

Discounts on Eco Tours and the Wildlands Express Weatherproof trail map

To special events & naturalist-led hikes

Free entry to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden

Garden to Sky Hike / Memorial Rd (1.2 Miles)

Garden to Sky Summit

off coupon from REI

Hermit Gulch Shade Structure

0.8 m

Divide Rd

Free annual Freewheeler Bike pass

Conservancy’s Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden

Garden to Sky Trailhead

Garden Trails

rail hT ulc s) it G Mile rm He (1.7

Garden Entrance

Conservancy’s Nature Center

Shop, Eat, Stay and Play!

Show your card to receive Conservancy Membership Discounts at participating Avalon businesses.

Hermit Gulch Trailhead

(Permit Required)

Hermit GulchCampground

Bird Park

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Peoples Park

H O G S B ACK

Golf Course

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Joe Machado Field

Pebbly Beach Rd

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Conservancy

Catalina Island Museum WHIT

Conservancy’s Trailhead Visitor Center

Tour Plaza

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Chimes Tower

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City Park

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To Heliport

SUMNER

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Green Pier Avalon Bay Boat Tickets

Casino Building

To Join: CatalinaConservancy.org/Membership • 562.437.8555 x1224

Look for this in the window of participating businesses in Avalon or go online for a full list of discounts: CatalinaConservancy.org 7

IMAGINE CATALINA: UPDATE T

he Catalina Island Conservancy will celebrate the most significant milestone in its IMAGINE CATALINA $17 million capital campaign when it opens the Trailhead visitor center later this year.

The Conservancy anticipates welcoming approximately 500,000 annual visitors to the Trailhead, greatly expanding the reach of its mission and goals.

Located near the Cabrillo Mole boat landing, the facility will serve as a gateway for learning about Catalina’s ecology and natural history through Eco Tours into the wildlands, the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, the Nature Center and the Airport in the Sky. In addition to learning about Catalina's recreational opportunities, ecology and

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natural history, visitors will be able to view some of the Conservancy’s plein air art collection, attend educational events, take in outstanding views of Avalon Harbor from the 3rd story observation deck and dine at the Toyon Grill by Bluewater.

The Conservancy benefactors, board of directors and staff are enormously grateful for the generosity of the donors listed on the next page for their support of this project. We are in the final stages of fundraising for the project and it’s your last chance to get your name on the donor wall. By giving to the project, you will be helping to introduce a new generation to the ecological wonders of Catalina Island!

Patrick and Mari McAlister The Harold McAlister Charitable Foundation Mary Menninger Tony and Claire Michaels Misdee Wrigley and James Mather Miller Mervin Moore and Dana Stuart Moore in memory of Claire A. Stuart James H. Ackerman Family and Louis and Gladyce Foster Ann Muscat and Jack Baldelli Evalyn M. Bauer Foundation Family Foundation Kenneth T. and David and Linda Adams Cece & Mack Fowler Eileen L. Norris Foundation Ahmanson Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Gordon T. Frost, Jr. Calen and Amber Offield Andeavor Gardner Grout Foundation Lillian Olander Trust Trent and Linda Anderson Blanny Avalon Hagenah Barney and Lisa Page Annenberg Foundation Tricia and Will Hagenah The Ralph M. Parsons Anonymous Susan and Phil Hagenah, Foundation The Hancock and Julia In Memory of Helen and Maria Pellegrini Banning Family Phil Wrigley Stephen and Kathy Prough Stephen and Barbara Barnard John and Dana Hagenah David Pyle Don Beaumont, Theodore Steve and Stephanie Hathaway Philip and Maureen Ramer Griffith and Thomas Nielsen Shelli A. Herman in honor of Scott and Sue Redsun Philip and Shelley Belling Ann Muscat, Ph.D. Renton Family Board of Supervisors, County Jack and Shirley Herron The Ronnenberg Family, of Los Angeles Howard Higholt CR&R Environmental Services/ Bob and Mai Breech Mark and Susan Hillgren Avalon Environmental Services Steven Briggs Hank and Diane Hilty Mary Rooney James and Mary Buckingham Ann and Steve Hinchliffe The Rose Hills Foundation Tony and Noelle Budrovich William T. and Susana D. Alison Wrigley Rusack and Claire Burrill Huston Family Foundation Geoffrey Claflin Rusack Mr. and Mrs. Scott Calder (Bob & Beth Huston) Jim Schmidt Tobin and Greta Campbell, In Catalina Island Company Steve and Becky Smith Memory of Charmaine Smith James W. and Anne D. Johnson Elizabeth Steele The Catalina Cowboy Family Foundation Claire A. Stuart Heritage Foundation Gary and Kellie Johnson Charitable Trust Steve and Pat Chazen Dick and Alison Johnston Scott and Tamara Stuart Bruce and Kathe Choate Nelson and Mimi Jones Mike and Gloria Sullivan Robert and Sharon Coors Richard and Vicki Jones Rudy and Suzi Svrcek John P. and Cindy Cotton Mr. and Mrs. Roy H. Jones Shaun and Katy Tucker Crevier Family Foundation Thad Jones Family Ross and Kristi Turner, The Croul Family Foundation Geraldine Knatz and Catalina Island Marine Victoria and Dorn Dean John Mulvey Institute Roger and Sandy DeYoung Lamb Family Foundation Todd and Jean Walker Andrew and Corinne Dossett Roger Lang Jim and Vicki Warmington Edison International Drew and Jane Lanza Douglas M. West and Rick and Candace Emsiek Las Caballeras Irene E. Ziebarth Trevor and Melissa Fetter Los Angeles County Regional Bob and Marilyn White Park and Open Space District Tod and Linda White Bob and Lisa Margolis Justin and Julie Wilson Linda Massey Richard C. Woodward

