catalinae

Arctostaphylos

A publication of the Catalina Island Conservancy Spring 2004 Wild Catalina - A Living Laboratory

Knowing the players in a natural area is an important aspect of conservation management. There are approximately 280 different bird species recorded for Catalina, over 400 native plant species, at least 225 non-native plant species, ten different kinds of mammals, and countless insects. That’s only a partial list of organisms that are big enough for us to see. A scientific survey or census is used to gather population information on a species or community. Monitoring, a process of rigorous, regular data taking in randomly selected locations, gives information of how populations change over time. Together, Conservancy staff took a side trip to while attending the surveys and monitoring are used California Islands Symposium last December. to inform conservation management decisions for maximum effectiveness in The Catalina Island Conservancy’s The following are highlights from protecting a wild area. The presence at the California Islands four of the research papers and natural world is so complex that Symposium marks an important step for posters presented at the California understanding all the players and the organization as it seeks to Islands Symposium. A complete list their relationships to each other is disseminate information, results, and of research presented can be far beyond the scope of our case studies about the broad spectrum found on page 5. resources. Collegial sharing of of research and conservation work research findings and underway on Catalina. Continued on page 3 management scenarios is one important way to increase our knowledge and effectiveness. I N S I D E At a recent symposium regarding ecological challenges in the About the Conservancy. . . p. 2 Calendar of Events . . . . . p. 8 California Islands, 15 members of the Conservancy staff and From the President...... p. 2 Membership ...... p.12 consulting partners funded by the Conservation Updates . . . . p. 6 Support Opportunities . . p.14 Conservancy presented papers on Missing acorns research, restoration and cause a stir. Volunteers in Action...... p. 7 Nature’s Notebook...... p.15 environmental education topics. See page 11. Wild Catalina CATALINA ISLAND CONSERVANCY From the President continued from page 1 Dear Friend of the Conservancy, only to development as a threat to biodiversity. When B ENEFACTOR M EMBERS you have more invasive plants than you can control at Robert Given, Chair Every organization reaches a critical one time, what do you do? You prioritize. To do that, James H. Ackerman you need to know which invasive plants you have, Paxson H. Offield juncture in its development when it where they are and in what numbers, and how Alison Wrigley Rusack has the opportunity to evolve and to make a greater impact in its field. damaging each species is relative to the others. Six With more than 30 years of months was spent mapping 75 invasive species over OARD OF IRECTORS B D outstanding work in conservation, every major ridge (200+) and drainage (233) on the Geoffrey Rusack, Chair restoration and education to its Island, along all roads (220 miles), coastline (50+ miles), and human inhabited areas such as: Avalon, Two Ann Muscat credit, the Catalina Island Clifford Hague Harbors, occupied coves and Middle Ranch. The research Richard Harp Calvin Parsons Conservancy is at that juncture and Charles Hathaway Maria Pellegrini we are looking ahead to discover includes learning more about each species, how it Robert Meistrell Ada Blanche Schreiner how we may best serve to keep impacts ecosystems, and how to control it. Putting it all Anthony Michaels Landbird monitoring relies on the keen observation together, the research will result in a world-class Catalina Island beautiful and wild for skills of many volunteers. prioritized invasive plant management plan for the Director Emeritus future generations. We also have begun evolving the structure of the Catalina Island Conservancy. To learn more about this Robert Thorne organization so that we may share the results of our work with Relative Abundance, Habitat Associations, and national and global communities, making possible an impact of a Population Trends of Landbirds on Santa Catalina Island project, go to the Catalina Island Conservancy’s website at: www.catalinaconservancy.org/ecology/research/knapp.asp. E LECTED O FFICERS scope not usually associated with local land trusts. Angela Aarhus, Field Biologist Ann Muscat, Catalina Island Conservancy President/Chief Executive Officer To become a model for Island conservation, the Conservancy will D. Knapp Mel Dinkel need to continue to streamline and create efficiencies in its The Island is home to 37 resident bird species: three endemic to Catalina (California quail, Bewick’s wren, Chief Operating Officer/Treasurer operations, and it will need to fully develop the wealth of resources Hutton’s vireo) and seven endemic to the Channel it already has in its talented and dedicated staff. In addition, we Islands (Orange-crowned warbler, Loggerhead shrike, must become more effective at communicating both internally and Spotted towhee, Allen’s hummingbird, Pacific-sloped D EPARTMENT M ANAGERS externally, identify new partners to help fulfill our mission, and in flycatcher, Horned lark, House finch). In spring 1999, the the process fine-tune our ability to collaborate. We will have to Conservancy initiated a landbird monitoring (LBM) program. The objectives of LBM are to monitor the Lenny Altherr Director, Facilities identify new sources of support, and continue to rely on the support abundance, distribution, and population trends of Management of long-time friends. But most importantly, we will have to develop with our stakeholders a cohesive vision, and a plan for reaching that landbird species—-as a means to alert the Conservancy Leslie Baer Chief Communications Officer to significant changes in landbird populations that may Steve Dawes Supervisor, Special Projects vision, that begins with hopes and dreams and ends with strategies and timelines. require mitigation, study or action. An Island-wide David Gardner Director, Security survey is conducted twice per year in spring and fall; 80 Mark Hoefs Director & Curator, point count stations are visited once each season by Wrigley Botanical Garden In January the Conservancy began a comprehensive visioning process, birders with the help of volunteers. From spring 1999 to Exclosures installed to monitor vegetation growth after the Deb Jensen Director, Education meeting first with its staff, Board of Directors and Benefactors. This Fall 2003, 11,612 birds were detected during the counts, fire at Goat Harbor reveal important information. Kathleen King Director, Volunteer Services Strategic Visioning and Planning Process will span a full year and will representing 75 species from 36 families. Resident birds include dialogue with Island residents, owners and operators of represented 80% of all detections and the most Paul Moritz Director, Airport Operations Rare Plants in the Goat Harbor Burn Area, Santa businesses associated with Catalina Island, visitors to the Island, abundant species was the Catalina subspecies of Jane Pulsinelli Assistant Treasurer Catalina Island, California California quail. The highest number of species (46) and Peter Schuyler Director, Ecological colleagues in science and education and in the media, and others as Denise Knapp,Vegetation Specialist number of detections (4,134 birds or 36% of total Restoration appropriate. I invite you to share your hopes and dreams for the Catalina Island Conservancy detections) occurred in scrub oak chaparral habitat. Charles Wright Director, Development Conservancy and the Island with me. Feel free to send me your Results indicate that some species, such as Loggerhead thoughts at [email protected]. The Goat Harbor Burn Area is a 300-acre plot that shrike and Burrowing owl, are not accurately surveyed burned in 1999. Fire is a natural and important with the survey protocol. There is a need for more ecosystem process, and this burn gave us an opportunity focused studies of these species. to learn more about its role in the plant communities Contact Us Invasive Plant Risk Assessment and Control Prioritization on the Island. What we’ve found is that, just as in (310) 510 - 2595 on Santa Catalina Island, Including Determination of similar mainland communities, many rare plants were Minimum Mapping Sample and Accuracy stimulated to germinate by the burn. We also found [email protected] Bravo, Good Job!! John Knapp, researcher that many of these plants must be protected from or visit us at From meetings to patrol, the Ranger Department congratulates the Reserve Cal Poly San Luis Obispo introduced animals such as deer in order to survive and 125 Claressa Avenue, Avalon, CA Rangers on a job well done: Jack Baldelli, Boyd Cargill, J. Paul DeMyer, Joseph thrive. Dlugokecki, Ronald Eroen, Cliff Hague, Richard Hague, Dean Hill, Bob Kopolow, Scott Each year, invasive plants in the United States cause 13 Visitor Services hours 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily Patterson, Steve and Ronna Schreiner and Chuck Wright. billion dollars worth of damage; this problem is second Please see page 4 2 3 Catalina Island Conservancy Conservancy Times Wild Catalina continued from page 3

