Conservancy Times - Spring 2021

SPRING 2021

CATALINA ISLAND

EDUCATION Shifts Online Page 4

MESSAGE from our president

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

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 plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world. The Conservancy operates the Trailhead visitor center, Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, Airport in the Sky and a nature center.

It provides access to 165 miles of recreational roads and trails and 50 miles of biking trails.

For more information, please visit CatalinaConservancy.org

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and maintaining recreation assets remains a priority, and we recognize the importance of our members including the boating community that safely enjoys the waters and lands of Catalina Island.

Someone once called spring a lovely reminder of how beautiful change can be.

As the seasons shift, we look forward to positive changes in the future on Catalina Island and around the world.

With the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic have also come incredible opportunities. In this issue of Conservancy Times, you will find stories about many virtual education resources that facilitate connection to nature for learners of all ages. We also celebrate conservation achievements including a successful fox trapping season and the first observation of a live Catalina Island Shrew in more than 15 years. Improving BENEFACTOR MEMBERS Alison Wrigley Rusack, Chair Maria Pellegrini, Ph.D. Tony Michaels, Ph.D. Trevor Fetter BOARD OF DIRECTORS Patrick McAlister, Chair Will Hagenah, Vice Chair Kellie Johnson, Past Chair Bob Breech Roger Chrisman John Cotton Victoria Seaver Dean Terry Grill Hank Hilty Calen Offield

With this season of change comes bittersweet news. We thank Conservancy Chief Financial Officer Larry Lloyd for his nine years of hard work and wish him luck in all his future adventures. We are thrilled to welcome our new CFO in March, Mark Chancellor, and a new Director of Conservation Deni Porej who joined the Conservancy team in January.

We hope to see you on the Island soon to enjoy the changes that spring brings to our beloved Catalina.

Tony Budrovich President & CEO

Scott Stuart Mike Sullivan Shaun Tucker

Mark Chancellor Incoming Chief Financial Officer

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Michelle Badders Director of Human Resources

Tony Budrovich President & CEO Suzy Gardner Chief Development Officer Tim Kielpinski Chief Operating Officer Larry Lloyd Outgoing Chief Financial Officer

Leah Melber Director of Education Deni Porej Director of Conservation Laura Minuto Conservation Operations Director Mary Beth Leonard Senior Executive Coordinator

EDITOR Jessica Boudevin GRAPHIC DESIGN Amy Trowbridge 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 FOLLOW US ON:

Spring 2021

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Fox Monitoring on Catalina

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The Finding of the Shrew

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Symposium Goes Virtual

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Happy Trails

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A Moment in the Shade

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Seas the Day Sailing Through 2020

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New Picnic Tables at Haypress Reservoir

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Finding Freedom

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2021 Virtual Conservancy Ball

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Staff Updates

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Donor Honor Roll

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Education Opportunities Shift Online

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Contents

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Experience Catalina with a Conservancy Membership 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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Education opportunities ONLINE

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he Catalina Island Conservancy’s Education team brought many learning opportunities online in the past year. These virtual resources help forward our goal to enrich the Catalina experience for all who visit, live on, or are interested in Catalina by teaching about the uniqueness of the Island's ecosystem, natural and geological history.

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There are plenty of ways to deepen your knowledge of the Island and become a Catalina insider. We’re committed to

helping people connect to and develop an appreciation and respect for the natural and cultural resources managed by the Conservancy on this incredible Island, preparing people of all ages to be future stewards of the Island and, indeed, the world. In addition to targeted audience programs such as Course Catalina, Island Scholars, and Catalina California Naturalist Training, the team has created a number of ongoing virtual activities and programs anyone can sign up for on the Conservancy website.

Naturalist Training

You can become a steward of Catalina Island. The Naturalist Training program is an initiative to enrich the experiences of all who are interested in the Island by ensuring that Catalina stewards have access to accurate and compelling information that highlights the ecology of the Island and the work of the Conservancy. Naturalist 1 Training is now available online as a two-part video course and follow up discussion with a Conservancy naturalist.

Science Stories

Young learners can enjoy a science themed read-aloud while experiencing the beauty of Catalina Island through our Science Stories series. Follow along as we explore the work of early naturalists and topics in natural history against the backdrop of the Island's interior. After the story, click on the accompanying activity, engage in your own science explorations and learn more about Catalina.

Last Friday Lecture Series

Previously taking place at the Conservancy's Trailhead visitor center, the Last Friday Lecture Series continues online. Join guest experts on the last Friday of each month to learn more about the wonders of Catalina's unique natural history. You can register each month by clicking on the Zoom link on our Last Friday Lecture Series page.

Catalina Junior Naturalists

Catalina Junior Naturalist is a FREE online training course designed for individuals 8-15 years of age.

Learners will read about the Island, watch quick videos, and be able to download engaging activities that are perfect for any location. They can even take a knowledge check at the end of the course to earn a personalized certificate. Participants learn about how Catalina was formed, facts about unique plants and animals, the history of people on the Island and how to respectfully explore nature.

Members Only! Book Club

The Members Only! Book Club offers the opportunity for those who want to dig into foundational, popular science literature and discuss these readings through a lens of relevancy to Catalina Island. Join the Conservancy education team and a community of naturalists in sharing personal observations, collective knowledge and a passion for nature through a literary exploration. The program provides participants with topics for reflection and a guided environmental dialogue at the end of each month.

