message from the president and chair of the board
TRANSCRIPT
MessaGe FroM THe PresideNT aNd CHair oF THe board
The year 2008 saw encouraging progress for the Conservancy, one year after the May 2007 fire. Millions of seeds lying dormant in the ground were suddenly stimulated by the heat and smoke of the
fire. A robust yet mild rainy season set off a colorful explosion of wildflowers Island-wide.
Shortly after, nearly 400 acres protecting more than 40 percent of known populations of the rarest and most sensitive plants were enclosed by eight miles of fencing. This safeguard, funded by generous grants from the Seaver Institute and the Offield Family Foundation, protects the rare, endemic and other recovering native plants from browsing mule deer and bison.
Our federally endangered Catalina Island fox population grew to 784 individuals by the end of 2008. Bald eagles continue to thrive, with six eaglets hatched naturally in their nests, an increase from the four that hatched naturally in 2007.
We are proud of all those who steadfastly support the protection and restoration of Catalina Island. We also are proud that for the third year in a row, 100 percent of membership contributions and donations go directly to fund conservation and education programs and recreational access to Catalina’s wild interior.
In June 2008, the Conservancy was recognized by the California Travel Industry Association (CalTIA) with its first-ever “Tourism Stewardship Award.” At the same time, our Isla Earth radio series, now heard by 6 million listeners weekly on more than 240 stations nationwide, was awarded First Place in the “News Bureau” category by the Los Angeles Press Club.
Catalina Island seems like a world apart; however, it is not immune to recent economic challenges. To weather the storm, the Conservancy is acting prudently and cautiously but no less diligently in our efforts to keep this beautiful Island wild for generations to come.
Ann M. Muscat, Ph.D. Tony Michaels, Ph.D.President and CEO Board Chair
2008 ANNuAL REPORT
Photos (top to bottom):The federally threatened Island rush rose (Helianthemum greenei), is a Channel Islands endemic that is seriously threatened by non-native herbivores. After the May 2007 fire, this plant was found in eighteen places on the Island where it had never before been mapped. Photo by laurEn dannEr
Turkish rugging (Chorizanthe staticoides) was found near the Airport by Frank Starkey, the Conservancy’s Assistant Director of Conservation, while monitoring some of Southern California Edison’s emergency pole replacements. The last time Turkish rugging was seen on the Island that we know of was 1968. It is a member of the Polygonaceae (buckwheat) family, as is another Island endemic, St. Catherine’s lace. Photo by frank starkEy
While ocean spray (Holodiscus discolor) is common on the mainland, there was only one known wild location on the Island, and that area was burned in the May 2007 Island fire. However, after the fire, Peter Dixon, Supervisor of the James H. Ackerman Native Plant Nursery, found five plants that had resprouted and were looking healthy. Photo by PEtEr dixon
Wishbone bush (Mirabilis californica) along the Silver Peak Trail. Photo by JaCk baldElli
Blue dicks (Dichelostemma capitatum) Photo by JaCk baldElli
The Wrigley Women ConveneOn Sunday, September 28, 2008, five Wrigley women, descendants of Ada Foote Wrigley and William Wrigley Jr., gathered at the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden for Leadership Circle members and special guests. Standing, left to right: Ada Blanche Wrigley Schreiner (granddaughter of William and Ada Wrigley), Alison Wrigley Rusack (daughter of William “Bill” Wrigley), Kristi Hagenah (daughter of Blanny Hagenah); and Helen Atwater-Rich Rosburg (daughter of Dorothy “Deedee” Wrigley Hancock). Seated, left to right: Misdee Wrigley Miller (Deedee’s daughter and Helen’s sister); and Blanny Avalon Hagenah (daughter of Ada Blanche Wrigley Schreiner). Photo by ErnEsto rodriguEz
Families in NatureSixty Avalon resident family members enjoyed Little Harbor through the Conservancy’s Families in Nature program.Photo by bob rhEin
Haypress Gets a FaceliftSeventy Torrey pines, 90 Catalina ironwoods, 55 Island cherries and 30 Island oaks comprise the 245 trees that were planted in and around the Haypress Recreation Area in late 2008. Conservancy supporters and tree lovers at large still have a chance to become sponsors of the Haypress makeover. Sponsorships of $500 make wonderful gifts or are a fitting tribute to a loved one. Sponsors will receive a handsome certificate suitable for framing. To become a sponsor, please call Chuck Wright, Director of Development, at (562) 437-8555 ext. 225. Photo by Chris saldaña
“ I love the work the Conservancy is doing to make the Island more accessible.”