Seven rare annual species were found in the burn area in each generation for domestic behavior to occur. One (both on sampling transects and out), and five of those component of the feral cat project is aimed at California Islands Symposium Presentations were not found elsewhere on the Island. Two of these quantifying the effects sterilization has on feral cat plants are found only on the movement and home range size. Presenter Title Channel Islands (Island endemic), Angela Aarhus Relative Abundance, Habitat Associations, and Population Trends of Landbirds on Santa Catalina Island, CA and one of them, fire poppy, had According to scientific literature, never been recorded before on female cats tend to have small, Angela Aarhus Abundance and Distribution of The Santa Catalina Island Shrew (Sorex ornatus willetti) in Cottonwood Catalina. exclusive home ranges year round. Canyon, Santa Catalina Island, California (poster) Offspring spend the first year of life Four rare or uncommon perennial with their mother and then disperse Darcee Guttilla Effects of Sterilization on Home-Range Behavior and Habitat Use of Feral Cats (Felis catus) on Santa Catalina Island, California species germinated within the burn to seek out new territory. Male cats area, yet were not found on tend to have overlapping home Mike Herrera Considerations and Methods for Using Native Seeds in Restoration Projects on Santa Catalina Island, CA (poster) transects anywhere else on the ranges with other males, Island. One of them was Island rush- encompassing the home ranges of Deb Jensen Strategies for Nonformal Place-Based Education on Santa Catalina Island, California rose, a federally threatened species several females during the wet that is stimulated by fire. Within season, and smaller exclusive ranges Denise Knapp Vegetation Community Mapping on Santa Catalina Island Using Orthorectification and GIS animal exclosures it grew healthy in the dry season, similar to that of Denise Knapp Rare Plants in the Goat Harbor Burn Area, Santa Catalina Island, California (poster) and flowered, yet it did very poorly females. outside the exclosures, with one of John Knapp Invasive Plant Risk Assessment and Control Prioritization on Santa Catalina Island, Including Determination of two populations disappearing In order for sterilization to be Minimum Mapping Sample and Accuracy entirely, apparently due to deer considered for controlling Catalina’s browsing. Multiple individuals of feral cat population, home ranges of Kevin Ryan * Feral Pig Eradication on Santa Catalina Island, CA D.Garcelon and P. Schuyler Channel Island tree poppy, an Island sterilized cats must not be less than endemic, survived within three those of control cats. Greg Schmidt * Status of the Island Fox on the Southern California Channel Islands exclosures, but seedlings found Trapping and monitoring of the Island’s feral D. Garcelon outside the exclosure disappeared by Twenty cats have been radio-collared cat population keeps Darcee Guttilla a very Peter Sharpe * Restoring and Maintaining Bald Eagles in Southern California: the Legacy of DDT the second year. Hungry deer busy woman. and tracked using triangulation to knocked down or otherwise found estimate the cats’ home-range Lisa Stratton Santa Catalina Island Experimental Restoration Trials: Converting Agricultural Fields To Native Plant Communities their way into two of these behavior. Study cats have traveled exclosures, and severely browsed the tree poppy plants distances in excess of 14 km line of sight; this does not Rick Sweitzer inside before we were able to fix the fence. take into account terrain or routes traveled! It has been J. Constible Bison on Santa Catalina Island: History, Habitat Use and Management Direction young females (not males) traveling the greatest Effects of Sterilization on Home-Range Behavior and distances. Other Conferences in 2003 Habitat Use of Feral Cats (Felis catus) on Santa Catalina Island, California Seventy-one cats were tested between 2002 and 2003 Dave Garcelon * Approaches to Removal of Feral Pigs (Sus scrofa) from Island Ecosystems The Wildlife Society; February 2003 – oral Darcee Guttilla, researcher there was a 45% incidence of either feline California State University, Fullerton immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or feline leukemia virus Darcee Guttilla Effects of Sterilization on Home-Range Behavior and Habitat Use of Feral Cats (Felis catus) (FeLV) in the interior feral cat population. This number is on Santa Catalina Island, California It has been well documented that cats, when introduced staggering compared to statistics from large-scale studies The Wildlife Society; February 2003 – poster to Island ecosystems, have devastating effects on the in the USA, with incidence rates ranging from 1.5-7% for Steve Kohlmann * A Population Viability Analysis for the Endangered Island Fox on Santa Catalina Island, California animals that have evolved in the absence of such either disease. FeLV can be passed from mother to G. Schmidt and D. Garcelon The Wildlife Society; February 2003 – oral voracious predators/ competitors. Feral cats are defined offspring, but FIV is transmitted through biting. This may Denise Knapp Protecting Rare and Endemic Plants with Exclosures in Santa Catalina Island, CA as cats that have reverted to a wild state and avoid be why we see a higher rate of FIV in males than in Southern California Botanists; October 2003 – oral human beings. The conditions of domestication, females. Further testing for additional wildlife disease John Knapp Invasive Plant Infestation Assessment on Santa Catalina Island: Determination of including contact with human beings, must be duplicated agents is underway. Darcee Guttilla, Mapping Sample Size and Acccuracy Masters Research at Cal California Exotic Pest Plant Council; September 2003 – oral Volunteers Make It Happen! State University, Fullerton The volunteer opportunities in the Ecological Restoration Department are countless and the valuable time that Kevin Ryan * Feral Pig Eradication on Santa Catalina Island, CA John Knapp, volunteers dedicate seems endless. Sincere thanks to the following; Raena Martinez with American Friends Service Committee, The Wildlife Society; October 2003 – oral Masters Research at Cal NCCC Western Region Americorps, Peggy Becken, Randy Brannock, Sara Canout, Estelle Conover, Erica Cushing, J. Paul DeMyer, Ted Ehret, Barb Poly San Luis Obispo Ezell, Chauncey Fagan, Keith Fagan, Dave Farley, Fred Freeman, Kathleen Gosselin, Annerose Grellmann, Hans Grellmann, Cliff Hague, Judy Hibbs, Peter Sharpe * Bald eagle restoration on the California Channel Islands: 30 years after the Dean Hill, Robert Husted, Deb Jensen, Jaime Jensen, Erik Katzmaier, Pat Klingensmith, Denise Knapp, Lon Krock, Marilyn Krock, Kathleen Lopez, banning of DDT. Rick Sweitzer, Leonard Lopez, Ian Lyon, Susan Garman with Marymount College, Danny McCormick, Dennis McDonald, Anna McGuirk, Mary McGuirk, Paul McIlroy, J.Dooley, D.Garcelon The Wildlife Society; February 2003 – oral University of North Dakota Mary McKernan, Whitey Mendenhall, Frank Minuto, Ryan Montgomery, Bruce Moore, Patricia Moore, Jorge Mulgado, Shane Mullen, Karla Parsons, Judy Pelouze, Richard Pelouze, Mona Perez, Rebecca Petrella, Steven Pillman, Suzanne Robotham, Dylan Schuyler, Jaime Schuyler, W. Douglas Serrill, Rick Sweitzer Ecological Implications of Bison on Santa Catalina Island, California * Institute for Wildlife Studies Mary Stein, Mary Story, Steve Story, Lisa Stratton, Matthew Sutton, Allan Tiso, Lynda Toth, Ellen Turnbull, Susan K. Veon, Jim Watson, Leon Wood Society for Conservation Biology; July 2003 - oral and Janel Works.