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Fox monitoring vital on catalina island In the small, slowly-lightening hours of dawn, three conservation workers prepared to spend six weeks with one of Catalina Island’s most iconic endemic species: the Catalina Island fox. Each year several weeks are spent trapping and attending to these furry little omnivores, which weigh in at approximately 4-6 pounds. Though fox processing doesn’t begin until first light, there is plenty of preparation work that needs to be done each day.

Between October and December, Conservancy Wildlife Biologist Emily Hamblen led a team that included Conservancy Conservation Operations Coordinator Becky Rudy and Dr. Peter Sharpe from the Institute for Wildlife Studies to study and care for this federally

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threatened species. Before they each set out to check their respective trap lines, the team would meet at Middle Ranch, the hub of Conservancy conservation operations.

Supplies including vaccines, syringes and blood draw vials for research, mite and flea medicine, radio collars, tick removal equipment, food for bait, and more, all need to be gathered each morning while the moon still shines so that the first foxes of the day can be processed as soon as light reaches the Island.

“It is important for us to gather each morning to review the plan for the day and highlight priorities based on which foxes we captured the day before,” said Hamblen.

conservation Safe and effective live traps are used to collect foxes around the Island, focusing on a different section or trap line each week. Once a team member reaches their first trap, hands-on work begins. Each fox is different.

Dr. Sharpe, who has been trapping foxes around the Channel Islands for more than 30 years, created a handy flow chart to help quickly determine the needs of each fox.

“It’s basically what we go through with each fox,” said Dr. Sharpe. “Whether it has been caught before, whether it’s a new fox, whether it’s been caught this season – there’s a different procedure for each one.”

Fox trapping isn’t all – and in fact, isn’t even mostly – handling the animals. Blood taken each day needs to be processed and all of the data from the day of trapping is inputted into a sheet that is constantly updated to ensure that the same fox isn’t processed more than once each season.

we could lose the population. Trying to bring a population back from essentially extinction, is not only very expensive, but you’d have lost all of that genetic diversity and you can’t get that back,” she added.

The Catalina Island fox program is an incredible example of how the entire Conservancy plays a role in saving this species. Without the facilities team, we wouldn’t be able to drive any of the roads needed to get to trap locations. They also “keep the lights on" in our clinic so that we can treat injured foxes. Without the education department, we wouldn’t be able to spread the knowledge of what we’re learning to allow visitors and locals to enjoy wildlife in a deeper way.

And without development, we wouldn’t be able to raise funds and get the message out to our generous donors on the importance of our work,” said Hamblen. “We need everyone working together to ensure Catalina Island foxes continue to thrive.”

Hamblen stated that reducing the amount of hands-on interaction with wild animals is important not only for their stress levels, but also for their behavior and future survival.

“Our Catalina Island foxes are wild animals – they are very beautiful charismatic animals, but it’s very important that you just let them be. Don’t feed them, don’t try to pet them,” she cautioned. “The best way you can help the foxes is to just enjoy them in their natural habitat and let them walk by.”

Though it is an expensive and time-consuming process, continuing to monitor foxes each year is of vital importance.

“It is incredibly important that we continue to invest in trapping because the Channel Island fox is a conservation-reliant species. That means without Conservancy oversight, they would probably go extinct,” said Hamblen. During trapping season, biologists gather data for research while providing foxes with vaccines for canine distemper virus and rabies, administer ivermectin to reduce ear mites and Frontline to reduce fleas and ticks. “Without all of those interventions, if we had a rabies or canine distemper outbreak,

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By the numbers 1,807 369 71 287 12

total estimated Island foxes*

foxes captured and released

What a fox workup consists of:

new fox pups

IVERMECTIN To prevent ear mites

foxes vaccinated

radio collars deployed

*Although the fox population estimate is lower than the 2019 count of 2,372, Catalina’s foxes are still thriving. The Island fox population fluctuates yearly due to natural variation in rainfall and resource availability and all indicators point to a healthy population near carrying capacity.

a day in the life MORNING: Conservancy staff meet early in the day to gather supplies and arrive to their first traps around sunrise.

The morning is spent processing foxes – up to 15 per person per line.

Around noon, staff meet back at Middle Ranch to restock their kits, prepare vaccinations for the next day, and wash any used towels.

AFTERNOON: After a team debriefing, staff members enter data, process blood work and print out datasheets for the next day.

Fridays are spent collecting and washing the traps and on Mondays they are set up again for the upcoming week.

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Fox monitoring is hard work, but it is well worth it to protect these treasured endemic foxes!

GENERAL HEALTH CHECK Weigh the animal and examine eyes and teeth

FRONTLINE To prevent fleas and ticks

FLEA COMBING & TICK REMOVAL

CANINE DISTEMPER VACCINE To prevent the disease that imperiled the population in the 1990s

RABIES VACCINE To prevent the introduction of the virus from other animals or wildlife

conservation buckets, with four small entrances cut into the trap. Though this is a very animal-friendly way to observe the species, it leads to a plethora of data.

More than 83,000 photos were collected throughout 12 weeks of trapping. To date only a few thousand photos have been reviewed. It takes a keen eye to sort through the variety of animals that frequent the traps including alligator lizards, rattlesnakes, skinks, mice and rats. Even endemic ground squirrels and foxes have been known to poke their heads in.

Shrews prefer riparian and wetland areas that need protection. Cats are likely the biggest current threat to the Catalina Island shrew.