G.T. FrostMember, San Diego Yacht Club
and long-time Marinero
The beautiful Island poppy (Eschscholzia ramosa) literally covered Catalina. Photo by JaCk baldElli
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 2008
DESTINATION 2008: CATALINA, NATuRALLY!Families in NatureUnique Participants (Nov. & Dec.): 65
Wildlands Express Airport Shuttle Passengers: 7,288
Nature Center (Avalon Canyon/Airport) Visitors: 55,728
Laura Stein Volunteer Camp | Camper Nights: 2,295
Bicyclists: 1,176
Other Outreach Program Participants: 685
Game Management Participants: 219
Landings at Airport in the Sky (Private and Commercial): 7,649
Vehicle Permits: 1,058
Conservancy Campgrounds Camper Nights: 59,929
2008 – BY THE NuMBERS
Invasive Species Treated: 38Inventory of Plants at the James H. Ackerman Native Plant Nursery: 17,000+Catalina Conservancy Divers conduct research in the Island’s offshore waters and participate in the Annual Avalon Underwater Cleanup: 462 diversEndemic plants and animals found on Catalina and nowhere else in the world: 50 and countingEndemic Catalina Island fox population: 784Management of non-native bison at the end of 2008: Approximately 200 animalsBald eagles: Approximately 25 residentsUnaided bald eagle hatchlings: 6
Runners/Joggers:1,349
Equestrians: 168
Youth Camp | Camper Nights: 204,330
Summer Naturalist Program Unique Participants: 2,892
Volunteer Hours: 20,712
School and Youth Programs Unique Participants: 702
Jeep Eco-Tour Passengers: 923 Hikers:
7,783
1 Includes multi-year, donor-restricted project funds 2 Distribution based on a three-year rolling average
2008 2007beGiNNiNG Year baLaNCe1 $2,970,944 $2,747,242
reVeNUe soUrCes Donations $3,371,685 40% $3,956,303 Earned Income $4,218,406 49% $4,158,404 Endowment Distribution2 $939,642 11% $885,951Total revenue $8,529,733 100% $9,000,658ToTaL (Beginning Balance + Current-Year Revenue) $11,500,677 $11,747,899 eXPeNse disTribUTioN Ecological Health & Literacy (Conservation/Education) $2,707,317 31% $2,976,163 Experiences with the Wild $1,804,358 21% $1,809,150 Supporting Infrastructure $1,776,355 21% $1,614,836 Administration $1,511,612 17% $1,575,790 Development & Membership $847,148 10% $801,016Total expense $8,646,789 100% $8,776,955eNdiNG Year baLaNCe1 $2,853,888 $2,970,944
40%
49%
11%
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
$4,500
$1,549
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
$1,569 $1,422 $1,591
$3,956
$3,128
$2,440
$3,454
$3,956
$3,372
TeN Years oF resTriCTed aNd UNresTriCTed GiViNG(Dollars in thousands)
21%21%
17%
10%31%
Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden Visitors: 41,168
Naturalist Training Program Participants: 250
Earth Day Participants: 700+
School and Youth Programs Contact Hours: 2,312
$250,000 - $499,999Offield Family Foundation
Geoffrey Claflin Rusack and Alison Wrigley Rusack
$100,000 - $249,999Cordoba Corporation
Blanny Avalon Hagenah
Fortune Family Foundation
Richard C. Seaver Charitable Trust
James H. Ackerman Family
$50,000 - $99,999California Coastal Commission
$25,000 - $49,999National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Appleton & Associates, Inc.
Boone Foundation
C.M. and Edna Peyton Cotton Foundation
Norris and Debi Bishton
James and Joyce Brown
Gene and Esther Glover
Richard and Marie Knowles
MCS Construction
Beyster Family Foundation Fund
The Capital Group Companies
Paxson H. and Susan Offield
Maria Pellegrini
Antelope Valley Resource Conservation District
Balboa Yacht Club
Cliff Hague
$10,000 - $24,999Roy Rose
Donald Slavik Family Foundation
Thompson Fetter and Jane Trevor Fetter
Ada Blanche W. Schreiner Living Trust
Harold McAlister Charitable Foundation
National Park Service
Steve and Pat Chazen
Charlie Negus
James and Misdee Wrigley Miller
Beecher Carlson Risk and Insurance Services
ABC Barge Company
Catalina Classic Cruises, Inc.
