The Catalina Conservancy on Catalina Island

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