The Finding of the Shrew For the first time since 2004, researchers have observed a live Catalina Island shrew. Conservancy biologists found this endemic species, listed as a Species of Special Concern in 1996 by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, during an extensive remote camera research effort.

“We have been looking for the Catalina Island shrew for years,” said Conservancy Wildlife Biologist Emily Hamblen.

She added that three additional major research efforts have attempted to document the mammal since 2016 to no avail, despite more than 200,000 photos reviewed and 1,500 camera trap nights. “I thought, and really hoped, that they still existed somewhere on the Island. Animals are incredibly resilient, and it is amazing to see that they are still here.”

Between February and May 2020, the Conservancy deployed and rotated 7 remote camera traps specifically to detect small mammals at 28 locations. This is especially important due to the diminutive size and metabolism of the animal. An adult shrew measures at just 95mm (or approximately 3.74 inches) including their tail that makes up about a third of their total length, and weigh just 3.96 grams, equal to about 4 paperclips. The shrew’s high metabolism means that the insectivores can only survive between 5 and 23 hours without feeding.

Now that the shrew has been spotted once again, the Conservancy plans to continue efforts to encourage their survival.

“Our next step is to figure out the Islandwide distribution and if they seem to prefer specific habitats, based on the locations where they have been observed,” said Hamblen. “Then, we can work to promote the health of those types of habitats and reduce risks to their survival.”

This type of critical conservation research is not possible without public support. These particular cameras were purchased in 2016 thanks to a donation from the Harold McAlister Charitable Foundation.

“The Conservancy is grateful to have strong supporters that care about the wildlife and nature on Catalina Island,” said Hamblen. “My first thought when we saw that image on the camera is that it is gratifying to see all of our hard work surrounding this species finally pay off – and thank goodness it’s not extinct!”

“Generally, shrews need to eat every few hours, and some species of shrew eat up to two times their bodyweight each day,” said Hamblen. “This makes them challenging to capture safely because they need to eat so frequently. Remote camera traps are a noninvasive survey method allowing us to collect data without disturbing the animal.”

The remote camera is placed pointing down inside an upside down 5-gallon bucket. Bait is placed in the center of the

A deceased Catalina Island shrew found in 2012. The endemic animal is extremely rare so few photos exist.

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EDUCATION

Annual symposium goes virtual To continue providing accessible education and connection opportunities during the pandemic, Catalina Island Conservancy brought its Annual Symposium online in November. The virtual series showcased four sessions featuring expert speakers about conservation and education topics including plant communities in the context of paleoclimatological trends, precipitation data and extreme events, benchmarking the impact of online naturalist training, and the diversity of bats on Catalina Island.

“Bringing this educational opportunity online, with help from our sponsor the Port of Long Beach, was a great way to stay connected with those who love Catalina Island, including those from around California and even outside the state,” said Conservancy Director of Education Dr. Leah Melber.

“In fact, unique attendance more than doubled compared to the last time we hosted this event and many people attended multiple sessions. The evaluation showed they walked away with lots of new information about Catalina and an interest in participating in future programs.”

The first talk saw Conservancy Botanist and Native Plant Manager Seth Kauppinen delve into the plants of Catalina Island, past and present. Attendees commented that it was a great building block, adding to what they had already learned during Naturalist Training. One commented that “not being able to make it to the Island on a regular basis anymore and especially during this time when travel is problematic, it was a delight to learn more about the geological and biological background presented and to reconnect

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with what is happening on the Island.” Others enjoyed learning about the previous pollen core study at Echo Lake and the submergence and re-emergence of Catalina and other Channel Islands.

During the second session, Conservancy Conservation Operations Director Laura Minuto discussed water, taking a closer look at precipitation data. Attendees came away with several new fun facts, including the variable rates of rainfall at different locations around the Island and that it has snowed on Catalina!

Dr. Leah Melber analyzed evaluations from the newly-digitized Naturalist Training during her lecture. Attendees learned that the online Naturalist program, previously offered in-person and on-Island, now saw more than 90 percent of its participants come from outside of Catalina, and 14 percent from outside of California. Some attendees mentioned that learning about the evaluation of Naturalist Training inspired them to take the free course.

The final session brought in outside researchers Drs. Patricia Brown and William Rainey to discuss bat diversity on Catalina Island. Those who attended this event received a sneak peek of some exciting discoveries. Thanks to two acoustic detectors placed around the Island, the Conservancy has identified seven species of bats over the last several years, two of which had never been confirmed on Catalina Island prior to this instrumentation. They are believed to be the Eastern Red Bat and Big Free-Tailed Bat, based on analyses of the audio files. One attendee called the talk a “great presentation from a dedicated expert who has devoted her life to learning about bats!” Others pointed out that they had not realized there were so many species of bats on Catalina Island, as well as how long they can live.

If you missed the sessions live, each lecture is available to view free on the Conservancy website at CatalinaConservancy.org./ Symposium. Learn more fun facts by watching the presentations and stay tuned for further opportunities to engage with Catalina Island.

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Happy Trails It takes a lot of work to maintain the more than 165 miles of roads and trails that keep Catalina Island’s wildlands accessible. Several factors affect the stability and wear of trails, including weather and other natural processes.

“Maintaining trails is mostly about erosion control,” said Conservancy Trails Program Coordinator Kevin Ryan, who has been with the organization since 2007.