IMAGINE CATALINA

Campaign Donors

(Listing includes campaign donors of $1,000+ as of 9/30/2018)

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Course 2 0 1 8 Catalina I

t was with excitement and curiosity that a group of seventh grade students disembarked the Catalina Express in late June ready for a weekend of hands-on learning and exploration led by the Catalina Island Conservancy’s Education Department. The four-day, threenight camping experience – named the Course Catalina Field School – is an extension of Course Catalina’s regular programming.

Course Catalina began as a casual conversation about the need to bring young people to the Island and it has grown into an annual trip that has given hundreds of Avalon School students (Long Beach Unified School District) and mainland ABC Unified School District students first-hand experiences with nature and science.

Dr. George Boone, an orthodontist

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who became a real estate developer and was a prominent Southern California philanthropist, launched the program over 20 years ago when he was on the Conservancy’s Board of Directors. His son, Nick Boone, administrator of the Boone Family Foundation, has continued to support Course Catalina and frequently joins the youngsters on their Island treks.

This year, thanks to the Boone Family Foundation and The Rudolph J. and Daphne A. Munzer Foundation, the Course Catalina Field School was born, offering students the first overnight field trip experience on the Island at no cost.

In order to participate in the inaugural event, students wrote essays explaining why they wanted to participate and what they might gain from the experience. Their science teachers

made the final selections regarding participation. Resultantly, 14 students were able to participate, including two Avalon students. The selected group camped at the Conservancy’s newly completed Black Jack Volunteer camp from June 21 to 24.

On their first day, students were oriented to camp and the weekend’s general safety rules. Students were assigned to crews and were responsible for daily tasks that had to be completed throughout the program, including clean-up, food prep, cooking and inspection. They also played games to get to know each other and created necklaces made out of tree cookies displaying the students’ chosen nature names.

On Friday, students were able to interview the Conservancy’s current wildlife biologists and learn how to

remove invasive plants. The day concluded with a hike up Mt. Orizaba to take in the views and beautiful sunset. That evening, the group enjoyed a clear dark sky with the stars shining bright. Many students stayed up transfixed by the blanket of stars above. “This is the first time I’ve seen the Big Dipper,” remarked one student and another asked how to find the North Star.

This was a novel experience for many of the mainland students who usually don’t get to experience such clear skies; they marveled at the expanse and discussed the topic of light pollution.

then took a tour of the sustainability park and touch tank. Several USC graduate students led a snorkeling activity with participating students.

Sunday was a bittersweet day as participating students enjoyed their last day on Catalina. Students

For many participating students, the Course Catalina Field School marked their first time camping, snorkeling or swimming in the ocean.

On Saturday, students spent the day in Two Harbors at University of Southern California’s Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies. Students attended a lecture focused on microbial mats and their interactions with small invertebrates. The group

cleaned-up camp and tested their bravery on the Island’s Aerial Adventure high ropes course. The day concluded with a farewell lunch

before students headed on their journeys home.

For many participating students, the Course Catalina Field School marked their first time camping, snorkeling or swimming in the ocean. For one, it even marked their first time roasting a marshmallow and making a s’more. All students learned about the topics of biodiversity, invasive species, island biogeography and ecosystem services. Students formed friendships, participated in conservation efforts and observed the Island’s native flora and fauna.

Overall, the inaugural Course Catalina Field School was a successful weekend full of fun, friendships, exploring Catalina’s natural beauty and inspiring the young teens' interest in environmental stewardship.

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puppy

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ising before the sun, Catalina Island Conservancy wildlife biologists started the most recent fox-trapping season with high hopes. And they weren’t disappointed.

the entire population in 1999,” said Lara Brenner, Conservancy wildlife biologist. “We are thrilled to see the Conservancy’s recovery efforts have made such a difference.”

