Unique and Rare - Catalina Island Conservancy

Island Raritycontinued from page 1D. KnappCase Study #1The Santa Catalina Island ShrewWeighing little more than a penny, the Santa CatalinaIsland Shrew (Sorex ornatus willetti) is believed to bethe rarest mammal on Catalina. A subspecies of themainland ornate shrew, this tiny insectivore occurs onlyon Santa Catalina Island. Very little information existsabout its life history, abundance, and distributiondespite several attempts to study it over the past twodecades.The Catalina Mahogany occurs naturally in only one remotegully on the southwest side of the island.suppression appears to be a factor in the rarity of someof our plant species, such as the Island Tree Poppy(Dendromecon harfordii) and Felt-leaf Ceanothus(Ceanothus arboreus).We have also introduced many non-native and invasiveplant and animal species. Introduced animals such asferal pigs (Sus scrofa) and bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana )threaten rare native species on Catalina such as theTwo-striped Garter Snake (Thamnophis hammondii)through habitat destruction and predation. In addition,it has been estimated that up to 32 of Catalina’s nativeplant species have been eliminated from the island ordrastically reduced due to the impacts of non-nativeherbivores (Thorne 1976). Introduced animals such asMule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus californicus) and feralpigs hinder oak production by browsing the younggrowth, disturbing the soil, and foraging on acorns.Invasive annual grasses such as Bromes (Bromus spp.)and Wild Oats (Avena spp.) also reduce oak seedlinggrowth through crowding and water competition.Without the crucial replacement of aging oak trees,Catalina’s landscape could look significantly different inthe future as the oaks die off and there are none toreplace them.Between 1941, when it was first described, and 2002,the Santa Catalina Island Shrew had only been seen anddocumented a total of seven times from Avalon,Middle, and Cottonwood Canyons. Since February 2002,monthly monitoring of reptiles, amphibians, smallmammals, and invertebrates using permanently placedpitfall trap arrays has led to the capture of twoadditional shrews in Cottonwood Canyon. Recently anintensive study was conducted by the Conservancy todetermine the distribution and abundance of shrews inthis canyon. More than 10,500 trap nights of effortusing pitfall and live-traps were necessary to capturejust three additional individuals of this rare shrewsubspecies. Although notoriously difficult to trap,similar studies on the mainland capture more far moreshrews per effort.The endemic Santa Catalina Island Fox is found on SantaCatalina Island and nowhere else.F. StarkeyIt is important to understand the causes of rarity to beable to develop conservation strategies that reduce thelikelihood of a rare species going extinct in the future.Through research, restoration of natural ecologicalprocesses, and removal of threats such as invasive plantsand animals, the Catalina Island Conservancy is helpingto protect the rare and unique plant and animal speciesof Santa Catalina Island. The help of the localcommunity and visitors is critical to our success.Like past accounts, these most recent sightings suggestthat the Santa Catalina Island Shrew may be closelyassociated with riparian and wetland habitats. Thesehabitats provide low, dense vegetation and heavy leaflitter with high insect densities, cover for nesting andforaging, and protection from predators (such as cats,foxes, owls, and snakes). Unfortunately, wet habitatsPlease see page 4Conservancy Times3

Island Raritycontinued from page 3are a limited resource on Catalinaboth naturally and due to alterationby humans and non-native animals.Additionally, little is known of therole feral cats (Felis catus) may havein suppressing the population ofshrews. Further research is necessaryto help us better understand whichfactors contribute most to the shrew’srareness so we can develop aconservation plan to protect it andreduce its probability of extinction.Case Study #2The Catalina MahoganyThe Catalina Mahogany (Cercocarpustraskiae) is an example of a speciesthat is extremely rare due to bothnatural and human factors. A smalltree with curved leaves, fuzzy leafundersides, and feathery fruits, itspopulation consisted of only 40 to 50individuals when discovered byBlanche Trask in 1897. Found only onSanta Catalina Island, it occupies oneremote gully on the southern coast of the island.When rediscovered in 1967, only 5 to 6 individualsremained, with no evidence of reproduction. Feral andnon-native herbivores such as feral goats (Capra hircus),feral pigs, and Mule Deer were the suspected cause. Afterfencing two of the trees in the early 1970s, their healthimproved and a new seedling was discovered. A largerfence encompassing both of these trees along with theirassociated habitat was constructed, and the results wereastounding: up to 23 seedlings appeared within thefence that year, which increased to close to 70 seedlingsby 1987. Additional plants were also