Tickets for this year's Conservancy Ball, Camp Catalina, are on sale now. Register today to reserve your space around the campfire for what is sure to be a spectacular evening. We hope that you enjoy this issue.
Sincerely,
Ann Muscat, President & Chief Executive Officer
PHOTO GALLERY
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE - AND WHY
Up Close and Personal - Conservancy Director of Education Frank Hein conducts an in-the-field course of his Naturalist Training Program from behind the wheel of a Jeep ® through Catalina's wild back-country. Photo by Pat Maxwell
By Bob Rhein
Climb aboard one of the Conservancy's new Jeep® Eco-Tour vehicles with Frank Hein, the Conservancy's director of education, for an insider's look at Island Naturalist Training - Level Two. The goal of the Naturalist Training Program is to give tour guides, hoteliers and all Island businesses a definitive education on the natural history of Catalina.This month's Photo Gallery are by Pat Maxwell, unless noted.
FROM THE FIELD
BIOLOGIST ROOTS OUT INVASIVE PLANTS
Plant Wars - Tony Summers removes a particularly nasty growth of invasive fennel.
By Bob Rhein
Tony Summers grew up on 16 acres of woods and farmland in the Wisconsin countryside. "I spent a lot of time outside," he said, much of it gardening.
He has put that practical education to use to become the Conservancy's supervisor of the Invasive Plants Program.
FROM THE FIELD
NATIVE PLANT NURSERY OPEN HOUSE AND SALE
Catalina Liveforevers - These popular and endemic succulents with upright leaves are favorites at the Ackerman Nursery.
The Conservancy's Ackerman Native Plant Open House and Sale will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 24, at Middle Ranch. More than 80 drought tolerant species are for the choosing, including Catalina's endemics. Shuttles will depart from Avalon at 11 a.m. RSVPnow!
NEWS HEADLINES
AIRPORT IN THE SKY HANGAR GETS FACELIFT
Beaming Again - A coat of paint plus the replacement of damaged windows gave the hangar that new look.
The Catalina Island Conservancy's loftiest facility, at an elevation of 1,602 feet, received high priority this fall as the hangar at the Airport in the Sky was treated to a fresh coat of white paint and general refurbishment. Most of the work was completed the week after Christmas.
PARTICIPATION
THE TOUGHEST MARATHON YOU'LL EVER LOVE
The Catalina Island Conservancy Marathon through rugged terrain featuring spectacular vistas has been ranked No. 6 on weather.com's list of "World's 15 Toughest Marathons" Register HERE! By participating you will support the Conservancy's nonprofit work to keep Catalina's Wildlands wild.
PARTICIPATION
STILL TIME TO DIVE INTO BAY CLEANUP
Cleaning the Bay - A diver prepares to submerge off Casino Point during a previous Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup. Photo by Bob Rhein
By Bob Rhein
The 32nd Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup will take place Saturday, February 23. This is the last chance to sign up for this legendary dive event at the discounted price of $50 online until registration closes February 16, 2013. Registration the day of the dive will be $60.
The Case for Conservation with marine conservationist Petra Deimer will be held at 7 p.m. March 12 in the Grand Salon, California State University Channel Islands, Camarillo: Tickets $25, info at ciparkfoundation.org.
Banner photo: Camp Catalina - The 19th Annual Catalina Island Conservancy Ball will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2013, in the Avalon Casino Ballroom. Information on registration and tickets is available online along with descriptions of auction donations.
