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June 22 - 23, 2012
2nd Annual Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show and Sale. For info and tickets, click here
Sept. 29-30, 2012
Catalina Airshow, Avalon Harbor & Avalon Canyon
Catalina Island Conservancy Half Marathon. For more info, click here
AIRPORT IN THE SKY
Second Saturdays Historic Aircr aft Display Day at Airport in the Sky VOLUNTEER
7:30 a.m. to noonVolunteer at the James H. Ackerman Native Plant Nursery. For more volunteer information, click here
Second Saturdays Windward Beaches Cleanup
ISLAND CALENDAR
To check out the complete Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce events calendar, click HERE.
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Greetings!
Conservancy wildlife biologist Tyler Dvorak, whose photographs of some of Catalina's rare birds form this month's Photo Gallery, noticed one species earlier this year on the Island living a subterranean lifestyle. "Burrowing owls are thought to have reproduced on Catalina at one time," wrote Conservancy Director of Conservation and Wildlife Management Julie King. "But we desperately need to understand the specialized niche that these owls have adopted on the Island in order to effectively manage the habitat they need to mount a recovery." Check out more opportunities to support Conservancy wildlife initiatives.
Banner photo:
Egret Foraging on Catalina - The great egret used to be called the American egret, but its range extends throughout much of the world, from southern Canada southward to Argentina, and in areas of Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. On Catalina Island, great egrets eat frogs and freshwater fish. Among herons, it is slightly smaller than the great blue heron.
Photo by Tyler Dvorak
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PHOTO GALLERY
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SEEKING OUT RARE BIRDS ON CATALINA
Of juncos, soras, towhees, and warblers ...
Text and Photos by Tyler Dvorak
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A Bird in the Hand -- Conservancy wildlife biologist Tyler Dvorak handles a specimen of Xantus's murrelet, a rare seabird that inhabits the rocky seacoasts of the western portions of Catalina Island. Photo by D.L. Whitworth
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Birds are conspicuous enough on Catalina. Waterfowl fly by at impressive speeds. Hummingbirds hover in a paradox of movement and stillness. Bald eagles soar. Pelicans dive. Ravens show off with aerial acrobatics or as intelligent thieves. And the pigeons of Avalon perpetually beg for meals.
Between the Catalina California quail and the noisy acorn woodpecker, it's hard to believe any visitor to Catalina doesn't notice the Island's birdlife. Pictures of these species are everywhere - but not here. I would like to introduce a handful of the less obvious birds out of the nearly 300 species recorded on
Catalina and its near-shore waters. Click HERE to go to the Photo Gallery, and HERE... for more of the Catalina bird story.
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FROM THE FIELD
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RARE 'POPCORN FLOWER' REDISCOVERED
Not seen in nearly four decades on Island
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The Intrepid Botanist - Mike Simpson, a visiting researcher to Catalina from San Diego State University and expert on Cryptantha. Photo courtesy of Mike Simpson.
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By Linda Farley
Conservation Department Operations Manager
Professor Mike Simpson of San Diego State University was rewarded earlier this month for his efforts to collect a rare plant on Catalina Island. He found Cryptantha wigginsii, also known as Cryptantha, and commonly called "popcorn flower." It is in the borage family. The most well-known member of this family is the pale blue forget-me-not. MORE... |
FROM THE FIELD
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CONSERVANCY WELCOMES SUMMER NATURALISTS
Duties include staffing Mobile Nature Station
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An Eagle on Your Arm - Rich Zanelli demonstrates an interactive feature of the Mobile Nature Station, which will be staffed by summer naturalists. Photo by Bob Rhein
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By Bob Rhein
Each summer, the Catalina Island Conservancy brings four summer naturalists on board to help the Avalon and Two Harbors communities reach their visitors with nature knowledge, hands-on activities, interpretive hikes and information about the incredible natural resources of the Island. MORE...
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NEWS HEADLINES
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ECO-TOURISM WITH INTERNATIONAL FLAVOR
State Department guests observe Conservancy
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International Flavor - Conservancy Director of Conservation and Wildlife Management Julie King met with this touring group of conservationists to discuss the innovative techniques for wildlife management on Catalina. Photo by Alexa Johnson.
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By Alexa Johnson
Nineteen top conservation professionals representing 17 countries observed firsthand the Catalina Island Conservancy at work during the first week of May to learn about the ecological restoration and preservation work done here.
Arranged through the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, this International Visitor Leadership Tour was welcomed by Conservancy President and CEO Ann Muscat before embarking on a journey through the Island's wild interior with Director of Education Frank Hein. MORE...
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PARTICIPATE
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LAST CHANCE TO WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
Tickets available for plein air art event
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Cat Harbor Capture - Joe Paquet paints the vista high above Catalina Harbor. Photo by Jack Baldelli.
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By Bob Rhein
The last chance to purchase tickets to the second annual Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show and Sale on June 22 and 23 is here. This event features plein air paintings of Catalina Island, particularly wildlands stewarded by the Conservancy, by 11 of the most renowned artists in the United States, including Kenn Backhaus, John Budicin, John Cosby, Don Demers, Karl Dempwolf, Andy Evansen, Ben Fenske, Kevin Macpherson, Joe Paquet, Matt Smith and Brian Stewart. MORE... For a preview of some of the 2012 paintings, click HERE. |
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PARTICIPATE
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CATALINA FILM FESTIVAL DOUBLES THE FUN
A little bit of Hollywood comes to Avalon
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Stan the Man - Marvel Comics Writer Stan Lee is interviewed by Jennifer Guonantony of Press Pass LA while on the Red Carpet at the 2012 Catalina Film Festival. Lee is the fabled creator or co-creator of comic book favorites such as The Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, Iron Man and the Hulk. Photo by Neftalie Williams.