found, bringing theThe elegant Santa Catalina Ironwoodonce ranged throughout the westernUnited States, but now is found only onCatalina Island.D. Knapptotal to 12 individuals. Propagationand outplanting of this species ingardens throughout the island hasalso ensured that it will not be lostforever.Protection of the natural population isstill a high priority. In 1999, the entiregully (just over 100 acres) was fencedagainst all non-native herbivores.Today, there are a total of 102seedlings and saplings, with three ofthem large enough to be consideredmature. But fencing cannot solve all ofthe threats facing this plant. It is alsohybridizing with a more commonspecies, Island Mountain-Mahogany(Cercocarpus betuloides var.blancheae). Only six of the 12 plantsare pure (Cerocarpus traskiae): five ofthe others are hybrids, and the twelfthis most likely a hybrid. The smallpopulation size of this plant threatensits survival, making removal of thehybrid trees a poor option. TheConservancy is planning to outplantmore pure individuals of this tree in thefuture, both within its native gully and in comparable areas,and hopes to learn more about this diminutive tree andwhy it is so rare.Thorne, R.F. 1976. Conservation and management of thenatural flora of Santa Catalina Island. Unpublished reportprepared for Center for Natural Areas, Washington, D.C.Denise KnappVegetation SpecialistAngela AarhusBiologistVolunteers Make It Happen!The volunteer opportunities in the Ecological Restoration Department are countless and the valuable time that volunteersdedicate seems endless. Sincere thanks to the following; Rachel Adams, Michael Allen, Grant Amthor, Rita Amthor, Art Barker, Cheryll Blevins,Irene Blevins, Patrick Blevins, Paul Blevins, Jeff Chapman, Toyon Bay- CIMI, Jan Cokely, Tony Cokely, Estelle Conover, Juanita Constible, Pam Cooper,Travis Cooper, William Corey, Tyler Cummingham, Ann Cummings, Heather Cummings, Robert Cummings II, Katie Cunningham, Nicolette David, JosephDlugokecki, Dave Farley, Katharine Frank, Jessica Freedman, Fred Freeman, Diane Gilchrist, Johanna Good, Annerose Grellmann, Hans Grellmann,TinaGuagliardo, Mariana Guagliardo, Meaghan Guagliardo, Glen Gustafson, Carole Guttilla, Kim Harley, Lois Hart, Carole Hemphill, Michael Herrera, AnnetteHerrington, Glenn Hibbs, Judy Hibbs, Matt Hibbs, Dean Hill, Laurie Hill, Margaret Hinton, Sarah Hinton, Robert Husted, Deb Jensen, Liz Johnson, B.Z.Jones, Barbara Jones, Jupiter Jones, Thaddeus Jones, Kathleen King , Pat Klingensmith, Denise Knapp, Linda Kolden, Alex Lane, Paul Lane, LanceLichtenhan, Mark Lloyd, Benjamin Lockhart, Leonard Lopez, Michelle Macleod-McGuirk, Robert Malone, Kyle Marsh, Orin Martin, Stephanie Martin, DennisMcDonald, Mary McGuirk, Paul McIlroy, Kathy McIntyre, Mary McKernan, Whitey Mendenhall, Amy Millan, Frank Minuto, Ron Mittano Montclair High School,Ryan Montgomery, Jennifer Moonjian, Bruce Moore, Patricia Moore, Hayato Nakawatase, Youth Group; Our Savior Center, Patrick Pavelski, Judy Pelouze,Richard Pelouze, Diane Bonjour Redlands Academy, Warren Roberts, Sandy Rodriguez, James Rosburg, Nathan Ross, Deaglan Ryan, Linda Salo, JohnSchauer, Maria Schauer, Kerstin Schmidt, Dylan Schuyler, Jaime Schuyler, Jeanie Shelton, Stephanie Shelton, Spencer Steed, Mary Stein, Nate Stevens,Shauna Stevens, Mary Story, Steve Story, Lisa Stratton, Matthew Sutton, Beth Vander Velde, Elizabeth VanWormer, Regina Varrin, 2003 VolunteerVacations, Scott Wauben, Leilani Williamsen, Robbie Williamsen, and Lora York.4Catalina Island Conservancy

Volunteers/Faces and PlacesVolunteer pilot, Fred Freeman, assistsbiologists Mike Puzzo and Susan Cooper trackCatalina Island Fox by air.Catalina Island Marine Institute volunteersgetting together for a group photo after theirmorning project in Middle Canyon.Warren Roberts and the G.P.S. class fromRio Hondo Junior College take a break aftera week of volunteer work.Summer intern, Blake Bishton, works carefully ashe prepares materials for an upcoming event.Always happy to help, Tina Bertaud getsorganized for a big mailing.Volunteer group coordinator, Doug Millard, iscaught in the middle as volunteers fromMontclair High School take time out for a teambuilding exercise.Above and BeyondThe Volunteer Department recognizes the following volunteers for participating with special events and our sitemanagers that keep Bosky Dell, Summit Vista Garden and Haypress, beautiful. A big thank you to: NCCC Western RegionAmericorps, Anne Johnson Casa Colina, Dave Gardner, Odie Hernandez, Rickie Hernandez, Robert Husted, Jupiter Jones, Adam King, SEA Lab LAConservation Corp, Paul McIlroy, National Sierra Club, Richard Pelouze, Bruce Seibert, Paul Carlton Sierra Sage Club, Esmeralda Soto, Mary Story,Steve Story, Chris Messett U.C.L.A., Cambel Berk University of Arizona, and Margarette Wagner.Conservancy Times5

