Island in the Sea - Catalina Island Conservancy

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Nature’s NotebookLife in the SandBeaches and dunes, those sandy edges between the sea and Catalina, are rare andunique habitats. Rain and wind play a role in beach and dune living. Rainwaterbarely pauses as it drains through the sand, leaving plants in thishabitat to survive in perpetual drought-like conditions. The windeasily picks up and moves the dry sand grains, uncovering rootsand stirring up abrasive particles. In addition to the water andwind situation, sand is a nutrient-poor substrate. Soil salinity,airborne salt in fog and sea spray, and intense heat and lightreflected up from the surface contribute to the challenges ofsurvival on the coastal strand.Sand VerbenaVery few plants and animals are adapted to survive in this severehabitat. On Catalina, only ten low-growing native plants aredescribed as making up the coastal strand plant community. Twoof these, the sand verbenas, are perennials with sticky, hairy stems and thick ovalleaves. The plants trail on the sand. Sticky sand verbena (Abronia maritima) hasbright reddish purple flowers, beach sand verbena (Abronia umbellata) flowers arerosy pink and sweetly night fragrant. Both may be seen blooming from Marchthrough November on the sandy dunes at Little Harbor and Ben Weston beaches.ISLAND Journal . . . a young naturalist’s CatalinaInvestigations Stimulating Learning About Natural Diversity isan environmental education curriculum designed specifically forCatalina’s local schools. The following is an excerpt taken froma book written by a 4th grade class after participating in the“Kelp Help” lesson. Focusing on the dynamic kelp forestecosystem in the classroom, students participate in a beachsurvey and clean-up at Shark Harbor.Observing Our BeachWhile we were walking along the beach, we found evidence of animaland human life. Human evidence: chewing tobacco can, surf board,lighters, cigarettes, insole, beer cans, ribbon, rope, charcoal. Animalevidence: seagull tracks, lizard, flies, bugs, sand crabs, feather, spider.The Trash Clean-UpWhen we were searching for trash we found plastic, metal, wood, glass,and styrofoam. The most trash was plastic. Plastic can hurt lots ofanimals that come to the beach to eat, like sea lions, sea gulls, hawks,sparrows, and bugs. The trip made us so happy because we cleanedShark Harbor.10Catalina Island Conservancy
The View From HereWillow CoveAvalon busy harbor beginningGreat blue ocean ebbingRock on rock gurglingCoastline extendingHarbor seals peekingSun on water sparklingSwells gently rollingLeopard sharks cajolingRavens, sea gulls, eagles, pelicans soaringPaddle into water dippingKayak nose pointingto Willow CoveAnonymousSpend the day picknicking and snorkeling in crystal blue water, or spend the night camping and stargazing atbeautiful Willow Cove. Only 2.75 miles north of Avalon, Willow Cove is one of eleven “primitive” campsites onConservancy land accessible only by kayak or boat. For more information, call (310) 510-3577 or visitwww.campingcatalinaisland.com.On this page, we welcome your thoughts, musings, sketchesand photos of Catalina. Please send to Editor, Conservancy Times,P.O. Box 2739, Avalon, CA 90704. All items become the propertyof the Catalina Island Conservancy.Conservancy Times 11
Page 1: Arctostaphylos catalinaeA p u b l i
Page 4 and 5: Conservation ActionEcological Resto
Page 6 and 7: C ALENDARYour guide toEDUCATION OFF
Page 8 and 9: Memberships Move UsA warm welcome t
Page 12: The 3rd Annual Catalina Island Cons

Island in the Sea - Catalina Island Conservancy

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