4 5 Catalina Island Conservancy Conservancy Times Trail Work on Catalina Years ago, it was realized that Catalina Island’s network of old roads, decommissioned ranching fence lines, game corridors and Taking out the trash can be great fun if you’re historic trails could be organized into a trail system.This is and has been a slow and lengthy process, forwarded early on by at Ben Weston Beach! l to r Dean Hill, Tom Conservancy Past-President Doug Propst, later by Jim Fellows, Conservancy Ranger, and most recently by Deb Jensen, Director of Neville, Brad Foote, Laurie Hill, Linda Altherr, Education. Dave Gaon and Marilynn Neville. In 2001, a design team from Cal Poly Pomona’s Department of Landscape Architecture (Studio 606) was contracted to prepare a comprehensive “Santa Catalina Island Trail and Outdoor Education Recommendation Plan.”This study formulated the basis for our current effort, which focuses on making the Island more accessible to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. One recommendation is the proposed New place, but certainly not a new face! Ryan “Trans-Catalina Trail,” which will enable enthusiasts to travel the Island Montgomery is enjoying a change of pace at the from the East End to the West End without the disturbance of motorized Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden. traffic. Other proposed projects include interpretive trails at Middle Ranch, Black Jack, and the Airport-in-the-Sky. Since June 2003, we’ve been working on various projects associated with the plan. Most of the trails are subject to L. A. County jurisdiction. Deciphering which permits are necessary and how to obtain them Thursdays with Whitey. Proven to be the through County has been a challenging part of the Trail most popular volunteer day of the week is Project process. A Conservancy team along with key personnel in Los Whitey’s Thursday trip to the James H. Angeles County Parks and Recreation, and the County Planning RTCA participants assist with trail work while Ackerman Native Plant Nursery. Department will address the permitting situation. attending a conference on the Island.