They found most of the traps they had set the day before were full, and the occupants were often curious pups, attracted by the bait they put inside each trap as part of the annual monitoring of the once endangered fox population.

Conservation Efforts Brought Fox Back from Brink of Extinction

The biologists estimated that there are 2,047 foxes on the Island, the largest number recorded since the Conservancy started counting the foxes 18 years ago.

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BOOM

“This means the fox population on Catalina Island has grown ten-fold since the canine distemper virus (CDV) epidemic almost wiped out

The Conservancy’s wildlife biologists have been closely monitoring the foxes since their numbers plummeted from about 1,300 to just 100 in 1999 because of an outbreak of CDV likely brought to the Island by a stowaway raccoon.

An adaptive management program – which included captive breeding, vaccinations against CDV, translocations and monitoring – restored the fox population to its pre-crash numbers. In 2016, the federal status of the Catalina Island fox was downlisted to threatened from

endangered. Officials said it was the fastest recovery ever for a mammal under the Endangered Species Act.

The Catalina Island fox is the only Channel Island fox to continue to be listed on the list of federally threatened species. That’s because Catalina is the most visited of the Channel Islands, with more than one million visitors per year. All these arrivals pose a continuing threat from a stowaway raccoon or other animal traveling by boat from the mainland and bringing a disease for which the fox has no natural immunity.

End of Drought Drives up Pup Births

The sudden surge in pups, though, is largely due to the return of rains in 2016, after a prolonged drought.

The rains provided the resources that the foxes need to reproduce and successfully raise their young.

“We tagged so many new puppies that we ran out of microchips halfway through the season and had to order more,” said Brenner.

The Catalina Island foxes they saw were also healthier. Only 10% of captured foxes had the ear tumors that have plagued the population, compared to 33% in 2009. The biologists said the reduction was due to the use of a preventative treatment and the high numbers of young animals surveyed this year.

New Microbiome Study to Help Protect the Fox Conservancy biologists are expanding their work with the foxes by partnering with researchers from Princeton University to study fox microbiomes, which are communities of bacteria, fungi, protists and viruses that live in and on all multicellular organisms.

The Conservancy biologists took samples of the fox microbiome by using a Q-tip to swab various parts of the foxes’ bodies. Researchers have found that microbiome diversity is associated with better immune function, so this research could be vital to helping the Catalina Island fox fight off future disease threats.

Donors Fund Installation of Animal-proof Trash Cans In 2015, the Conservancy launched a new initiative to help protect the Catalina Island foxes by

replacing trash cans on the 42,000+ acres it stewards with animal-proof trash and recycling containers. The Conservancy had found foxes trapped in the older trash cans. Food waste also attracted foxes to roadsides and inhabited areas where they were more likely to be hit by vehicles.

“Through the generosity of the Conservancy’s donors, we now have 46 animal-proof trash and recycling containers and 39 additional food storage containers,” said Brenner.

“These help prevent wildlife from feeding on human food and help eliminate a nuisance that attracted the foxes to the roads.”

Catalina Island Fox Still Needs Protection While the Catalina Island fox is thriving, Brenner said it’s still at risk

The Conservancy’s wildlife biologists successfully reunited a Catalina Island fox pup with her mother after nearly two weeks of separation in late May. The pup was just a few weeks old and found on an interior dirt road in poor condition. After two weeks of hard work from the Conservancy and the local veterinarian, Dr. Denney, the pup was deemed healthy and strong enough to return to her family. After capturing a

because it has no natural immunity to many diseases on the mainland. The Conservancy’s biologists will continue to monitor the fox population with weekly telemetry studies to determine if any of the foxes wearing radio collars has died so biologists can try to determine causes of death. They’ll also continue the annual trapping, health checks and CDV vaccinations to protect against another outbreak of that disease and detect other risks.

“The potential for another epidemic still exists,” said Brenner. “But the phenomenal recovery of these tiny endemic creatures is a testament to the resilience of the Catalina Island fox and to the Conservancy programs that are supported so generously by our donors.”

lactating adult female fox, the two were reacquainted. When released, the pup unfortunately couldn’t keep up with her mom’s speed and was alone once again.

A second attempt at release proved successful. The Conservancy celebrates the reintroduction and continues to monitor the foxes.

Watch a video of the reintroduction at CatalinaConservancy.org/fox

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LAS CABALLERAS 2018 Ride

Caballeras, an all-female LLasequestrian group established for

the purpose of riding on Catalina Island, set out on their annual Island ride with the same camaraderie and excitement as always but with one major change this year: their usual October ride was moved to May. The women’s ride had previously followed the men’s Los Caballeros ride in September. This is the first change in season after 24 years for the women’s group but it’s one that was well received. “The change to a spring ride had many benefits,” said Blanny Hagenah, a Conservancy board member and Las Caballeras president.