“That’s the number one thing.”

Rock slides, mud slides, and people walking or animals running across wet trails all accelerate this erosion.

A common misconception is that trails effectively maintain themselves as adventurers use them to explore, but trails are negatively affected by how much people hike on them when they’re wet.

“We close the trails when it is wet or raining not just for safety, but for trail conditions as well,” added Ryan.

However, it is true that the more people use trails during appropriate weather, the less vegetation has a chance to grow on the trail itself. Ryan mentioned that having less people on the trail last spring during a shutdown increased the amount of work needed to clear vegetation. Some years he needs to trim vegetation on trails twice per trail, sometimes just once, and sometimes not at all.

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The composition of the individual trail is a key factor in determining the amount of maintenance needed.

“It not only depends on the weather, it depends on the trail itself,” said Ryan. “If it’s a really rocky bedrock trail, it’s not going to erode very much and doesn’t need a lot of work. If it’s a thick mud or clay trail that goes straight up a hill, that’s when it requires more work. Then, you need to build more structures like steps and drainage.”

The sustainable standards that the Conservancy uses to build trails involve outsloping so that water drains off, maintaining certain grades, and other provisions that affect water flow and drainage.

COVID restrictions have made this season more challenging for Ryan. “It’s hard when it’s just me. We usually have groups, schools who do alternative Spring Break options, AmeriCorps, and other volunteers, so this year was really demanding,” he said.

The next time you step foot on a trail, take a moment to think about the work that it takes to provide safe access to the wildlands and give a silent thanks to the trails team as you enjoy nature. Happy trails to you, until we meet on the Island again.

recreation

A MOMENT IN THE SHADE The Conservancy has continued its work in creating a welcoming and safe experience for all to enjoy Catalina.

As part of these efforts, there are now 17 shade structures on the Island – more than half of which were built in the last decade. Many were funded by donations from generous Conservancy supporters.

With ordering lumber from the mainland, cutting, staining and prepping it, transporting materials and building, it takes approximately 125 hours to erect just one shade structure. These are spread throughout the Island on main hiking thoroughfares and often at high points along the trails.

“We chose most of the spots because they’re the most

beautiful vistas along the Trans-Catalina Trail where there isn’t much shade,” said Conservancy Trails Program Coordinator Kevin Ryan.

These constructions take a lot of work but spending hours at their beautiful locations does have its benefits.

“As soon as I finished building the shade structure at Cat Harbor Overlook, two bald eagles started circling overhead,” he added.

The shade structures have proven to be a great resource for hikers and bikers who need a break from the sun for a few minutes, allowing people to stop and catch their breath while enjoying a breathtaking view.

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recreation

Seas the Day SAILING THROUGH 2020 Though 2020 was an incredibly challenging year for visitorship on Catalina Island, one sector helped boost Catalina travel. Private boats have continued to enjoy the coasts of Catalina.

“I think that clearly part of the reason is the lack of mingling when you’re on a boat,” said Conservancy Marineros support group President Michael Toerge. “It allows you to manage your surroundings and control your environment in quite a customized way.”

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Overall arrivals to the Island in 2020, including cross channel travel, cruise traffic, and entries by private boat, aircraft and helicopter, were down nearly 50 percent year over year. That said, private boating only changed -7.4 percent, with 52,072 boats still traveling to Avalon Harbor.

Conservancy Board Member and avid boater Mike

Sullivan says that boating is truly a lifestyle. “It gives us a sense of normalcy and a sense of control. There might be some nostalgia to it, bringing back the past and bringing back how you’ve grown up,” he said. “It’s kind of a safety valve.”

Safety was a key concern impacting boaters’ decisions last year.

“Boating is an activity that can be done with one’s domestic union or family in a safe manner and according to all of the guidelines that we have been directed to adhere to all year long,” said Balboa Yacht Club member and Vice Commodore Paul Blank.

Catalina as a 2020 destination held a lot of appeal for boaters. The Island holds a plethora of safe, outdoor activities for all who come over.

While some boaters stay on the water, Toerge said “Catalina has so much to offer inside of the perimeter.

We went hiking and did a lot of things on the Island that we didn’t necessarily feel comfortable doing here, all while also enjoying the ocean on our boat.”

“Not only can you go use your boat, you can go to one of the most magical natural environments there is in Southern California,” he added. “It’s the Island, it’s the bison, it’s the untapped nature, and it’s the welcoming manner with which the Conservancy engages visitors.”

From hiking to swimming and beyond, “the activities on the Island are essentially limitless,” said Blank, who added that he identifies three things that make Catalina so special. “The warm and welcoming hospitality is the primary draw. Secondary are the recreational opportunities with the extreme diversity and availability

of natural architecture, flora and fauna mere moments outside the hustle and bustle of the city.” Phenomenal weather serves as the third benefit.

While Catalina Island has always held a special appeal for boaters, the opportunity to spend time with other boaters is another draw.

“With the Island, I think a lot of it is the camaraderie with the people that you do it with and see each time you go,” said Sullivan. “It’s the shared experience over generations. It’s the stories and adventures. You keep that the rest of your life and get to share about it.”

For information on becoming a Marinero, visit CatalinaConservancy.org/Membership or call 562.437.8555 x1224

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Recreation EDUCATION

NEW PICNIC TABLES AT HAYPRESS RESERVOiR In honor of a longstanding mid-hike luncheon tradition, eight new picnic tables have been added at Haypress Reservoir.