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By Bob Rhein
The second annual Catalina Film Festival, benefiting the Conservancy, regenerated some of the glamour and glitz that has returned time and again to the Island with hundreds of productions in the decades since the first movie was made on location here a century years ago.
Attendance doubled to about 2,000 attendees this year, up from 1,000 last year, on the first weekend in May. Based on a formula provided by the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce, revenue generated in the Avalon community topped $500,000 - doubling last year's take. MORE...
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PARTICIPATE
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SIGN UP TO GO GREEN AND PAPERLESS
Simple to get Conservancy Times online
Conservancy members are urged to take the electronic version of the biannual Conservancy Times. The Conservancy will continue to print some copies of the magazine on New Leaf Reincarnation 80# text paper, which is 100% recycled and processed chlorine-free with 60 percent post-consumer waste. This paper is Forest Stewardship Council-certified, and continues efforts by the Conservancy to use recycled, high-quality, cost-effective paper - when we absolutely have to print. But to go greener still, sign up for the online version by sending your name, address and email address HERE. |
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PARTICIPATE
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EXPLORE STORE STICKS UP FOR HIKERS
Trekking-pole discount goes against the grain
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Hiking sticks - The Conservancy's Explore Store is discounting amenities for hikers. Photo by Scott Dennis.
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For the month of June get ready to hit the trail with a beautiful hand-carved hiking stick from the Conservancy's Explore Store in Avalon. A variety of woods and finishes were used so that there's bound to be one just for you. Normally $20 to $36 apiece, these hiking sticks are all 30 percent off during the month of June.
Call (310) 510-2595, extension 100, to find out availability and pricing.
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PARTICIPATE
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DESIGN 2013 UNDERWATER CLEANUP T-SHIRT
Instant celeb gets round-trip boat ticket
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Underwater Cleanup T's - Stu Coleman was the T-shirt artist for the 2009 Garibaldi-themed t-shirt, worn here by, from left to right, volunteers Mike O'Neill of San Diego, and Donny Neel and Carolyn Smith, both of Avalon. They gathered at the Casino Point in preparation for the day's events. Photo by Bob Rhein
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Get your creative bubbles blowing early this year and enter the 32nd annual Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup T-shirt logo contest. Designs are due August 31.
The winning designer receives accolades and recognition with his or her logo printed on T-shirts and dive event materials as well as a celebrity appearance to pull the winning door prize ticket at the award ceremony on the Wrigley Stage in Avalon on February 23, 2013, and one free round-trip boat ticket to Catalina. For contest rules and to view past winners, click HERE.
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WILD PASS DISCOUNTS ISLAND EXPERIENCE
Boat, bike, botany deals among the savings
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Roaming the Wildlands - A whole different world is in store on wild Catalina. The Catalina Wild Pass can defray the cost of getting back into nature. Conservancy file photo
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You can experience the magic and mystique of Catalina at half the normal price with the Catalina Wild Pass. This pass gets you:
* Fifty percent off unlimited Catalina Flyer tickets from March 1 to November 30, 2012.
* One annual Freewheeler mountain bike pass.
* Fifty percent off Conservancy campground fees (save up to $9 per person per night).
* Up to 50 percent off room rates at participating Island hotels and other lodging.
* Fifteen percent off Wildlands Express shuttle to Airport in the Sky.
* Unlimited admission to Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden (plus Garden to Sky Hike).
* Discounts at participating Island merchants.
* Invitations to exclusive social events.
* And an annual membership to the Catalina Island Conservancy.
Like us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/CatalinaConservancy to get a discount code and link to buy the Catalina Wild Pass now.
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PARTICIPATE
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MYSTERY MAN IN PHOTO IDENTIFIES HIMSELF
IDs collected for other movers and shakers
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Unknown No More - Philip K. Wrigley and his wife, Helen (both seated), pose with Conservancy friends and family after signing more than 42,135 acres to the Catalina Island Conservancy valued at nearly $16 million. Pictured are (from left): Misdee Wrigley, Dorothy (Deedie) Wrigley Hancock, Frank Ernest, James Townsend, Dave Vena (attorney), Don Baker (attorney), Shirley Davey, Doug Propst, Hollis Moyse, Fred Frasiers, Scott Stuart, Malcolm Renton. Photo courtesy of he Santa Catalina Island Company.
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Invariably, memories fade and factoids get lost with time. The faces in old photographs are sometimes the most unidentifiable of them all - who is that? In recent years, a photograph used in historical articles about the Conservancy and featuring Philip K. Wrigley and his wife, Helen, surrounded by a dozen other folks integral to the Island, has not carried the names of three individuals in the picture.
These folks were place-marked in captions with the dreaded "unidentified." Luckily, two individuals have stepped forward, one at a function attended by Conservancy President and CEO Ann Muscat. This gentleman identified himself as "I'm unidentified."
Well, not anymore, Scott Stuart. And former Conservancy Board Member Hollis Moyse pinpointed another "unidentified," David Vena, leading us to track down the third "unidentified," Don Baker. The photo appears here with everyone accounted for. Moyse also pointed out that the story accompanied by the same photo on page 10 in the Spring/Summer 2012 edition of Conservancy Times ("The Conservancy Turns 40 ...") carried errors. The seventh sentence should read, "In 1974, the Conservancy entered into a 50-year open space agreement ..." instead of what was printed. The Conservancy regrets the errors.
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