“The land is generally greener; the weather cooler, which is much better for the horses; and we could enjoy the longer days in the spring than the fall.”

In addition to the favorable spring conditions, the group also enjoyed the benefits of Trekking Catalina. “The riding was even better thanks to the

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trail improvements and signs on which the Conservancy has worked so hard,” said Kathy Weishampel, a member of Las Caballeras. Trekking Catalina, an initiative of IMAGINE CATALINA, implemented 27 miles of new and enhanced trails, seven waterless restrooms, upgraded trailheads and added new signage to the Island’s trail system in 2017.

Horseback riding has been a long tradition on Catalina Island. In fact, the first equestrian group on Catalina was a co-ed group called the Vaqueros. The group was formed in 1939 by the Catalina Island Company to offer their employees and Avalon residents something to do on their days off. Although the group disbanded in 1942 due to World War II, the tradition of horseback riding on Catalina Island lived on with the formation of the men’s group, Los Caballeros, in 1943 and the women’s group, Las Caballeras, in 1995.

An original Vaqueros member

Weishampel’s mother, Kay Lanxon, was an original Vaqueros member so she is happy to continue the tradition: “It is a special experience for me to ride where my mother did so long ago,” she says.

The first Las Caballeras ride consisted of 26 riders and since then the group has grown to around 50 today. Every year, members travel far and near for the annual ride. Some members are conveniently located in Avalon, but others travel from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, the San Francisco Bay Area and from the Northwest, Southwest and Midwest states. The group welcomed six new riders to the clan this year and celebrated the three riders that have participated in every single ride since the inaugural event. Regardless of the season, the women always camp at Little Harbor for five nights and schedule group rides during the daytime across the Island’s vast landscape.

Due to the change from fall to spring, the group had no ride in 2017. Instead, Las Caballeras members and friends visited Little Harbor last year with a different intent — to volunteer for the Conservancy. Their goal for the weekend: removing barbed wire (left from the ranching days) along the Trans-Catalina Trail. Armed

with wire cutters and plenty of hay string, they cut, folded, rolled and dragged the rusty wire off the scenic trail between Little Harbor and Two Harbors.

The group stayed at the Laura Stein Volunteer Camp, enjoyed a catered dinner and marveled at a magical sunset that appeared once the day’s fog settled.

Las Caballeras members have been strong supporters of the Conservancy – raising funds for the organization and participating in the annual Conservancy Ball and many other events that benefit the conservation, education and recreation programs.

This year, the group raised over $10,000 for the Conservancy’s IMAGINE CATALINA campaign and designated it to the construction of the Trailhead visitor center. “We are very excited to see our names on the Trailhead donor wall and are proud to continually support the work of the Conservancy,” said Hagenah.

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WE L COM E

CATALINA ISLAND

over the country, including Catalina Island on April 6.

wildlife management and sustainable tourism.

The afternoon was spent touring the interior of the Island, visiting the Conservancy’s James H. Ackerman Native Plant Nursery and meeting with Conservancy plant, wildlife and trails managers to continue learning about the Conservancy’s work in conservation, education and recreation.

EXPANDED ITS WORLDVIEW in All participants hold April when a group of positions related to 20 professionals from environmental protection countries all over the and biodiversity globe visited to learn conservation, such as about environmental Natural Resources Officer, protection and biodiversity Biological Researcher conservation. The visitors, and Head of Sustainable participants of the U.S. Development and Climate Department of State’s Change, to name a few.

International Visitor The 20 professionals, each Leadership Program (IVLP), enjoyed a full day of hands"Having international leaders on learning about visit Catalina Island to learn the conservation and environmental about the Conservancy provides work of the Catalina us with an opportunity to Island Conservancy.

This is not the first time that an IVLP group has visited the Island; the Conservancy has hosted international showcase our work to a visitors for several The International years. "Having global audience and foster Visitor Leadership international Program is the U.S. international relations.” leaders visit Department of State’s Catalina Island premier professional representing a separate to learn about the exchange program. nation, traveled to Catalina Conservancy provides us Through short-term Island from countries all with an opportunity to visits to the United States, over the world. They came showcase our work to a current and emerging from Botswana, Thailand, global audience and foster foreign leaders in a variety Mexico, Nepal, Peru, Iraq international relations,” of fields experience the and many more countries says Cynthia Fogg, U.S. firsthand and cultivate in between.

