Santa Catalina Island Conservancy

Conservation servicesin 2024, the conservancy advanced the catalina island restoration project, a landmark initiative to rebuild fire-resilient native habitats and removal of invasive species. Conservancy staff treated invasive plant species, managed sensitive wildlife including the federally threatened catalina island fox, and expanded propagation of rare and endemic plants such as the santa catalina island ironwood (lyonothamnus floribundus ssp. Floribundus). The conservancy also hosted community forums, conversations and events, and secured more than 60 letters of support from community and government leaders to accelerate progress toward long-term ecosystem restoration.

Educationthe conservancy served more than 5,000 students and lifelong learners in direct environmental education programs that highlight catalina's unique biodiversity and cultural history, and hosted another 300,000 in affiliated camps, volunteer programs, and support groups visiting the island. Programs like the catalina overnight experience provided transformative outdoor learning, often first-time experiences in nature, for youth from across southern california. As los angeles county's largest outdoor classroom, the island continues to foster discovery, stewardship and the next generation of conservation leaders.