Conservation UpdatesNew Happenings in the Middle Ranch HayfieldsSinkers and FloatersAfter acorns are collected, they are put to a test: do they sink or floatwhen dumped into a basin of water? According to the experts, the“sinkers” are more apt to germinate when planted in the ground thanthe “floaters,” presumably because the floaters have shriveled up orbeen eaten by insects inside the shell. In January 2003, AvalonElementary School second graders expanded the “Big Field” oakwoodland project when they planted over 1200 “floater” acorns.Surprise! The germination rate (13%) was identical to hand-selectedacorns (“sinkers”) of the same species planted the previous year.Because we planted several acorns per protective tree-tube, we have217 tubes, more than 50%, with seedlings, which average 2 inches tall.This winter approximately 350 more seedlings will be added to the sitetowards a goal of over 2000 oaks in the big field.This field in Middle Canyon is plantedwith over 1,000 acorns.Seeds of GrassThe biggest project of the year is a native grassproduction field. Americorps volunteers built asturdy, deer-proof fence and planted over 3,500seedlings of 8 different perennial grass species.Eventually this field will hold nearly 24,000individuals from 12 native grass species. Nativegrasses are highly impacted by non-native annualgrasses and it is difficult to find and collect enoughseeds to do restoration. The production fields willenable the Conservancy to more successfullyconvert bare hillsides and weedy grasslands tonative-dominated perennial grasslands. These plantcommunities will help stabilize the soils, providehabitat for animals while fulfilling their role as aphase in natural succession.The grass seed production field at the mouth of Cape Canyon.Thank You For Your ContributionThe Catalina Island Conservancy’s Administration and Accounting Departments thank volunteers forassisting with general office, special events, VIP driving and much more. Your time is appreciated: James H.Ackerman, Lenny Altherr, Linda Altherr, Craig Bailes, Norris Bishton, Jr., Murray Crow, Hayley Cushing, Caitlin Dawes, Joshua Dawes,Steve Dawes, Dave Gardner, Rose Ellen Gardner, Bob Given, Bruce Guay, Cliff Hague, Rick Harp, Charles Hathaway, Jorge Hernandez,Odie Hernandez, Michael Herrera, Mark Hoefs, Deb Jensen, Liz Johnson, Kathleen King , Denise Knapp, Marie Knowles, AnthonyMichaels, Doug Millard, Ann Muscat, Paxson Offield, Calvin Parsons, Maria Pellegrini, Alison Rusack, Geoffrey Rusack, Ada BlancheSchreiner, Matthew Sutton, Kim Todd, Scott Wauben, Chuck Wright, and Rich Zanelli.6Catalina Island Conservancy

Volunteers in ActionConservancy Staff are Volunteers Too!Lenny Altherr and Doug Millard cooking upsome tasty chicken and steaks.Marineros Served Up Well!Rare, medium or well done was the question of theevening as Catalina Island Conservancy staff cooked upperfect steaks and chicken for the annual Marinero FallCruise to Moonstone Cove on Saturday, September 13,2003.The cruise was complete with the Conservancy staffvolunteering to do much more than cooking alone. Themorning started with a nature hike for all the earlybirds, and the evening festivities included wine tasting,a presentation about the Bald Eagle Reintroductionproject, and a Volunteer Program presentation.How much better can paradise possibly get?Doug Millard and Cindy Lazaris greet guests Loriand Dave Montomery at the garden entrance.Mingling MixerA Mixer indeed! The Wrigley Memorial and BotanicalGarden was the location for the Chamber of Commerce& Visitors Bureau mixer in August. Hosted by theCatalina Island Conservancy, the evening was enjoyedby more than one hundred guests.Twenty Conservancy staff volunteered their services todo an array of jobs. Starting at the Garden entrance,guests were greeted, given nametags, and handed cluesheets for the evening’s Treasure Hunt. The Hunt wasdesigned for guests to locate selected Conservancy staff,each carrying a different clue. The combined cluesspelled out the Conservancy’s mission statement.You Are a StarThank you Caitlin Dawes for all of your volunteer help this summer, at the Airport-in-the-Sky!Volunteers Rich Zanelli, Bruce Guay and Kim Todddiligently staff the wine table.Not too far away from the entrance, more volunteerswere on hand pouring wine and serving sodas andwater. As guests mingled and made their way upthrough the Garden, there were several tables filledwith delicious appetizers. Once reaching the base of theMemorial, volunteers at a second beverage table, thedessert table and a prize table were waiting to receiveguests. We’re still not certain who had the most fun,the guests or the volunteers!Kathleen KingDirector, VolunteersConservancy Times7