Conservancy Board and lasting relationships Government Liaison. with their American Conservancy president counterparts. The U.S. and CEO, Tony Budrovich, Natalia Lvovich, Director State Department selects and Avalon Mayor, Ann of International Programs each participant through a Marshall, welcomed at the International Visitors nomination process with the group to the Avalon Council of Los Angeles the staff at U.S. Embassies City Council Chambers (IVCLA), organizes around the world. where they enjoyed the the IVLP visits to the Conservancy’s Naturalist Los Angeles area. “The The majority of IVLP Training by education staff. International Visitors exchanges are generally The visit continued with a Council of Los Angeles three weeks in length stop at the Nature Center creates international and focus on a specific at Avalon Canyon and then understanding and theme. This particular the group made their way cooperation between trip ran from April 2 to up to the Airport in the Sky the Los Angeles region April 20, and focused on for lunch and discussions and the rest of the environment protection on best practices in world through Citizen and biodiversity biodiversity conservation, Diplomacy,” Lvovich conservation at locations all

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says. “Each year, IVCLA creates programs for the hundreds of international visitors who are chosen

by U.S. Embassies around the world.

The participants come to the Los Angeles area to share best practices on many important global issues. This would not be possible without our local partner organizations such as the Catalina Island Conservancy. Over the years, the Conservancy has hosted several IVLP delegations. They have been a great partner and we are truly grateful for this collaboration.”

The group started in Washington, D.C., where they learned about U.S. conservation efforts and the role of federal agencies in environmental protection. In California, the group not only visited Catalina Island but also met with various other organizations. They visited the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability where they discussed the institute’s research on contemporary environmental issues, met with staff of Heal the Bay

to discuss grassroots organization and local advocacy efforts and then travelled to Joshua Tree National Park to meet with a Park Ranger and learn about the park’s two distinct desert ecosystems. The following weeks

"People-to-people exchanges, such as the International Visitor Leadership Program, improve foreign relations and strengthen the national security of the United States." were spent in Montana, Nevada and Florida to continue the program’s agenda.

The Conservancy is honored to have been a recurring host for the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program and to share the Conservancy’s work in conservation, education and recreation with international leaders from all across the world. The

Conservancy’s participation in the program helps advance environmental learning and collaboration on a global scale.

Stacy White, Director of the Office of International Visitors at the U.S. Department of State confirms this.

“People-to-people exchanges, such as the International Visitor Leadership Program, improve foreign relations and strengthen the national security of the United States. American communities and those overseas require coordination between leaders to help solve the world’s most complicated challenges,” says White. “We could not have advanced our conservation efforts without collaborating with our partners on Catalina Island and in Los Angeles for this project.”

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THAD & BZ JONES The late Graham “BZ” Jones and his brother, Thad Jones, were world-class sailors renowned for their zest for life and their dedication to the Catalina Island Conservancy. Their long history of visiting Catalina, volunteering with the Conservancy and their love for the Island led Brad Avery,

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president of the Conservancy’s boating support group, the Marineros, to organize Conservancy-led hikes in honor of the brothers.

The hikes have now become a part of Conservancy history and tradition. This past March, the Conservancy hosted the eighth Annual BZ Jones Hike. A new route was implemented this year, starting at Quail Valley and heading to Haypress Reservoir where the BZ Jones one-day hikers crossed paths with the Thad Jones two-day hikers for a picnic lunch. The BZ Jones Hike followed trails through Bullrush Canyon up to Renton Pass Road and a section of the Trans-Catalina Trail. The 9.5-mile hike finished at Gallagher's Beach where hikers boarded boats for a scenic ride back to Avalon.

The Thad and BZ Jones Hikes pay tribute to the Jones family and friends who embarked on the first known one-day "end-to-end" hike of Catalina Island in 1956. Thad Jones and his two

friends, Richard Lyon and Steve Royce, completed the hike from the Island's east end to its west end in a remarkable 11 hours and 20 minutes! Thad had mapped out the course based on his many years visiting the Island and his time spent trekking across it as a student at the Catalina Island School for Boys located at Toyon Bay.

"The intention of the Thad and BZ Jones Hikes is to get people closer to the Island and have an appreciation for it just like the Jones family has for years. " This year, participants not only remembered the Jones brothers while hiking the Island’s valleys and hills, but also paid tribute to the late Allie Jones Dewey. Allie was the daughter of BZ Jones and niece of Thad Jones.

She passed away in December 2017 after a brave battle with cancer. Allie loved Catalina Island and participated in the hikes every year. She treasured spending time on the trail with family and friends. She fully supported the Conservancy’s mission, particularly ecosystem

restoration and preservation.

She was with the group in spirit and the words “On the trail with Allie” were printed on the sleeves of the keepsake shirts provided to all participants.