Last summer, improvements were made to Black Jack Campground with help from Orange County Boy Scouts. Other plans for Black Jack include a network of loop trails, native plant restoration, and an interpretive area with information on the flora, fauna and the mining and ranching days. We can count on AmeriCorps to have great smiles even after a long day of planting many, A group from Casa Colina, a rehabilitation center for disabled adults, enhanced the Soapstone Trail at Airport-In-The-Sky.We hope many native plants in mitigation areas. to make this trail wheel chair accessible. Hermit Gulch Trail, the gateway from Avalon into the interior, has undergone a much-needed “face lift” to remediate erosion.Thanks to the cooperative efforts between the Catalina Island Conservancy (CIC), the Santa Catalina Island Company (SCICo), the National Park Service SEAlab takes a break after a busy day (NPS), the Rivers,Trails, and Conservation Assistance program (RTCA), potting acorns at the Native Plant Nursery. Hermit Gulch Campground Park Rangers and Americorps, the trail has been greatly improved.There’s always general maintenance, especially after heavy rain.To lessen the chance of erosion, please avoid using any trail for at least three days after rain.We certainly appreciate this since it’ll save us a lot of repair.

Besides working with volunteer groups, we’ve been very busy GPS It was a serious team effort that National mapping and flagging proposed sections of the Trans Catalina Trail. Sierra Club put in while outplanting the Frank Starkey of the Ecological Restoration Department has been a hayfields. This project has had many, many Volunteers from Casa Colina returned again this year great coach in these endeavors. Finally, we are working on standardizing volunteer groups participate. to assist with trail building. signage, for safety as well as way finding, and should have new signs installed at key intersections and trailheads by this summer. Above and Beyond After our permits are in place, there is certainly plenty to do in all aspects The Volunteer Department recognizes the following volunteers for participating with special events and our site of trail work. If you’re interested in getting involved please contact us at (310) 510-0954 or by email at [email protected]. managers that keep Bosky Dell, Summit Vista Garden and Haypress, beautiful. A big thank you to: James H. Ackerman, Layla Alazzawi, Lenny Altherr, Linda Altherr, Raena Martinez with American Friends Service Committee, NCCC Western Region Craig Bailes Americorps, Judy Atchison, Jack Baldelli, Peggy Becken, Kymberly Bednar, Tina Bertaud, Randy Boelsoms, Jill Boivin, Randy Brannock, Jeff Trail Project Coordinator Buchman, Betty Buck, Dirk Burcham, Lynn Burt, Sara Canout, Boyd Cargill, Anne Johnson with Casa Colina, John Celick, Betty Chambers, Frank Coleman Jr, Estelle Conover, Bruce Cook, Erica Cushing, Caitlin Dawes, Joshua Dawes, J. Paul DeMyer, Joseph Dlugokecki, Rita Dlugokecki, Ted Ehret, Jani Eisenhut, Ronald Eroen, Barb Ezell, Chauncey Fagan, Keith Fagan, Dave Farley, Fred Freema, David Gaon, Dave Gardner, Bob Given.

6 7 Catalina Island Conservancy Conservancy Times g . . C ALENDAR Featurin Your guide to getting involved on Catalina

EDUCATION OFFERINGS GPS Mapping Opportunity VOLUNTEER HAPPENINGS Participate in a hands-on, field class to learn how to use our May 8, The HIKE Volunteer Vacations Trimble Explorer GPS units.Then travel around the Island 8:00 a.m.Walking under unique trees of Volunteer Vacations are an exciting mapping utility poles or non-native tree species in the Catalina Island. Reservations for this HIKE change of pace from the usual vacation. Middle Canyon watershed area.Volunteers should enjoy must be made by May 1. Your experience will serve as an excellent hiking and be able to hike over rigorous terrain.Vehicle and opportunity to learn about the unique ecology of Santa training are provided. Let us know your schedule. May 12, Evening Nature Program Catalina Island, give back to the environment, and have Would you like more information about these and other volunteer 7:00 p.m. Our Island Scholars share their exciting year some fun at the same time. opportunitites with the Catalina Island Conservancy? Call Director exploring this Island. Come see their artwork, and hear their May 10-14, 2004 stories as you become inspired by their enthusiasm for this of Volunteer Services Kathy King at (310) 510-2595, ext. 102 or email May 24-28, 2004 special place. Metropole Conference Room [email protected] Volunteer Vacations are a great way to get June 7-11, 2004 away and give back all at the same time. June 5, The HIKE June 21-25, 2004 SPECIAL EVENTS 8:00 a.m.Take time to enjoy the views of the Island. Starting at Empire Landing we’ll follow a ridgeline before heading Island Fires Research Healthy Activities on the Island into Catalina Harbor. Reservations must be made by May 29. The Ecological Restoration Department is looking for a volunteer who loves Island history, enjoys organizing facts The Conservancy has become an June 9, Evening Nature Program and catches interesting details.The volunteer will work out of enthusiastic partner in the Los Angeles 7:00 p.m. "Pets: Our Best Friends.”The last program of the the Catalina Island Museum to hunt through Island County Healthy Parks Initiative kicking series, Our Island Home, will focus on being a responsible newspapers from 1936 to present, for any stories referencing off in April. In celebration of all the wild pet owner on an Island. Metropole Conference Room wild fires on Catalina Island.This project affords flexibility, any open space, clean air, quietness, and day or time the Museum is open. visual beauty of Catalina, we invite July 3, The HIKE everyone to get out and hike! 8:00 a.m.Come celebrate the great outdoors of Santa Save our Seeds Catalina Island as we hike the windward side of the Island. Seed Seekers are gaining on us! Train on the various Join us for activities and hikes every Saturday in April. Reservations must be made by June 26. techniques needed for seed processing and help us to stay ahead of the Seed Seekers. Learn the different types of Island April 3 The Hike (adults) Taking in the Smells, Sights, and July 14, Evening Nature Program seeds and how they are propagated. Join us for a ride out to Sounds of Spring on the Island (adults, reservations required). 8:00 p.m. "Island Wildlife.”The first program of the “Wild the James H. Ackerman Native Plant Nursery where Mike will Island Wildlife will be the topic of the July Catalina” series. Catalina Island has a wide range of wildlife train you on the various seed-processing techniques. April 10 Family Hike, Las Familias en la Naturalesa – Meet at 14th Evening Nature Program at the from rattlesnakes to butterflies to mice to foxes.This Hermit Gulch Trail in Avalon at 9 AM. About three miles round Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden. program will include specimens of several reptiles, insects, Follow a Catalina Feral Cat Path trip.The hike will be paced for families! and mammals that dwell on Catalina Island. Learn more about the Island feral cat situation. Twenty Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden paths have been selected and marked to collect data. This April 17 Come Everyone Hike – Meet at Wrigley Botanical information will increase our knowledge in the habits of Want to join in on an education program? Contact the Education Garden at 9AM. About 2.5 miles round trip. our feral cat population. Follow their trails through Department (310) 510-0954 or [email protected] different parts of the Island as you "treasure hunt" areas April 24 Earth Day – Nature Center at the Airport in the Sky. that range 3/4 to 1 1/2 miles each. Darcee will train and It's an Earth Day Celebration at the newly-refurbished Nature help you to understand the importance of recording data Center at Catalina's Airport-in-the-Sky! So, head on out to the from what they leave behind. hills for a special day of extra-fun environmental activities! Hikes and activities, all day.