These tables, dedicated by the Conservancy and boating support group the Marineros, honor Nelson Jones, Sr., who passed away May 19, 2019 at 88 years old.

Nelson, along with his brothers, the late Thad and Graham “BZ” Jones, have a long history with both Catalina Island and Catalina Island Conservancy. In remembrance of the family’s longstanding legacy of volunteering and support, the Conservancy celebrates their love for the Island with a yearly hiking event.

At these Thad and BZ Jones Hikes, Nelson and his wife Mimi greeted hikers as they reached the lunch destination at Haypress Reservoir. There they celebrated with hikers over lunch and stories from the day's hike. In honor of Nelson Jones, the Conservancy and Marineros have dedicated these new tables and a plaque to continue the tradition of having "Lunch with Nelson and Mimi Jones,” each year at Haypress Reservoir.

When the 2020 Thad and BZ Jones Hikes were cancelled due to coronavirus, many participants elected to donate their registration costs to support Conservancy programs and the remembrance picnic tables. Thousands of people who hike the Trans-Catalina Trail or pass Haypress Reservoir each year will be able to enjoy them on their Island adventures.

“It was wonderful to feel the support for this idea from Conservancy members and, in particular, the Marineros who have always been active participants in these cross-Island hikes,” said Conservancy Sr. Membership Manager Gina Dartt.

“We are excited to continue the BZ Jones Hike in 2021 with a celebratory lunch at Haypress Reservoir at the new tables.”

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Photo from the last Thad & BZ Jones hike, in 2019.

We look forward to when we can hike with you on the Island again!

The date for the next BZ Jones Hike is currently scheduled for October 16, 2021.

recreation

FINDING

Freedom N

ever in her life did Claudia Torales imagine that she would climb a mountain. She also didn’t imagine that she would be diagnosed with breast cancer.

“Now, I beat cancer, but also I climbed a mountain!” she proudly exclaimed.

Torales and her family, including cousin Joey Nava, had first planned to hike the Trans-Catalina Trail in 2018.

Claudia received news of her diagnosis just one month before her trip. Nava, his wife Ana, and cousins Oscar and Clara Perez tackled the trail, bringing along a pink breast cancer ribbon flag.

“I encouraged them to go up there and do the hike.

It was very much a motivation for me to keep going,” Torales said, adding that they sent her a video from the Island. “What they did the first hike was unbelievable.

I’m almost in tears thinking about it.”

Now cancer-free, Torales was ready to complete the challenge she had set her mind to years before.

“I thought, ‘I can’t miss this one,’” she said.

At the end of September, Joey and Ana Nava and Oscar and Clara Perez set out to hike the Trans-Catalina Trail once again, this time with Claudia and her husband, Arturo Torales.

“Overall, the trip was very emotional. The first trip was emotional, but this was moreso because we have her here

and she’s alive and here with us,” said Nava, who also celebrated his 28th wedding anniversary with Ana on the trip. “We all got to stay a few words up there and, of course, everyone’s words came with a few tears.”

“It was a very moving experience for all of us. It was nice to see Claudia get up there, muster all her strength and endure the 38.5 miles,” he added.

The group prepared for their Trans-Catalina adventure by hiking on local trails, which Torales said was a great way to keep her mind – and body – busy. Though she described some of the climbs as “steep, rocky and neverending,” she said that reaching the peaks of Catalina made all of the hard work, from training to recovery, worth it.

“I felt free. When you get up there it’s like you leave everything else behind,” Torales said. “Every time we would reach the top, it was like we were setting ourselves free.”

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Recreation

wherever you are...

The 25th annual Conservancy Ball, Under the Stars, will take place virtually on April 10. This is the first time the Conservancy has brought this signature event online. The new format will include plenty of interactive experiences and engaging activities for you to participate in and enjoy! We are excited to celebrate together while allowing attendees to participate in the event regardless of their location and in compliance with local health and safety guidance.

Over the past 25 years, the Conservancy Ball has raised more than $7.6 million for our conservation, education and recreation programs. While general

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admission for the event will be available at no charge, there are many other ways to show your financial support, including upgraded ticket and sponsorship options, participating in the silent and live auction, donating to support our programs or participating in our peer-to-peer challenge. We have a large goal to meet and your support is fundamental to our success.

Special VIP gatherings and other unique benefits will be offered to many of our sponsors and supporters.

And, as always, all net proceeds from the event will continue to support our vital conservation, education and recreation programming.

Register today! CatalinaConservancy.org/Ball

at home...

CLASSIC ELEMENTS you enjoy each year: • Silent auction • Live auction • Music and dancing

NEW ENGAGING ACTIVITIES: • Virtual trivia • Access to exclusive video broadcast • Virtual after party – bid to hear your favorite songs

EXCLUSIVE UPGRADE OPPORTUNITIES: • Virtual VIP rooms • Dinner pick up from Bluewater Grill • “Ball at Home” kit featuring decorations and Catalina swag

for complimentary tickets...

SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2021

OFFICIAL BROADCAST & AFTER PARTY FROM 5:00 PM TO 6:30 PM DUST OFF YOUR TUX OR BALLGOWN Black tie and board shorts… ballgowns and bunny slippers? We can’t wait to see what you’ll wear!