In her honor, and to support one of the Conservancy’s trail improvement goals, this year’s hikers all pitched in to fund construction of a new shade structure on the Silver Peak Trail. This trail runs along the ridge of the Island’s west end, where on clear days there are spectacular views of San Clemente, San Nicolas and Santa Barbara Islands.

“There were a couple of shade structures planned and presented to the Jones family, and of course, they chose the most difficult one to get to,” said Brad Avery during the post-hike dinner celebration at Overlook Hall in Avalon.

The statement was met with cheers from the group as they enjoyed their well-deserved feast. It’s a statement that mirrors the Jones family’s character: an adventurous spirit and determined nature.

“And it’s also the most spectacular,”

Avery continued, “totally worth it to take the time to get there and spend a little time looking out on the Pacific Ocean over San Clemente and San Nicolas Island and beyond. It’s a

the Thad Jones clan that evening to complete the second leg of their hike with them on the following day.

fantastic structure and thank you everyone for being so generous and responding so quickly to contribute.”

Hikes is to get people closer to the Island and have an appreciation for it just like the Jones family has for years.

The hikes are also fundraisers for the Conservancy, helping to support the mission of protecting and restoring the Island for generations to continue to enjoy for years to come.

The entire weekend event emanated a strong sense of adventure. Just the day before the BZ hike, Troy Bowman ran the original hike Thad Jones mapped out in just under five hours’ time. He attributed all his drive and motivation to the Jones brother’s legacy.

Impressively, he met up with

The intention of the Thad and BZ Jones

The Conservancy looks forward to next year's BZ Jones Hike on March 23, 2019. For more information, visit CatalinaConservancy.org.

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Leadership Circle members gained a new perspective at The Irvine Museum Collection at the University of California, Irvine in early August when they gathered together for a private lecture. The Museum’s Executive Director, Jean Stern, led a discussion on “The Art of Looking at Art.” Mr. Stern discussed what to look for when collecting and highlighted some of the beautiful works in The Irvine Museum Collection and historic paintings of Catalina Island from private collections. The event was a great prelude to the Conservancy’s annual Catalina: The Wild Side Art

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Show and Sale.

After a private tour, a reception with appetizers and drinks immediately followed. Leadership Circle members from Manhattan Beach to Newport Beach socialized and shared stories of their adventures on Catalina.

The Leadership Circle is composed of a group of extraordinary supporters of the Conservancy who are major advocates for protecting and restoring Catalina Island. Every member contributes directly to ensuring that the Conservancy’s future is sustainable and the Island stays accessible for

generations to come.

Leadership Circle members have access to special, custom ecological tours of Catalina Island, learn about conservation projects specific to the Island and receive invitations to exclusive events like this one. To become a member, please contact Geoff Coster at 562.437.8555 x1225 or gcoster@catalinaconservancy.org.

Conservancy News Trevor Fetter

NEW CONSERVANCY BENEFACTOR Trevor Fetter, the former chairman and CEO of Tenet Healthcare Corporation, a Fortune 150 company, is the newest Benefactor Member of Catalina Island Conservancy.

Fetter brings extensive leadership experience to the position, having served in various leadership roles at Tenet and in the healthcare industry from 1995 to 2017. During his tenure with Tenet, it grew from a regional hospital company to a diversified national healthcare provider and healthcare services company with operations in 43 states and the United Kingdom.

help hospitals and physicians reduce their costs in the supply chain. Prior to entering the healthcare industry, he served for seven years in a variety of positions including chief financial officer with Metro Goldwyn Mayer, Inc.

Fetter grew up near San Diego and first visited Catalina Island with his family when he was six months old.

The family loved boating and visited the Island at least once a year. Fetter became a competitive sailor who has extensive experience racing both inshore and offshore.

In addition to previously serving on the Conservancy’s Board of Directors, Fetter currently serves as lead independent director of The Hartford Financial Services Group and is on the national board of the Smithsonian Institute. He is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Business School. He and his wife Melissa and their two children live in Dallas, Texas.

Prior to joining Tenet, Fetter was the founder, chairman and CEO of Broadlane Incorporated, a company that used innovative technology to

Mike Sullivan

NEW CONSERVANCY BOARD MEMBER Earlier this year, the Conservancy welcomed Mike Sullivan, a longtime supporter of the Conservancy and leader in the mobile home industry, as a member of the Conservancy’s Board of Directors.

Sullivan is a member of the Conservancy’s Leadership Circle and was the inaugural president of the Aero Club, the revitalized Conservancy’s pilot support group formed in 2010. He’s also an active member of two other Conservancy support groups: the Catalina Marineros, who are avid boaters, and Los Caballeros, the men’s equestrian support group.

Sullivan is a pilot and often flies to

Catalina’s Airport in the Sky and an avid boater who often travels to the Island by boat.