Thank you for your continued support of the Catalina Island Conservancy. Celebrate Earth Day by visiting the newly You may send your tax-deductible contribution in the enclosed envelope. refurbished Nature Center at the Airport-in- the-Sky.

8 Catalina Island Conservancy Conservancy Times Students from the University Stein Volunteer Camp was measured to be drawn in Where Have All the Acorns Gone … In addition to nursery staff, some of these workers CAD (Computer Aided Design). Photographs will be include Gene Bradford, Steve Story and youth from the of California Riverside linked to the building footprint in the GIS map and Cornerstone Teen Center in Avalon. Each of the t-stakes This is an APB on over 20,000 acorns that were accurate square footage can then be easily determined. has a 5’ tall beige tube placed over it to protect our GPS Middle Ranch collected during the fall of 2003 by a host of volunteers harassed oak seedlings from ravenous deer. Into each Warren Roberts, a full-time GIS / GPS Instructor at Rio and delivered to the James H. Ackerman Native Plant In summer 2003, University of California Riverside (UCR) tube, volunteers will plant acorns in a ratio of 3:1, for Hondo College (Whittier), regularly challenges inner-city Nursery. If you have any sightings of these sub- Extension instructors Warren Roberts and Lisa Pierce germinated acorns with root radical already showing, or students to GPS exercises with cylindrical fugitives please contact Michael Herrera, the coordinated a Global 8:1, for non-germinated acorns. the National Park Service and Nursery Manager. Positioning System exercise on The Nature Conservancy on Santa Catalina Island. The class Alarge fence enclosure (48,100 square feet) in the . Lisa Pierce was attended by 8 students hayfields will be prepared with 1,235 holes. Additionally, provides GIS support at the enrolled in a summer our nursery crew still needs to install about 250 t-stakes. Water Resources Institute at Geographic Information Systems Altogether, we still need help in planting about 8,500 California State Polytechnic (GIS) Certificate program. The acorns in either individual tree tubes or into the large University San Bernardino. exercise was to create a detailed enclosed fence area. Finally, and importantly, the inventory of roads, buildings, Conservancy staff was a facilities, fences and other Help is always welcomed! Contact Matthew Sutton at tremendous resource and made landscape features such as (310) 510-2595 ext.109 or Linda Altherr ext.110 to the students most welcome. We significant trees. The data was arrange a volunteer program. look forward to continuing to then imported into a GIS volunteer for the Catalina project and will be delivered Thank you to all of our Island Conservancy. For more to the Conservancy. volunteers past, information on GIS please visit present and future these websites: www.gis.com GIS is, essentially, mapping. who play a vital role in GIS information was gathered by students from UC or www.riohondo.edu/gis. However, GIS maps allow the Riverside during an outing on Catalina Island. ensuring that so many user to integrate many sources Acorns ready for potting at the Native Plant Nursery. acorns make the safe - Warren Roberts, instructor, of information such as who passage into their University of California adult form of Island lives where. Where are the plants located? Are the This just in…Michael Herrera reports thousands of Extension, University of California Riverside scrub oaks. Island existing fire hydrants sufficient in the event of a fire? stolen acorns. The prime suspects of this major heist scrub oaks (Quercus How much area is within the fence line? are none other than the infamous deer mice. According pacifica) are the to Mr. Herrera and his assistant Doug Serrill, these keystone species of The information for the GIS maps was collected using felons have not acted alone. Apparently, acorn weevils the scrub oak Trimble (tm) GPS units. The collected data can have destroyed many acorns as well. All told, approximately chaparral that is a accuracy to within a meter (or less) depending on the 8,500 acorns have met their demise because of dominant ecosystem location of the feature. For example, the accuracy of predation and dehydration. the location of a tree trunk can be adversely affected by on Catalina Island. Therefore, we the canopy above, but the accuracy of the mapped On the brighter side of things, there are still about Outplanting of oak seedlings celebrate our location for a fenceline on a barren ridge is usually 12,500 good acorns. Volunteers with Sea Lab and the takes many, many volunteer volunteers who are excellent. GPS uses satellites to provide the user with a Sierra Club potted up 3,025 acorns this winter. The hours to accomplish. ensuring the healthy latitude and longitude. The latitude and longitude nursery anticipates sowing the remaining acorns into future of Catalina’s along with any field notes, called “attributes” in the various enclosed plots in the Middle Canyon Hayfields. scrub oaks! GPS, are plotted on the map. Workers have drilled about 700 t-stakes in the hayfields.