VolunteersWelcome Back!Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation-OutdoorAdventures hasbeen volunteeringwith the CatalinaIsland Conservancyfor the past eightyears. During thistime projects haveincluded nonnativeplantremoval, trailbuilding, fenceremoval, nurserydevelopment andmuch more.Outdoor Adventures has also been fortunate enough toexperience many different locations on the island,which most visitors do not even know exist! Throughthis time we have also seen the evolution of the LauraStein VolunteerCampground. Wewould like to reportthat most of our groupstill prefers the outdoorshower, but love theindoor plumbing!This effort is uniquebecause OutdoorAdventures, visitingtwice a year for aweekend, has broughtover 100 differentparticipants all withvarious types of disabilities. Many participants comeyear after year to work with the Conservancy. Eachperson that participates on this trip has such a positiveexperience in giving back to the environment that the“work” aspect of the trip becomes “fun.” The past trip,March 28-30, was no exception. We worked near thenursery, ensuring that the weeds were not outgrowingthe seedlings that were planted in this area. The onlyreal challenge was a rattlesnake that got in our way.The weather was perfect during our stay, which madethe time fly by.Over the years we believe our group has surprised theConservancy with the amount of work we canaccomplish in a day. We believe we go to great lengthsto change the inaccessible to accessible. Having avariety of people, with different disabilities, on a ridgetaking out an old fence or removing non-native plantspresents a challenge, but not a challenge too big forthe group to handle!We look forward to every trip. The partnership betweenCasa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation and the CatalinaIsland Conservancy is here to stay.Gus LazearCasa Colina Program CoordinatorVolunteers Set Sail‘’Welcome aboard,” the captain said in a hearty voice aseach of thirty-eight volunteers boarded the sailing ship‘’Lynx” on Wednesday, May 28, 2003.Lucky Cliff Hague had the winning bid on the Lynxpackage at the 2003 Catalina Island Conservancy Ball.And lucky were the volunteers who were the recipientsof Cliff’s generosity as he donated the package back tothe Conservancy. The invitation list included allvolunteers thatcontributedtheir time andeffort to theBall.In addition tothe three-hourcruise, Cliffprovided avariety ofappetizers,beverages and dessert. It’s safe to say that almosteveryone had seconds on the dessert of raspberriessoaked in Grand Marnier! The afternoon cruise wasboth relaxing and educational as the ship’s crewexplained the historical use of the square top-sailschooner. Designed and built to interpret a privateer ornaval schooner from the War of 1812, the ship and crewoperate with the maritime traditions of early 19thCentury America.Many thanks to Cliff for a thrilling cruise!Kathleen KingDirector, VolunteersHelping HandsThe Facilities Management Department gives a heartfelt thank you to the following volunteers for all of their efforts: RachelAdams, Jani Eisenhut, George Foote, Fred Freeman, Eileen Gleber, Lois Hart, Benjamin Lockhart, Paul McIlroy, Robert Morison, Hayato Nakawatase,Calvin Parsons, Patrick Pavelski, James Rosburg, Kerstin Schmidt, and Spencer Steed.8Catalina Island Conservancy

VolunteersFence Walkers CelebrateOne hundred-forty-miles! That’s exactly how many milesDennis McDonald has walked in several Fence WalkerSections.On August 27th Fence Walkers gathered for a pizza partyand milestone recognitions hosted by Kathleen King andLinda Altherr of the Volunteer Services Department.Handing out certificates, hats and shirts, the evening wasfull of heartfelt appreciation for those that have takenspecial care of monitoring our conservation project fencelines.The number of monitored miles each Walker contributesdetermines milestone marks. Fence Walker hats arepresented at the twelve-mile mark and Fence Walker shirtsat the twenty-four mile mark. What happens at the 140-milemark you ask? We’re still working on that one!Steve Story, Dylan Schuyler, Linda Altherr, DennisMcDonald and Robert Husted, all part of theFence Walker Team.Name2003 Fence WalkersMIlesNicolette David 4.4Lisa Stratton 25.3Dylan Schuyler 7.1Jaime Schuyler 3.2Ron Salo 25.3Linda Salo 25.3Dennis McDonald 140.0Leonard Lopez 14.5Grant Amthor 11.5Rita Amthor 11.5Steve Story 42.5Mary Story 13.6Robert Husted 2.2Howard Fineman 5.8Jani Hall 14.4Judy Hibbs 60.8Glen Hibbs 40.6John Reese 38.3Jeff Jensen 41.6Bruce Moore 23.2Patricia Moore 24.0Welcome New VolunteersMay-August 2003Volunteering can be an exciting, growing, enjoyable experience. It is truly gratifying to serve a cause, practice one’s ideals, workwith people…solve problems…see benefits and know one had a hand in them.~Harriet NaylorRachel Adams, Beth Allen, Michael Allen, Judy Atchison, Dana Aurand, Craig Bailes, Ian Bailes, Art Barker, Rick Beauregard, Daniel Berman,Blake Bishton, Cheryll Blevins, Irene Blevins, Patrick Blevins, Paul Blevins, Gene Bradford, Susan Braucht, Nancy Brown, BSA Troop #149,Brian Clifford, Jan Cokely, Tony Cokely, Juanita Constible, Travis Cooper, Tyler Cunningham,Katie Cunningham, Amber Davison, Barb Ezell,Katharine Frank, Jessica Freedman, Kimberly Garner, Diane Gilchrist, Eileen Gleber, Tina Guagliardo, Mariana Guagliardo, MeaghanGuagliardo, Glen Gustafson, Steve Hayes, Carole Hemphill, Margaret Hinton, Sarah Hinton, Martha Hunter, Roger Isaacson, Linda Kolden,Paul Lane, Jeremy Leonard, Lance Lichtenhan, Benjamin Lockhart, Michelle Macleod-McGuirk, Kyle Marsh, Orin Martin, Stephanie Martin,Aladdin Masry, Danny McCormick, Mary McGuirk, Kathy McIntyre, David