Sullivan serves as CEO and principal of Newport Pacific Capital, which is a recognized leader in mobile home park and RV resort management, and president of Cirus Development, which provides essential consulting and development services from ground-breaking to final build.

“Mike and his wife Gloria have been strong supporters of the Conservancy for many years, so we are very pleased that Mike has now agreed to join the Board of Directors,” said Tony Budrovich,

Conservancy president and CEO. “Mike has a deep understanding and appreciation for the Conservancy and its mission and we look forward to the valuable input he will be able to provide as a member of Board.”

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Honor Roll of Donors Listing includes annual support from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017, exclusive of auction items donated to or purchased at the Conservancy Ball and Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show. Excludes gifts made to the IMAGINE CATALINA campaign. Gifts listed in descending order of amount.

$100,000 and Above Steve and Pat Chazen Victoria and Dorn Dean Blanny Avalon Hagenah The Seaver Institute Anonymous Offield Family Foundation $50,000 - $99,999 Geoffrey Claflin and Alison Wrigley Rusack Estate of Carrol L. Grace Anonymous Charles Lake James H. Ackerman Family and Evalyn M. Bauer   Andeavor $25,000 - $49,999 Natural Resources Conservation Service Maria Pellegrini Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. Bob and Mai Breech Harold McAlister

Charitable Foundation Dorrance Family

Foundation Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation John and Cindy Cotton Gary and Kellie Johnson A.G. Cox Charity Trust Tricia and Will Hagenah Donald Slavik Family Foundation U.S. Bank

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$10,000 - $24,999 The Boone Family Foundation Edison International Helen Rich Annenberg Foundation Shaun and Katy Tucker Randy and K.C. Boelsems Earl B. Gilmore Foundation C.M. and Edna Peyton Cotton Foundation Elliott Family Foundation Fund John Hagenah Family Fund Frank and Joann Randall City National Bank Los Angeles County

Arts Commission Tom and Cece Ricketts California State Coastal Conservancy D. Scott and Tammie Stuart Calen and Amber Offield Roger and Sarah Chrisman Erickson Family Charitable Foundation Gardner Grout Foundation Greg and Lori Bombard Guided Discoveries Doug and Judy Levi R.J. and D.A. Munzer Foundation Charlie and Ellen Steinmetz $5,000 - $9,999 Catalina Island Company Andy and Gaye Saxon The Hexberg Family Foundation

Lynne Brickner and

Gerald Gallard Capital Group Private Client Services Larry and Terry Grill Bill and Carolyn Doherty Nelson and Mimi Jones Roger Lang and Lisa Lenard Patrick and Mari McAlister County of Los Angeles, Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn Los Caballeros Steve High Philip and Maureen Ramer Stephen and Ann

Hinchliffe Friends of the Island Fox, Inc. Ken and Melissa Redding Catalina Island Yacht Club Foundation Dick and Alison Johnston Avalon Environmental Services Bluewater Grill Johnny Carson Foundation Catalina Classic Cruises Connolly-Pacific Co. Howard Higholt James W. and Anne

D. Johnson Family Foundation Richard and Marie Knowles The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation Mitchell, Silberberg and Knupp, LLP

Anonymous Donald Schoellerman Laura and Carlton Seaver $2,500 - $4,999 Geraldine Knatz and John Mulvey Jim and Susie Birmingham David and Kay Linden Western Los Angeles Council, Boy Scouts of America Drew and Jane Lanza Thornton S. Glide, Jr. and Katrina D. Glide Foundation High Voltage Lighting Bruce and Lisa Gelker Ryan Family Charitable Foundation Alex and Janet Boggs Steve and Stephanie Hathaway Tom and Gerda Sparks Balboa Yacht Club Nancy Katayama Gary and Sandi Hill Tim and Sheila Collins Janice Rutherford Hinds Diane Wilkinson Doug and Audrey Bombard Richard Woodward John and Barbara Anglin Aon Risk Solutions J and Sarah Barnes Coca-Cola Foundation Employees Community Fund of Boeing California

The Louis and Gladyce Foster Family Foundation Gary and Sonja Gray Robert and Lisa Grimm Patty Hathaway Jack and Shirley Herron Jessica Hibbs Todd and Tatiana James Lamb Family Foundation Patricia Linden Mutual of America Ron and Cheryl Roberts Chris Spenker Richard and Elizabeth Steele Fund T.C. Collins and Associates Graham Tingler Robert Voit Jim and Deena Warmington $1,000 - $2,499 Michael Roffina The McKewon Family Fund at The San Diego Foundation Bank of the West Robert and Jaynee Eitel Kleiner Cohen Foundation Lee Harrison Gillian Groves and Gerald Petersen CCS Marcus and Cynthia Crahan James and Mary Buckingham Steve and Linda Glanville