The information collected by students will assist Conservancy facilities management by providing an Welcome New Volunteers inventory of existing buildings and fences in Middle September - December 2003 Ranch. Each building at the ranch and at the Laura "Volunteers can be the link to success for any project put in their path."

Jack Baldelli, Peggy Becken, Kymberly Bednar, Sara Canout, Marina Cassimatis, Rachel Celis, Kelly Clancy, Murray Crow, Christie Helping Hands D’Amico, Lucy Dodge, Reginald Durant, Toni Elwell, Chauncey Fagan, Keith Fagan, Linda Guinter, J.J. Guion, Jay Guion, Annette Herrington, Karla Heydinger, Dan Hirst, Mary Hirst, Katie, Holstein, Angela James, Scott Kravitz, Denise Kuha, David Kynnap, Mark The Facilities Management Department gives a heartfelt thank you to the following volunteers for all of their efforts: Lloyd, Jeffrey Lombardo, Ian Lyon, C. Marie Mackie, Sheri Mayto, Anna McGuirk, Ron Mittano- Montclair High School, Jorge Mulgado, NCCC Western Region Americorps, Jack Baldelli, Kymberly Bednar, Jani Eisenhut, Barb Ezell, Fred Freeman, David Gaon, Eileen Gleber, J.J. Guion, Shane Mullen, Ann Muscat, Geraldine Oconnor, Don Palmer, Kay Palmer, Mona Perez, David Petersen, Mark Pompian, Tanya Quinn, Jay Guion, Dean Hill, Laurie Hill, Thaddeus Jones, Chuck Lavington, C. Marie Mackie, Paul McIlroy, Sharon McIlroy, Ryan Montgomery, Robert Jeffery Reitz, Roger Riley, Suzanne Robotham, Jennifer Skelley, Diane St. Clair, Jennifer Tracy, Todd Warshaw, Mary Whipple, Leon Morison, Charles Morse, Marilynn Neville, Tom Neville, and Rudy Piltch. Wood.

10 Catalina Island Conservancy Conservancy Times 11 A warm welcome to our new members! (10-1-2003 through 2-29-2004) Tales From the Deep:Where Does This Stuff Come From?! Dan and Theresa Aranda Frederick and Nancy Howden Shane Mullen Bruce Runyon Dave and Martie Ashleigh Daniel Jinich Casey and Gloria Nicolello Suzy Sangster and Aaron Krinski The Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup, sponsored by the Catalina Conservancy Divers, is held annually Albert and Mimi Assanti Dale and Debbie Johnson Thomas Nowak Susan Service John Barbee and Sherryl Miranda Phillip and Katy Katzmann William and Margo O’Connor Eric and Nancy Steffen in Avalon Harbor on the Saturday following President’s Day. Inaugurated in the 1970s by the local dive Frank Belz and Judy Kerner Mary Kelkar Ron and Marty Offerman Greg Stock and Lisa Sorensen community in an effort to cleanup Avalon Harbor, over the years the event has grown to become one of Edward Byrne Kevin and Linda Kriegel Robert and Joan Orr Les and Ellen Thomas the most popular dives in Southern Alex Cross and Barbara Hounsell J.K. and Robin Leason Diane Ozasa Leroy and Lisa Watson Rich and Noel Daily David Lewis Marcia Patterson Myra Weiss California.This year a record 529 divers dove Joe and Rita Dlugokecki Thomas Maxwell Michael Pattona and Kristy Throndson Ariel Wilson into the project. Mike Fabian Mike McCormick Patrick Pexton Rob and Anne Wlodarski Richard and Debby Giss Andrew McKay Joan Pinkvoss and Cindy Cleary Mick Zulo Trevor Hammonds Kurt Miller Charles Rennie and Teresa Nakashima Part of the fun is the awards for some of the more unique items of Tamara Hanna Ralph and Kim Moreno Stephen and Ila Rodemacher trash brought up from the bottom.This year the Oldest Item award went for a 1902 Mercury Dime found near the Green Pier; the Ironic award went to a fireman figurine found by a firefighter near Step The Conservancy realizes that every donor has many choices where to contribute his or her Beach; the Electrical award went for an electric glass cleaner found money, or whether to give at all. We also realize many donors have limited or fixed incomes. We near the Casino; the Sporting Goods award went for finding a do not take your gifts for granted, and we work hard to earn your trust and partnership. Below Pachinko Game from the Casino area; and the Most Valuable was a are those donors who have contributed $500 and above from 10/1/03 to 2/29/04. We regret that 14 kt. gold man’s wedding band found in the Green Pier area. Aided by youth from Americorps, Avalon High School students, and space prevents us from listing every donor. Every donor is very important to us and your other volunteers the trash was sorted and displayed for all to see. continuing participation makes our programs possible. Over 4,560 pounds of trash was collected!