WELCOME/PRE-SHOW (Starts at 4:45 PM) Pour yourself a cocktail and join in our interactive Catalina and Conservancy trivia, hear messages from Ball Sponsors and Conservancy Staff as we start our countdown to the main event.

Don’t forget to take your photo on the virtual #ConservancyBall red carpet and share your Ball at Home set-up!

VIRTUAL BALL BROADCAST Presented by Capital Group and Shaun and Katy Tucker

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT AFTER PARTY Powered by Edison

Join an interactive program featuring Conservancy President and CEO, Tony Budrovich, and other Conservancy leaders. Then countdown to the close of the Silent Auction before getting ready to raise your virtual paddle in support of our Conservation projects and to bid on exciting Live Auction items.

Join our live after party from your home with the top requested songs and a dance party in your living room.

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staff updates

The end of an era wildlands still served as an eye-opening experience.

“The rugged beauty of the place shocked and surprised me,” he said. On one of his first trips to the Island, he also noted that his new colleagues were invested in making Catalina a better place. “Neither of those things have changed. People still care about the Island and it’s still as ruggedly beautiful now as it was then, if not morseo with all of the restoration work we’ve done over the last decade.”

After stewarding Catalina Island Conservancy’s financial health for nine years, Chief Financial and Business Development Officer Larry Lloyd is saying goodbye. His tenure included incredible accomplishments, including never missing a budget and overseeing key capital projects.

Larry joined the Conservancy from a finance position at Taco Bell. Though he was familiar with Catalina, the

In the last several years, Larry has had the opportunity to experience several aspects of Catalina, from rugged hikes to relaxing weekends. He has brought his family across the Channel, including wife Linda and daughters Madison, Lexi, Sarah and Delaney, renting a condo at Hamilton Cove and venturing to an empty Ben Weston beach.

When he joined the Conservancy, Larry was looking for “something more fulfilling.” We are grateful that he found that with the Conservancy and for the time he spent helping to advance our mission.

New CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Cola North America and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

“The opportunity to bring some more purpose and meaning to my life brought me to the Conservancy,” said Mark.

Mark was born in Germany, later moving to the United States. “Living in Alaska you have nature, wildlife, even moose in the backyard,” he said. “It was great to live in the environment to have open outdoors and nature.”

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Mark Chancellor joins the Catalina Island Conservancy as Chief Financial and Business Development Officer from the University of California system, where he served as the divisional Chief Financial and Administrative Officer for UC Riverside’s facilities, architects & engineers, sustainability, real estate and other administrative units.

Prior to that, Mark held various leadership positions for the Walt Disney Company, the National Football League, Coca-

He grew up visiting family in California and would look forward to two things: Disneyland and Catalina Island.

“When this job came up, it felt like it was bringing me closer to home,” he said. “This organization possesses strong values. I hope I can continue that tradition and move it forward.”

Mark is a graduate from the University of California, Riverside, and earned his M.B.A. from the University of La Verne.

New Director of Conservation species, and sheer number of species, islands are a laboratory for studying what happens in the wider world.”

Deni has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Belgrade University and a Ph.D. in Ecology from Ohio State University. His field research included studies of lizards on Mediterranean islands, eradication of the Brown Tree Snake on Guam, conservation of saltwater crocodiles in Sri Lanka and faunal aspects of wetland restoration in the American Midwest. After many years of conservation work, he took on the role of CEO of World Wildlife Fund Adria for the last three years.

Deni Porej, new Conservation Director of Catalina Island Conservancy, is familiar with island life.

“During this last decade of my career I was in the Mediterranean where I worked on a number of islands,” Deni said. “With their diversity, native and invasive

He is excited to be on Catalina and join an organization with so much energy surrounding it. “We have an important opportunity to spread our message, engage a lot of people, and do something good for conservation not only on Catalina, but for islands and for the world,” he said.

RETURNING BOARD MEMBER immediate and deep impression,” added Breech. “With each channel crossing, my sense of time and place changes, anticipation rises, and all mainland concerns seem to fade away.”

Breech and his wife, Mai Lai, are passionate about conservation and philanthropy. He previously served on the Conservancy Board for three terms from 2011 to 2018.

The Conservancy is thrilled to welcome Robert “Bob” Breech back onto the Board of Directors. The Emmy Award-winning producer and in-house legal consultant described his first visit to the Island as ‘a revelation.’

“Its beauty and complexity, the dedication the Conservancy brings to its mission - all made an

“My experience of the Conservancy board has been different from other board associations in that every member is dedicated - really dedicated - most having a life-long connection to Catalina,” he said. “Their love for the Conservancy mission is transparent and their work ethic strong.”

We look forward to his future contributions to Catalina Island.

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HONoR ROLL OF DONORS

Listing includes annual support from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020, 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 and Airport Runway Project campaigns.

Gifts listed in descending order of amount.