Phillip and Daisy Hartz Elliott and Elisa Olson Julie and Robert Woolley Douglas West and Irene Ziebarth Steve and Amanda Calhoun Ann Muscat and Jack Baldelli Paris Rebl and Lisa Cole Greg Schem Andy Bonin Hans and Dianne Bozler Mike and Elizabeth Rabbitt MVE + Partners, Inc. Jeffrey Stanberry and Patricia Zagnoni MATT Construction Scott Brown Bob and Beth Huston Michael Kilbride Morrie and Carol Kirk Moffatt and Nichol Michael Baker International Howard and Jeanne Tuttle Blair Contratto J.K. and Robin Leason Deborah Richie-Bray Nick and Maureen

Madigan Fine Line Construction Margie Meehan and

Bob Kreidel Doug and Jeanie Shelton Steve and Lauren Tabor Anonymous Nicolas and Judy Martin

Emily Vogler and Daniel Flynn Jim and Sally McClure Terry Causey Paul Blank Thomas and Renette Crone Robert Slobe Caleb Lins BBJ Linen James and Melinda Herndon Merl and Luz Seastrom Tim Foley and Julie Redon Thomas and Evan Corkett Dennis and Susi Gertmenian Tobin Campbell The Dubois Family Charitable Fund Hudson and Michele Saffell Marian Cormie Ben and Denise Carter Paul and Polly Stemler Dick and Geri Peckham Mike and Antonia Massie David Lindquist and Karen Bohan Steve and Ronna Schreiner David and Kathleen Renton Frederic and Lucille Ripley Beverly Segner William and Kathleen Mudd Western Exterminator Company Ken and Christine Zampese Bryan Cave LLP Richard and Becca Waycott

Robert and Helen Zieman Laurie and John Romanak Brett Barnard Maury and Marcia Gallagher Margaret A. Frank Fund at The Chicago Community Foundation Rhon Williams Gary and Mary Gordon Joe and Janet Lauro Allison and Robert Price Family Foundation Barney and Lisa Page Ecolab Foundation Anne Laguzza Meighan Offield Greg and Stacey Renker Catalina Broadband Solutions

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NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 1782 SANTA ANA CA 92799

Conservation. Education. Recreation.

P.O. Box 2739 Avalon, CA 90704

Photo Credits: Cover photo: Ernie Rodriguez; Pg. 2: Steve Tabor; Pg. 3: (top to bottom, left to right) Brian Addison, Jack Baldelli, Anastasia Baini, Morgan Robson, Morgan Robson; Pgs. 4-5: Ernie Rodriguez (all); Pg. 6: Courtesy of Brian Bissell, Diane Wilkinson and Mike Rall; Pg. 8: Ernie Rodriguez ; Pg. 11: Kindra Hixon; Pg. 12: Tyler Dvorak; Pg. 13: Julie King, Lara Brenner; Pg. 14: (Banner) Kristina Oliver, (Courtesy of) Kay Lanxon; Pg. 15 (top to bottom, clockwise) Anastasia Baini, Laura Minuto, Courtesy of Las Caballeros, Laura Minuto; Pg. 17: Morgan Robson; Pg. 18-19: Morgan Robson, (inset) Gina Dartt; Pg. 20: (Artwork) Ron Rencher, Suzy Gardner; Pg. 21: Courtesy of Mike Sullivan and Trevor Fetter

CONSERVANCY CALENDAR MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR ADVENTURE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF THESE EVENTS, GO TO CATALINACONSERVANCY.ORG OR CALL 562.437.8555

Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show & Sale October 21, 2018 Purchase original artwork from 11 of the nation's premier plein air artists while supporting the work of the Catalina Island Conservancy.

Catalina Island Marathon March 9, 2019 Experience spectacular views while you run through the wildlands of Catalina Island! For more information or to sign up, please visit RunCatalina.com

Annual Conservation & Education Symposium November 9, 2018 Join Conservancy biologists, educators and invited researchers and scientists for intimate discussions of Catalina Island's natural history discoveries and scientific advances at this annual, day-long, eagerly awaited series of presentations.

BZ Jones Hike March 23, 2019 Join the Catalina Marineros support group for an exciting hike that will honor the legacy of one of the Conservancy's most dedicated supporters and volunteers, the late Graham "BZ" Jones.

The BZ Jones hike is an annual one-day trek that covers about 12 miles across the

width of Catalina Island.

Food and transportation are included in the registration price for the hike.

24th Annual Catalina Island Conservancy Ball April 6, 2019 Join us for one of the biggest events of the year

at the historic Avalon Casino Ballroom on Catalina Island. The 24th Annual Conservancy Ball promises to be another exciting and elegant evening of dining, dancing and fun benefitting the Conservancy.