Meller, Nicola Menzies, Michael Merello, Robert Meyer, VirginiaMeyer, Curt Miles, Amy Millan, Doug Millard, Jennifer Moonjian, Hayato Nakawatase, Devender Narang, Mairah Ocallaghan, Mary Odano,Our Savior Center Youth Group, Patrick Pavelski, Rebecca Petrella, Micah Phillips, Mary Pritchett, Mike Puchak, Diane Bonjour; RedlandsAcademy, Nidya Rivera, Warren Roberts, Serene Rock, Nancy Roisum, James Rosburg, Nathan Ross, JadeSanders, Juan Sandoval, DonnaSchafer, John Schauer, Maria Schauer, Kerstin Schmidt, W. Douglas Serrill, Stephanie Shelton, Greg Snaer, Katie Sobczak, Spencer Steed,Nicole Stephenson, Nate Stevens, Shauna Stevens, Jensen Thrane, Ellen Turnbull, Beth VanderVelde, Chris VanEtten, Thea VanLancker,Elizabeth VanWormer, Regina Varrin, Tom Wadman, Matt Ward, Leilani Williamsen, Robbie Williamsen, Rich Zanelli.Conservancy Times 9

C ALENDARY our guide to gettingEDUCATION OFFERINGSJan. 3, The HIKE8:00 a.m. Hermit Gulch loop. Focus will beon the rare, native, and endemic plants ofthe island.Reservations must be made by Dec 27.Jan. 14, Evening Nature Program7:00 p.m. “Tales of Whales” Find out about local cetaceansand their habits.Metropole Conference Room.Feb. 7, The HIKE8:00 a.m. From oak woodland restoration sites in MiddleCanyon to the deep shade of mature oak trees in BulrushCanyon. Reservations must be made by Jan 31.Feb. 11, Evening Nature Program7:00 p.m. "Turtle Hurdles” Come learn about the lifecycles and lifestyles of these ancient animals.Metropole Conference Room.March 6, The HIKE8:00 a.m. Cottonwood Canyon in spring. Wildlife abounds.The canyon is home to numerous archeological sites.Reservations must be made by Feb. 28.March 10, Evening Nature Program7:00 p.m. "Seafood Salad” Early humans on the islanddepended on the ocean for most of their food. Today, westill appreciate the bounty of the sea. This programincludes tasty opportunities!Metropole Conference Room.Want to join in on an education program? Contact the EducationDepartment (310) 510-0954 or education@catalinaconservancy.orgVOLUNTEER HAPPENINGSVolunteer VacationsVolunteer Vacations are an excitingchange of pace from the usual vacation.Your experience will serve as an excellentopportunity to learn about the unique ecology of SantaCatalina Island, give back to the environment, and havesome fun at the same time.May 10-14, 2004May 24-28, 2004June 7-11, 2004June 21-25, 2004Island Fires ResearchThe Ecological Restoration Department is looking for avolunteer who loves island history, enjoys organizing factsand catches interesting details. The volunteer will work outof the Catalina Island Museum to hunt through islandnewspapers from 1936 to present, for any storiesreferencing wild fires on Catalina Island. This project affordsflexibility, any day or time the Museum is open.Save our SeedsSeed Seekers are gaining on us! Train on the varioustechniques needed for seed processing and help us to stayahead of the Seed Seekers. Learn the different types ofisland seeds and how they are propagated. Join us for a rideout to the James H. Ackerman Native Plant Nursery whereMike will train you on the various seed processingtechniques.Follow a Catalina Feral Cat PathLearn more about the island feral cat situation. Twentypaths have been selected and marked to collect data.This information will increase our knowledge in thehabits of the feral cat population. Follow their trailsthrough different parts of the island as you "treasurehunt" areas that range 3/4 to 1 1/2 miles each. Darceewill train and help you to understand the importance ofrecording data from what they leave behind.Thank you for your continued support of the CatalinYou may send your tax deductible year end contribution in th1 0Catalina Island Conservancy

Featuring . .involved on C atalinaGPS Mapping OpportunityParticipate in a hands-on, field class to learn how to use ourTrimble Explorer GPS units. Then travel around the islandmapping utility poles or non-native tree species in theMiddle Canyon watershed area. Volunteers should enjoyhiking and be able to hike over rigorous terrain. Vehicle andtraining are provided. Let us know your schedule.Would you like more information about these and othervolunteer opportunitites with the Catalina Island Conservancy?Call Director of Volunteer Services Kathy King at (310) 510-2595,ext. 102 or email volunteers@catalinaconservancy.orgJoin us as we explore the island by foot onthe first Saturday each month. Sign up forthe HIKE by calling (310) 510-0954.SPECIAL EVENTSJanuary 1 - 17,Christmas Tree RecyclingHelp stop erosion on Catalina Island.Bring your Christmas tree to the parkinglot at Wilcox Nursery to be recycled.Please be sure to remove all stands,ornaments and tinsel. Flocked trees cannot be accepted.February 21, 24th Annual Avalon Harbor UnderwaterCleanup Anticipating 500 divers to clean Avalon Bay (a oncea year diving advantage). For more information, go towww.ccd.org or call Jill Boivin (310) 510-2595 x 123.April 3, Catalina Island Conservancy BallOur largest fund-raiser of the year. This year’s black-tie eventis hosted by Balboa Yacht Club. For more information pleasesee the back page of this issue.You can help prevent erosion on the islandby recycling your Christmas tree.April 23, Earth Day9 a.m. - 3 p.m. It's an Earth Day Celebration at the newlyrefurbished Nature Center at Catalina's Airport-in-the-Sky!So, get on the bus and head on out to the hills for a specialday of extra-fun environmental activities! Round triptransportation from Avalon will be provided all day. Call(310) 510-0954 for additional information.Island Conservancy.e enclosed envelope.Help researchers collect data on the feralcat populations in the interior.Conservancy Times