$100,000 and Above Edison International Geoffrey Claflin and Alison Wrigley Rusack Roger and Sarah Chrisman Offield Family Foundation Steve and Pat Chazen Glanville Grill Foundation Blanny Avalon Hagenah Ahmanson Foundation Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation $50,000 - $99,999 Victoria and Dorn Dean Natural Resources Conservation Service James H. Ackerman Family and Evalyn M. Bauer Foundation Harold McAlister Charitable Foundation The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation $25,000 - $49,999 Maria Pellegrini D. Scott and Tammie Stuart Patrick and Mari McAlister Mervin Moore and Dana Stuart-Moore Donald Slavik Family Foundation Mike and Gloria Sullivan John and Cindy Cotton Shaun and Katy Tucker A.G. Cox Charity Trust Tricia and Will Hagenah

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$10,000 - $24,999 Capital Group Cal Fire Elliott Family Foundation Ken Putnam Wendy P. McCaw Foundation Earl B. Gilmore Foundation Randy and K.C. Boelsems Western Los Angeles Council, Boy Scouts of America California Fire Foundation John and Dana Hagenah W.M. Keck Foundation The Hexberg Family Foundation

James and Deena Warmington, Jr. Anonymous Julie Ann Wrigley Seaver Institute Andrew and Julia Rose Bonin Howard Higholt Dave and Elise Swain Doug and Judy Levi Frank and Joann Randall Gardner Grout Foundation Jim and Diane Connelly Stephen and Ann Hinchliffe Stephen and Sue Chandler Steve and Katie High The Louis and Gladyce Foster Family Foundation U.S. Bank $5,000 - $9,999 Rhon Williams and Vickie Ruch Lynne Brickner and Gerald Gallard The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation Larry and Terry Grill Jack and Shirley Herron Thornton S. Glide, Jr. and Katrina D. Glide Foundation REI Geraldine Knatz and John Mulvey Los Angeles County Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn Richard and Elizabeth Steele Fund Alex and Janet Boggs Philip and Maureen Ramer Target Diane Wilkinson Gary and Sandi Hill James Schmidt and Carol More Hans and Dianne Bozler Adrianne Geiger-Dumond, Ph.D. Brett and Trish Bashaw Christian G. Spenker Connolly-Pacific Co. Lamb Family Foundation David and Kathleen Renton Donald and Mary Ann Schoellerman

James W. and Anne D. Johnson Family Foundation Johnny Carson Foundation Jordahl Construction John and Julie Dixon Rodriguez, Horii, Choi & Cafferata LLP The Sandra Anne Barr Living Trust Tom and Dana Jacobs $2,500 - $4,999 Friends of the Island Fox, Inc. William T. and Susana D. Huston Family Foundation David and Virginia Taylor Brad and Karen Baker Merl and Luz Seastrom, Sr. Tim and Sheila Collins Steve and Stephanie Hathaway Crevier Family Fund MATT Construction Zegar Family Fund Bruce and Lisa Gelker Steve and Amanda Calhoun Christopher and Teri Carlson Janice Rutherford Hinds Jessica J. Hibbs Andy and Gaye Saxon Ann Muscat and Jack Baldelli Aon Risk Solutions Ken and Christine Zampese Dennis Jenkins Epson America, Inc. G.T. and Shannon Frost Graham S. Tingler Greg and Glenda Vanni Bob and Gaye Harris Foundation J.K. and Robin Leason John and Barbara Anglin David Lindquist and Karen Bohan Philip and Holly Shuluk Kevin and Renee MacLeod John and Laurie Romanak Lou and Kyria Waugaman Mitchell, Silberberg & Knupp, LLP Mutual of America The Dubois Family Charitable Fund Georges and Patricia McCormick

Richard Woodward Robert Voit Ron and Cheryl Roberts Ruth Caryl Blair Scott and Sue Redsun Stephen and Barbara Barnard Tami Honey Terry Chapman Terry and Debbie Maddox Brian Bissell, The Confidence Foundation Todd and Lynne Whitehouse Todd and Tatiana James Tom and Gerda Sparks Trent and Linda Anderson Mary Maguire Terrence Wooten and Danielle Cooper $1,000 - $2,499 Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and Library Del Rey Yacht Club Robert's Home Audio & Video, Inc. Walter Larkin and Susan Clare Gerald Petersen and Gillian Groves Mimi Jones Kleiner Cohen Foundation Whole Foods Market David and Jeanne Albus Larry and Pam Fortmuller J Bradford and Sarah Barnes Bob and Mai Breech Rick Ingold and Dean Kiser Robert and Sharon Coors Todd and Jean Walker Worthy Forest McCartney Mike and Elizabeth Rabbitt Elliott and Elisa Olson Hank and Diane Hilty Lee Harrison Richard and Becca Waycott Julie and Robert Woolley San Diego Yacht Club Larry and Susan Twomey Eric and Berry Piper OCDM Port of Long Beach Smith-Emery International Stephen Osterman TerraTech, Inc.

Tonnage Industrial Ben and Denise Carter Bruce and Katherine Choate Daniel Flynn and Emily Vogler Steve and Lauren Tabor David and Rose Ellen Gardner The Hancock and Julia Banning Family Tyler Thompson Ann Tuskes Alice Badger Allison and Robert Price Family Foundation Cliff Hague Elizabeth Ballentine Elizabeth Moore Frederic and Lucille Ripley Fred Ryan George Suematsu Hemborg Ford Howard and Jeanne Tuttle Jim and Sally McClure James and Joyce Brown Ryan Family Charitable Foundation Kurt Ransohoff Larry and Jean Tistaert Martin and Bernardine Curtin Nina Whiddon Richard and Geraldine Peckham Roger and Sandy DeYoung Stephen Henry and Rudy Oclaray Susan Latorre Tom and Anita Petersen Tobin Campbell Tod and Linda White William and Kathleen Mudd $500 - $999 Leonard and Brenda Pieroni Curt and Alita Rethmeyer Daniel and Elizabeth Barnes Nelson and Lisa Jones, Jr. Doug and Jeanie Shelton Ed and Mikelle Watson Greg and Madeline Hayward Harvey and Patty Wills Karl and Cheryl Kimme Lee and Loraine Coller Robert Strang Mr. and Mrs. Roy H. Jones