The proceeds of the registration that divers pay to participate in The annual Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup attracts divers in search of treasures of all kinds. $100,000 and Above Blanny Hagenah Steve Birch Richard and Marrene Pacelli the Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup benefit both the Rick and Wendy Harp Frank and Ruth Blair Richard and Geri Peckham Conservancy and the Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber, the life support Geoff and Alison Rusack Carl Hillgren Randy and K.C. Boelsems John and Melinda Pentz recompression chamber on Catalina that is available to serve the $50,000 - $99,999 Don and Kathi Koll Pete and Kari Bretschger Dennis Potts and Wendy Bell thousands of divers who frequent the Island’s waters. David and Deborah Lake James and Joyce Brown David and Kathleen Renton Alice C. Tyler Perpetual Trust Noarus Auto Group Stan and Pam Bunker Craig and Roe Reynolds Norris and Debi Bishton Steve Schreiner Tobin and Tamara Campbell David and Cynthia Runstrom Paxson H. and Susan Offield Gared and Fran Smith Joe and Chalya Castagna Robert and Mary Shackleton Bill and Nancy Charneski Richard and Harriet Squire $25,000 - $49,999 $2,500 - $4,999 Patricia Clausen Josh and Carrie Walker Marinero Channel Island Discovery Cruise Wallace and Patty Cook Scott and Pat Wauben Jim and Loraine Ackerman John and Nancy Celick Marian Cormie Tod and Linda White Richard and Marie Knowles Will and Tricia Hagenah Marshall and Donna Cox Howard and Jane Wright Homeland Foundation The Catalina Marineros have announced a day adventure on the waters around the Northern Channel Capital Group Companies Arthur and Ruth DeFever Charles and Patty Hathaway Islands - San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, and Anacapa Islands.They are chartering a comfortable Richard and Eileen Eamer Ron and Barbara Doutt $500 - $999 Misdee Wrigley high-speed catamaran, the Condor Express out of Santa Barbara, for an all-day cruise on Sunday, Cal Parsons Jim and Gwen Forquer Maria Pellegrini Beverly Appelgate James and Helen Rosburg John and Diane Fradkin October 10th.The adventure is open to any Conservancy support group member and guests.Whether Leslie Baer David Swift Noble and Peggy Frye you are interested in seeing some of the other Channel Islands up close, or learning about the $10,000 - $24,999 Timm and Peggy Crull John and Marilyn Ganahl conservation of these Islands, or discovering the best places to cruise next season, this is the trip. Historian and educator Mike Roy and Patty Disney Cliff Hague $1,000 - $2,999 Gene and Esther Glover Tom and Jane Fetter Pyzel will be aboard as narrator. Due to the aggressive agenda, participants will not land on any of the Islands. Charlie and Blanny Schreiner Coburn Haskell Bill and Judy Banning Dave and Rose Ellen Gardner Donald Slavick Family Howard Higholt Phil and Susan Hagenah Bob and Janet Given Members will pay $100 a person for the trip and guests are $150. Proceeds from the trip will benefit the Catalina Marinero’s Foundation Gary and Sandi Hill Steve Rocco William and Nancy Hammond R.J. & D.A. Munzer Foundation Stephen and Ann Hinchliffe project fund. Information and details can be obtained from event chairman, Bruce Kerr at 562 799 2220. Santa Catalina Island Company Dean and Laurie Hill Carl and Mary Raymond Greg and Donna Hood Randy Brannock and Mary Stein F.G. Hochberg Johnny and Alex Carson Dudley and Janette Johnson Aon Corporation Jeff and Deb Jensen Nick and Leslie Frazee Skip and Susan Kenney Inez Bell Edward and Karen Kliem Pete and Evelyn Parrella Michael Kilbride John and Dana Hagenah Chuck Liddell Herb and Donna Kostlan Making the Difference Tom Rogers Art and Kathy Salerno $5,000 - $9,999 Ruth Lewis Roy Rose Edward and Helen Shanbrom With the assistance of Volunteers, the Catalina Island Conservancy is able to provide a wide curriculum of Lexus of Westminister Michael and Sara Abraham Dean and Nancy Smith courses and classes specifically designed for students. The Education Department appreciates the following Boyd Cargill Bob and Patty Meistrell Bill and Sharon Allen Mrs. Harvey Somers volunteers for dedicating their valuable time: Layla Alazzawi, NCCC Western Region Americorps, Judy Atchison, Tina Bertaud, Lions Club of Avalon Law Offices of Michel & Rhyne Daniel and Elizabeth Barnes Randolph Stockwell Betty Buck, Anne Johnson with Casa Colina, Estelle Conover, Rita Dlugokecki, Cliff Hague, Jeanne Hill, Laurie Hill, Katie Holstein, Susan Beyster Family Foundation Ann Muscat and Jack Baldelli Ted Behr Julie Wrigley Garman with Marymount College, Marilynn Neville and Jeanie Shelton. Greg and Sharon Wohl Newport Harbor Yacht Club