Memberships Move UsA warm welcome to our new members! (5-1-2003 through 9-30-2003)AMIGOS$100 annual duesMaureen CasielloSteve English and Molly MungerMark and Marsha HelmMatt Herndon and Cathy SomertonDon and Margaret LouderbackBill ScarberryCATALINA CONSERVANCYDIVERS$100 annual duesWendell ColeReed and Anne CopseyGary GilpinDennis GunnKatie HornAlbert LaubensteinJorge LedesmaSteve OliveauNick RioloGenoveva RuizGary and Marjorie SandersMichael SauerRoger and Debra UrbachCATALINA CONQUISTADORS$100 annual duesJoseph and Barbara MendelsonGary and Nancy PickettBret PrichardCATALINA CABALLEROS$100 annual duesBrian and Jan BesserBernadette and Tyrone ByrdCliff HagueManuel HidalgoCATALINA MARINEROS$100 annual duesDiane AdlerDaniel and Elizabeth BarnesDavid and Stefanie BeekKevin and Sofia BicknellJim and Chris BrennanBruce and Judy BrilhartCraig and Sue BurnettJames and Terri CollingsTed CoxMax and Patty De ZemplenWilliam and Amy DoyleAlexandra DunlapGeorge and Kate EastmanRay and Diana ElamChristian EmsiekMichael and Kimberly FowlkesMichael and Jan FranklinHans and Annerose GrellmannErik and Megan HandRonald Harrison and Richard MagnusOliver and Helen HenricksonLen and Carolyn HitchinBarry and Cinda HoevenRobert and Ilene HoffmanMark and Michelle HoherdLen and Monica HorstmanCharles and Barbara HughesAlex IrvingScott JaremaTimothy and Mari Anna JohnsonSteven and Wendy JonesJohn Keith and Lindsay TognettiChristopher and Tracy KeysDaniel and Betty KilmerSteven and Janet KiserArt KnowlsonDavid and Deborah LakeRay and Elizabeth LewisAnthony LongCraig and Deborrah LugoHugh McDanielDon and Carol McKibbinJohn and Pat MerrellJohn and Jodi MillerMax MoosmannSteve and Cindy NorstromRobert and Mary PalmerSigrid PepperEric and Eileen PetersBlake and Terri QuinnKeith and Robyn RandleWayne RodgersEduardo and Renee SaviglianoBrian and Kathryn SmithWilliam and Nancy SmithMary Kay StearnsMichael and Gloria SullivanMike TalbotJay and Jane TorreRichard and Annette TownsendThomas Vyse and Dolores KneeceJames and Janet WentzRon and Judy WoodDon and Michele YahnISLAND RESIDENTS$25 annual duesGlenda AparicioPatrick and Martha HunterScott and Annie MoyseJo Ann StewartSTUDENTS$10 annual duesEmily CasielloJessica CasielloErik RagsdaleElizabeth VanWormerFRIENDS OF CATALINA$25 annual duesEmily AllenAndy, Shelli, Samantha and HarwoodAlstonBill and Nancy AndersonSussan BoydJason and Jennifer CampbellRochelle Casolaro and Vincent CasolaroJeff and Julie ChristiansenGeorg Coermann and Baerbel BugeBarney and Judith ConnaughtonEsther CummingsAmber DavisonJoLynn EdmistonSusan EnguidanosDorian EvelandDavid FoxKatharine FrankSarah FrenchJohn and Kathy GillilandMark and Lisa GordonDavid and Kathleen GuzmanDianne HaggermanLeonard and Judy HalpinSuzanne and Kim HaugEd HaydukJenipher HernandezMike Hudkins and Karen RichardsTim and Robin IvesJennifer KellyWilliam and Gayle KingPeter and Meg KohnFernando and Shelley LedesmaCarol Levenson and Robert JordanSum LiThomas and Carol McMillanFrank and Nancy MedlockThomas and Sherry MoneyTheresa MorrisDavid MorrisNancy MurrayMs. Thomas and the 4th Grade ClassEd and Sue PirrellJames and Jeanne PrestonJeff and Linda RaymondJim and Ramona RichardsonPhilip and Stephanie RodriguezJohn and Claudia RohringNancy RoisumStephen RoseDan and Jenny ShepherdSusan ShermanJeff and Sue SingerGreg Tice and Teresa MillyKevin TisonBradley Walker and Catherine Najm-WalkerBen WestLinda WhitingLeonard and Paula WooTony and Molly Yannakakis1 2Catalina Island Conservancy

Member HappeningsCatalina Caballeros again join Los Caballeros’ Catalina Island TrekMany members of the Catalina Caballeros support group of the Conservancy, are alsomembers of Los Caballeros, an organization of men who share an interest in horses that wasformed shortly after World War II. One of theprincipal purposes of the group is to enjoy thecomaraderie and horsemanship of planned rides and excursions.Since then, there have been 54 Los Caballeros Catalina Island “treks.”The entire ride group, averaging about 100, plus their horses aretransported to Catalina Island. The horses are loaded into vans andalong with supplies, baggage, hay, and feed are stowed on bargesand head to the island for a five-day ride.Included in the five-day event are a rodeo, horsemanship clinics,special rides, trail horse competition, cowboy music, and aConservancy nature ride.Rowing Around the IslandLloyd Mokler (r), a senior member of theLos Caballeros, joins Terry Chapman (l) ingreeting Ann Muscat