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 Preserving
one of the world's most magnificent islands for present and future
generations to experience and enjoy.
As
early as two thousand years ago, the Gabrielino Native Americans
called it the "mountain ranges that are in the sea."
For
the past one hundred years, sailors, fishermen and vacationers
have referred to it as an island paradise.
Today,
scientists and naturalists consider it to be one of the world's
great ecological treasures.
 Located
less than twenty miles from Los Angeles, Catalina Island's seventy-six
square miles are covered with broad valleys, isolated coves, pristine
beaches, two-thousand foot peaks and near vertical shoreline palisades.
This
diverse habitat is home to thousands of species of unique native
plants and animals. Of these natives, fifteen -- including the stately
Catalina Mahogany, the shy Catalina Island Fox and the prolific
Beechey Ground Squirrel-- are found nowhere else in the world.
Since
its rediscovery early in the sixteenth century by European explorers,
Catalina Island has served people's needs, often at the expense
of its native life forms. During the past two hundred years, Catalina
has been used for ambitious livestock and mining efforts, each having
left its mark on the island's landscape.
However,
beginning in the early part of the twentieth century with the purchase
of Catalina Island by William Wrigley Jr., a healing process was
initiated. Under the Wrigley stewardship, the protection and beautification
of Catalina Island took priority over more consumptive uses. These
efforts culminated in 1975, when the Catalina Island Conservancy
took over the ownership of 88% of Catalina -- more than 42,000 acres.
Today, the Catalina Island Conservancy is on the cutting edge of
natural resource management. Throughout Catalina's vast interior
and along its magnificent coastline, you will find the Catalina
Island Conservancy at work -- preserving natural diversity and scenic
splendor while allowing thousands of visitors annually to enjoy
this spectacular island.
In
addition to featuring one of the nation's leading ecological restoration
programs, the Catalina Island Conservancy offers a wide array of
environmental education and outdoor recreation programs and activities.
One
hundred percent of the financial support for the Catalina Island
Conservancy comes from private funds -- no public tax dollars are
used in any Catalina Island Conservancy program. As a result, our
membership is our lifeblood. Santa
Catalina Island Conservancy
Post Office Box 2739
Avalon, CA 90704
(310) 510-2595
For
additional information please visit our web site at www.CatalinaConservancy.org
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