12 13 Catalina Island Conservancy Conservancy Times Future Focus: Rose Ellen Gardner Avalon Student Internship Island Oaks Oaks vary widely, with 22 species found throughout California. There are ten The call is out for enthusiastic, curious young people interested in learning about the different species of oaks found in the Channel Islands. Some of these are conservation of Catalina Island. Inspired by the unwavering commitment of Rose Ellen endemic, found only on the Channel Islands. One in particular is the Island Oak, Gardner, recent past President of the Catalina Island Conservancy, the internship Quercus tomentella. established in her name invites Avalon youth to apply for a summer-long opportunity to get “inside” the Conservancy. On Santa Catalina Island, Island Oaks occur infrequently, yet some deep, moist canyons and slopes with deep soil do support this magnificent tree. the Island Interns, selected from a pool of Avalon High School students, will participate in the many Oak is more tree-like in appearance than the more common Island Scrub Oak, facets of work undertaken by the Conservancy. From Airport operations to field biology, Quercus pacifica, that can take the appearance of a shrub and/or a dwarfed, there is a remarkably rich experience awaiting the fortunate candidates! By the end of twisted tree. Island Oaks also have larger, wider, more rounded acorns than the summer, each will have met and worked beside as many as fifty Conservancy employees, smaller, pointy acorns of the Island Scrub Oak. mentors who are dedicated to the stewardship of the Island and the youth who will be its Avalon Schools students will have many future stewards. opportunities to explore a variety of work Oaks in California and on the Channel Islands play a critical ecological role. The experiences with the Conservancy. trees are a keystone species, providing habitat for whole communities of Rose Ellen Gardner, herself a graduate of Avalon High School, has long been an advocate for mammals, birds, insects, lichens, and fungus. Without oaks, the Islands and youth and community education.The Internship is a fitting tribute to her 29 years of dedicated service to the Catalina Island California would be drastically different! Conservancy. An outpouring of donor support for the program has resulted in raising funds to offer a $2000 grant to each of the selected interns.Without the grant, some eligible and interested students may have had to pass the experience up. On Catalina, where Throughout human history, oaks have had many uses. One important use was for food; acorns were a the summer season is prime-time for raising money for college and other future pursuits, the grant reinforces the value of the staple for many California tribes. The acorns were ground up and made into flour for mush and/or experience. bread. There is speculation that many tribes traded for acorns found in other areas. It is possible that the Island natives traded for tastier acorns found on the mainland. To ensure the longevity of the program, fundraising is on-going. If you would like to make a donation in support of this wonderful opportunity for Avalon students, please contact Director of Development, Chuck Wright at (562) 437-8555. Island Scholars’ Journals . . . a young naturalist’s Catalina Good Ol’ American Philanthropy

When the Conservancy was formed, Philip Wrigley wisely gifted the organization with a variety of income generating properties This year, the Catalina Island such as leased coves, transmission towers, an endowment, and the Airport-in-the-Sky.His foresight and philanthropy ensure a Conservancy is working with View more Island Scholars’ reasonable stream of permanent income to cover basic costs, thus, allowing other funds to be dedicated principally to the high-achieving students from work from this year May12th at conservation, education, and outreach goals of the Conservancy’s mission. Avalon Schools 4th grade class. Sadie Parsons the Evening Nature Program, These Island Scholars have traveled to Middle Canyon to 8 pm, at the Metropole Hotel These other funds come from the financial support of our members, charitable foundations, families, and organizations. Some study the roles that different Conference Room. of the most important contributions are given on an unrestricted basis. Instead of being directed by the donor to a specific organisms play within their project or program, they are given to be used by the Conservancy where needed most in carrying out its mission. ecosystems. We learned that deer like to eat oak saplings and that the fences around the The importance of these donations cannot be over-emphasized because they are the primary funding source, not only for the Native Plant Nursery keep the Conservancy in carrying out its basic mission, but also when special opportunities and situations arise. deer from getting in to sample

the fare. The group also spent a Nick Morones The expanding generosity of our members and supporters is wonderful. We hope you will join others with a general day below the airport in an oak grove learning about organisms’ contribution in the envelope included with this newsletter. adaptations. As part of the activity, students were asked to imagine having some of the You’re a Lifesaver adaptations that plants and Catalina Island Conservancy Ball, Underwater Cleanup, Video, Trade Shows, and Golf Tournaments are just a few projects animals have. Their imaginative that volunteers help the Development and Membership Department achieve. Our deepest gratitude to the following artwork here reflects what they learned from these experiences. volunteers:Lenny Altherr, Linda Altherr, Jack Baldelli, Tina Bertaud, Randy Boelsoms, Jill Boivin, Jeff Buchman, Dirk Burcham, Lynn Burt, John Celick, Betty Chambers, Frank Coleman, Bruce Cook, Deb Jensen, Kathleen King, Denise Kuha, Judy Lane, Cindy Lipthay, Thomas Luce, Doug Millard, Kelly O’Reilly, Raymond Phillips, Danny Piper, Mark Pompian, J.P. Pylkkanen, Mary-Lou Quinn, Jeffery Reitz, Ari Requicha, Roger Riley, Don Robarge, Christian Rondestvedt, Peter Schuyler, Ted Sharshan, Jim Steffen, Mary Story, Steve Story, John Ulrich, Thomas Van Schoor, Todd Warshaw, Scott Wauben and Chuck Wright.

14 15 Catalina Island Conservancy Conservancy Times Remembering Doug Propst

The Conservancy was deeply saddened by the recent passing of its mentor and former President, A. Douglas Propst. We find ourselves drawing on the many memories he left us.

Rose Ellen Gardner shares that, “Doug, with his vast knowledge of the Island, was among a select few who helped shape the decisions that ultimately led to the preservation and protection of most of Catalina. Since his retirement in 1993, I had the privilege of having many conversations with Doug, both in person and on the phone, and his love and concern for Catalina remained very strong.” D. Propst Times were different during Doug’s tenure—the Conservancy family was smaller, but Doug believed in the work of the organization and the path of his work and commitment became the trail for the growth of its programs. Doug’s love for Catalina was evident in many ways. It was very apparent that he would rather be out in the hills, sharing his vast knowledge of the natural side of Catalina with others from behind the wheel of a Jeep or on the back of a horse, than behind a desk. He thoroughly enjoyed capturing the beauty of the Island with his camera, and had an extensive photo and slide collection.

At the recent party for Rose Ellen Gardner, retiring president of the Conservancy, Doug’s wife, Joanie Propst, and her daughters and granddaughters were special attendees. Upon their introduction, the large audience at the Casino event rose for a long and sustained standing ovation. It was a recognition of Doug and his influence as well as a warm welcome back to the family.

Catalina Island is a better place for Doug Propst having passed this way.

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID GLENDALE, CA PERMIT NO. 1233

Catalina Island Conservancy P. O. Box 2739 Avalon, California 90704 www.catalinaconservancy.org

The mission of the Catalina Island Conservancy is to be responsible stewards of its lands through a balance of conservation, education and recreation.

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