at the rodeo.Conservancy Board member Charles Hathaway, along with his two sons and a grandson, entered the recent Aroundthe-Islandrowing event sponsored by the California Yacht Club. They are pictured in the photo taken at CatalinaHarbor preparing for the event. Left to right aresons Tom and Steve, grandson Sterling, andCharles. Total on-the-water time for the four was10 hours, 8 minutes and 32 seconds.Sixteen rowing shells competed in the two-dayevent that started and ended at the yacht club’sfacility in Catalina Harbor. The overnight stopwas at Newport Harbor Yacht Club’s facility atMoonstone Beach. The fastest total on-the-watertime was by Conservancy members Craig Leedsand Margie Cate in a 2-person shell. Their timewas 6 hours, 28 minutes and 23 seconds.The rowing event alternates annually between anAround-the-Island row and a Catalina-to-Marinadel Rey row.Making the DifferenceWith the assistance of Volunteers, the Catalina Island Conservancy is able to provide a wide curriculum of courses andclasses specifically designed for students. The Education Department appreciates the following volunteers fordedicating their valuable time: Judy Atchison, Ian Bailes, Jeff Chapman, Judith Clark, Estelle Conover, Pam Cooper, Caitlin Dawes, JosephDlugokecki, Rita Dlugokecki, Bob Given, Dean Hill, Laurie Hill, Jeff Jensen, Erik Katzmaier, Nancy Kellogg, Ron Lowder, Mary McKernan, WhiteyMendenhall, Robert Meyer, Virginia Meyer, Ron Mittano; Montclair High School, Andrea Morison, Youth Group; Our Savior Center, Calvin Parsons,Richard Pelouze, Micah Phillips, and Steven Pillman.Conservancy Times1 3

Support OpportunitiesGIVING AT YEAR-ENDIf you are like many people, you do your major giving toward the end of the year. This probably occurs forseveral reasons. The closing of the tax year encourages income tax deductions; a barrage of earnest non-profitappeals arrives in the mail; financial planners review overall estate and financial plans; the desire to help afavorite non-profit secure the funds to complete their annual work; and the wish to help an organization startout the next year financially strong.The Catalina Island Conservancy would like you to consider us for a year-end contribution. The following tipsmay help you to make the most of your year-end giving.CONSIDER THE EASIEST – GIFTS OF CASHCash and checks are the most common forms of charitable gifts.If you itemize your tax deductions, these gifts are fullydeductible to the fullest extent of the law.TALK TO YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISORIf you are not sure about how to make ayear-end contribution, ask your taxpreparer, attorney, or other financial advisorabout the method of giving that is mostadvantageous to you.IF YOU HAVE STOCKS, REVIEW THEMIf you have stocks that you have held formore than a year and they haveappreciated in value, it may be prudent foryou to make your year-end gift using them.You may avoid capital gains tax and alsoclaim a charitable deduction.THINK ABOUT PLANNED GIVINGIf a contribution is not something you cando right now, consider announcing aplanned gift – either through your will, as abeneficiary in your life insurance policy, with a charitable trust,or other formally planned future contribution.MEMORIAL GIFTSYear-end gifts can be made in memory of a loved one or specialfriend. Memorial gifts of any size will be entered in theConservancy’s Book of Memories. A $250 memorial gift qualifiesfor a personalized brass plaque in the memorial case atCatalina’s Airport-in-the-Sky.THE BEST GIFT IS AN UNRESTRICTED GIFTThis gift is the mort important type that can be given. Itallows the Conservancy to use the funds contributed forthe most important conservation need at the time.DO YOUR GIVING EARLYThis is especially true if you want to make agift of stock or want to consider plannedgiving. Your professional advisors are busy asthe year winds down, so the sooner you canget your gift activity going, the better it willbe for everyone concerned.MEMBERSHIPS HELP TOOMemberships in the Conservancy have thesame deductible basis as a contribution. Ifyou are not a member of the Conservancyand would prefer to become one at this timerather than make a regular contribution, callour membership department at (310) 5102595, extension 114 to receive information.PROJECT GIFTS ARE FAVORED BY SOMEIf you have a favorite area of theConservancy’s work, you can direct your contribution toward it.It may be wildlands restoration projects, education, fox recovery,volunteer programs, or ecological research. Just indicate it onthe return envelope and we will honor your request.NAMING OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLEIf you want to consider a major gift, naming opportunities areavailable. This may be naming a project after the donor, aspecific activity, a distinctive fund, or a special structure.B. EzellREMEMBER THERE ARE NUMEROUS WAYS THAT YEAR-END GIVING CAN LOWER YOUR TAXES WHILEINCREASING THE CONSERVANCY'S ABILITY TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT CATALINA ISLAND.THE CONSERVANCY NEEDS AND APPRECIATES YOUR SUPPORT.You’re a LifesaverCatalina Island Conservancy Ball, Underwater Cleanup, Video, Trade Shows, and Golf Tournaments are just a few projectsthat volunteers help the Development and Membership Department achieve. Our deepest gratitude to the following volunteers:Tina Bertaud, Randy Boelsems, Jill Boivin, Dirk Burcham, Lynn Burt, John Celick, Bruce Cook, Hayley Cushing, Caitlin Dawes, Odie Hernandez, Judy Hibbs,Susy Horowitz, Richard Pelouze, Don Robarge, Christian Rondestvedt, Ted Sharshan, Jim Steffen, Loretta Steffen, Steve Story, and Todd Warshaw.1 4Catalina Island Conservancy