Stephen Paljieg and Denise Archambault Marvin Tiano Diana and John James Griffith Jones Dennis and Peggy Moran Gerald and Sue Vickers Joe and Gigi Scully James and Kimberly Watson Stan Williams Andrew Hoover Austin Rusack Barbara Cambilargiu Ben Abrams and Mary Jo Negle Christopher Hilty and Katie Best Cinde MacGugan-Cassidy and Mike Cassidy Cindy and David Odegard Hunter Rusack Jackson Finlay Jaime and Lynn Coulter Jeanne Beesley and Andrew Tao Michael and Kimberly Mason Parker Rusack Richard and Annetta Townsend Steven and Marta Rocha Michael and Therese Hotvedt Todd and Lynne Parker Zach and Amelia Erickson Betty and Ralph Ketchum John and Kellie Shultz Bill and Meg Powers John Draper Michael Kilbride Thomas Chang and Claudia Monroy Frank and Kathy of Avalon Gerald and Denise Motter Carl and Kary Fuller Geoff and Barbara Coster John and Nancy Celick Laura and Charlie Tomlinson Allan and Dorothy Abrahamse Barbara Wieland Clifford Russell Daivd and Michele Wilson David and Donna Shockley Elizabeth Madden Gordon Barienbrock Gregory Njoes

James Satterberg John and Cyndi Ganahl Judith Longyear Nanci Nishimura, Esq. Otten Foundation Jerry and Pamela Secor Fuscoe Engineering Paul and Polly Stemler Paul and Jackie Neil Peter LaDow Peter and Cathy Savage Phyllis Ann Rudy Devyn Stewart Scott and Leslie Deardorff Susie and Vicken Haleblian Terry and Elizabeth Schaack Thomas and Evan Corkett Tim and Karen Strelitz Winston and Carlita Fuller

Photo Credits: Cover photo: Ernie Rodriguez; Pg. 2: Steve Tabor; Pg. 3: (top to bottom, left to right) Catalina Island Conservancy, Chelsea Mayer, Catalina Island Conservancy, Gina Dartt, Jack Baldelli, Joey Nava; Pg. 4 Ernie Rodriguez; Pg. 6: Chelsea Mayer; Pg. 7: Jes Boudevin; Pg. 9: Catalina Island Conservancy, Jack Baldelli; Pg. 10-11: Steve Tabor; Pg. 12: Jes Stackhausen; Pg.13: (top to bottom, left to right) Gina Dartt, Kevin Ryan, Jes Boudevin, Gwen Trowbridge, Gina Dartt, Amy Trowbridge; Pg.14-15; Jack Baldelli; Pg.16: Amy Trowbridge, Jes Stackhausen; Pg. 17: Joey Nava (all); Pg. 20: Steve Tabor, Photo provided by Bob Breech; Pg. 21: Photo provided by Deni Porej, Photo provided by Mark Chancellor; Pg. 2223: Steve Tabor

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NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID SANTA ANA, CA PERMIT NO. 949

Conservation. Education. Recreation.

P.O. Box 2739 Avalon, CA 90704

CONSERVANCY CALENDAR 26 10 07 Catalina Island Conservancy Ball The 25th Annual Conservancy Ball goes virtual in 2021! Join us - from wherever you are - as we celebrate "Under the Stars." Participate in live and silent auctions, trivia, fundraising opportunities and mix and mingle with old and new friends from the comfort of your own home. Your involvement supports the vital work of the Conservancy. There will be lots of exciting ways to participate so don't miss out!

APRIL

For more information, visit CatalinaConservancy.org/ ball or call 562.437.8555 x1239.

Join us in our mission!

Last Friday Lecture Series This March, the virtual Last Friday Lecture Series continues with a discussion of 'The Unique Geologic History of Catalina Island.'

Nate Onderdonk, from the Geological Sciences Department at California State University, Long Beach, will speak about the Island's incredible geology. Sign up at catalinaconservancy.org.

MARCH

BZ Jones Hike BZ Jones CrossCatalina hike will explore the Island's gorgeous terrain for a weekend of exploration, mixing and mingling.

OCTOBER

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@CatalinaConservancy

FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO CATALINACONSERVANCY.ORG OR CALL 562-437-8555

11th Annual Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show This year's show in Newport Harbor features 10 nationally-acclaimed plein air artists who will display their interpretations of Catalina's rugged wildlands and scenic beauty.

NOVEMBER

Proceeds from the sale of these unique paintings support the Conservancy's conservation, education and recreation programs. Postshow online sale to follow through November 13.

Register and learn more at CatalinaConservancy.org/ WildSide.

@CatalinaConservancy

Catalina's Future, YOUR LEGACY Join Catalina Island Conservancy's Legacy Society and help us protect Catalina Island for future generations.

Please let us know if you've included Catalina Island Conservancy in your will so that we may recognize your support.

Your legacy gift ensures continued protection of Catalina's wildlands and natural treasures.

To learn more about the Conservancy's Legacy Society, contact Suzy Gardner at sgardner@ catalinaconservancy.org or call 562.437.8555 x1228.

@CIConservancy