The Work We DoThe Truth About Visitor ServicesThe day started out like any other Monday in summer. Not too busyby late afternoon, no cruise ship that day. I receive a call from AvalonSheriff’s Station dispatch. They report a deer caught and injured neartown. The deer will probably have to be put down and they wouldlike assistance. The location they describe is not on Conservancyproperty, and deer belong to the State of California, but I let themknow that I will inform the Ranger on duty so he can follow up. Icontact Jim, our Ranger, about the deer by radio. He advises me thatthe California Department of Fish & Game has a couple employeeson the island at present and he will try to contact them.Visitor Services staff keeping it under control. (l to r),Rebecca Guay, Liz Johnson, and Diane Conover.Meanwhile Jim is dealing with a broken down vehicle that may posea danger if left in its current location after dark. He asks me to lookup the license plate number in our database to see if we can identifythe owner. At the same time, the phones are ringing, and people arewaiting at the counter for hiking permits. Liz, our front desk staff, isaway making the afternoon post office drop.A call comes in from a hiker on his cell phone. He thinks he is lost, heis almost out of water, it is warm outside and he is getting worried. Itry to help him figure out where he is.After determining that the broken down vehicle is not in our database as an annual permit, I check the daily card key list to see ifwe can identify the owner that way. The phones are still ringing. One of the calls is an employee to inform me about the deer. Ilet him know that a Ranger has been contacted.In the meantime, I am trying to keep the hiker calm and have him tell me what his surroundings look like. I give him landmarksto look for to try to head him in the right direction. I advise the Ranger of the hiker. The phones are still ringing and people arestill waiting. A Deputy Sheriff calls to tell me about the deer. I explain to him what’s going on. He asks for the Institute for WildlifeStudies’ phone number.I cannot find any information on the disabled vehicle. I can only assume the vehicle is out there without a permit. Now the hikersees a landmark and I think he is headed the right direction but he is still worried. I get his cell phone number so that I can callhim back and keep track of him. By now, Jim has dealt with the deer situation. He has determined that the vehicle will have tostay where it is for now and heads for the hiker. A few minutes later Jim calls to inform me the hiker is on his way back to town,and Jim will stop by the office to follow up on the vehicle.Somewhere in all this Liz has returned and has helped the people at the desk.Just a typical hour at Visitor Services, mid-July....Visitor Services Staff answer phones, offer Ranger support, issue various permits, manage the Jeep Eco-Tour reservations, continue afifty year rainfall log, design, purchase and sell retail Conservancy logo items, among many other tasks. There’s always a smile waiting,even on a day that starts out like any other Monday.Rebecca GuayDirector of Visitor ServicesYou Make The DifferenceVisitor Services gives a warm thank you to the following volunteers for their dedicated time as CatalinaConservancy Greeters and Eco-Tour Drivers; Rita Dlugokecki, Judy Hibbs, Paul McIlroy, Mary McKernan, and Jim Watson.Conservancy Times1 5

Save this date!April 3, 20049 t h Annual Catalina IslandConservancy BallSANTA CATALINA - TH E ISLAND O F ROMANCEHave you ever wished that you could be whisked away in a time machine to the days when elegant couplestwirled around the dance floor to the sounds of a big band in the C asino Ballroom?This is your chance!O n A pril 3, 2004, the B alboa Y acht C lub is proud to host the ninth annual Catalina IslandC onservancy Ball. This exciting event features a black-tie dinner dance with gourmet fare and live andsilent auctions. A ll proceeds from the evening will go the Conservancy to enable it to continue its workpreserving the island that is truly a S outhern California treasure.D on’t be left out. P lease call the B alboa Y acht Club information line at (949) 673-3515 ext.147.Catalina Island ConservancyP.O. Box 2739Avalon, California 90704www.catalinaconservancy.orgThe mission of the Catalina IslandConservancy is to be responsiblestewards of its lands through abalance of conservation, educationand recreation.Printed on 100% recycled paper with vegetable-based ink.