Edison International
Crean Foundation
Trevor and Melissa Fetter
$5,000 - $9,999Arthur and Ruth DeFever
Ryan Family Charitable Foundation
Jim and Sally McClure
George and Gail Pla
Catalina Island Yacht Club
Todd and Kathy Hallenbeck
John and Nancy Celick
Phil and Susan Hagenah
Ruth Lewis
Doug and Judy Levi
Bill and Kristin Loomis
Catalina Island Yacht Club Foundation
CBS Television Stations
Elliott Family Foundation Fund
John W. Carson Foundation, Inc.
Trader Joe’s
Tuna Club
John and Barbara Anglin
Bill Bushing
Roger and Sarah Chrisman
Dan Cowan and Carol Gaidis
Timm and Peggy Crull
Robert and Carolyn Duncan
John Hagenah Family Fund
Pat Pratt
James and Helen Rosburg
Charlie and Ellen Steinmetz
$2,500 - $4,999Don Gumpertz
The Little Garden Club of Newport Beach
Terry and Paulette Chapman
G.T. and Shannon Frost
Will and Tricia Hagenah
Steven Mandel
Mike Kilbride
Fireman’s Fund
Frank and Ruth Blair
Patrick and Mari McAlister
Ann Muscat and Jack Baldelli
Descanso Beach Ocean Sports
Mike Trujillo and Ed Chang
John Barbey
Steve and Deborah Ginder
Lula Hatfield
Bernie Horst
Drew and Jane Lanza
William and Kathleen Mudd
Lions Club of Avalon
Jack and Shirley Herron
Bob and Mary Longpre
Greg and Sharon Wohl
Joe and Chalya Castagna
Tony and Claire Michaels
Bob Voit
Patagonia Santa Monica
Spectra Asset Management, Inc.
Lisa Cogley
Howard Higholt
Bernice Putnam
Philip and Maureen Ramer
Kenneth and Wendy Rozak
Carlton and Laura Seaver
Mrs. Elizabeth Steele
Barbara Stevens
Mike and Gloria Sullivan
Wil Von Der Ahe
Jim and Vicki Warmington
Karen Winnett
$1,000 - $2,499Leslie Baer
Jim and Debbie Tondelli
BBJ Linen
Earl B. Gilmore Foundation
Noble and Peggy Frye
Mickey and Dianne Hawke
Nelson and Mimi Jones
Richard and Geri Peckham
Barefoot Wines
Terry Brown
Eberhart / United Consultants
Rick and Amy Beauregard
Jim and Janet Eddy
Michael and Mary Ellen Murphy
Wayne and Susan Nelson
Douglas West and Irene Ziebarth
Catalina Flying Boats, Inc.
Trent and Linda Anderson
Basil and Judith Witt
Tom and Gerda Sparks
Arroyo Insurance Services
2008 HONOR ROLL OF DONORSSpace limitations prevent listing all donors to the Conservancy. We are grateful to to everyone who contributed to support the protection and restoration of Catalina’s wildlands. (Conservancy Ball auction purchases not included)
Weddings and Events on Conservancy-Stewarded Lands: 25
NOTED ON MAP
Airport
Conservancy Campgrounds
Nature Centers
Resident Stables
Wedding and Event Venues
Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden
Yacht Clubs
Youth Camps
1 Includes multi-year, donor-restricted project funds 2 Distribution based on a three-year rolling average
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
$4,500
$1,549
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
$1,569 $1,422 $1,591
$3,956
$3,128
$2,440
$3,454
$3,956
$3,372
TeN Years oF resTriCTed aNd UNresTriCTed GiViNG(Dollars in thousands)
Catalina Freight Line
Fine Line Construction
Francis-Mustoe and Co
Los Caballeros
San Diego Yacht Club
Santa Cruz Island Foundation
Ventura Foods, LLC
Jeanne Beesley and Andrew Tao
Charles and Patty Hathaway
Carl and Francyne Lambert
James Negele and Jean Thoren
Frederic and Lucille Ripley
Richard Saroyan
Gary and Sandi Hill
Irene Ing and Don Ershig
David and Wendy Calloway
Dan and Anne Prigmore
Friends of the Island Fox, Inc.
Dennis and Kathleen Lees
Gerry and Tina Douglas
Supervalu
Marian Cormie
Mike and Antonia Massie
Jack and Kingsley Croul
Mel Dinkel
John and Christie Glanville
Tom and Pam Nix
Art and Kathy Salerno
Cherry Cove Yacht Club
The Kleiner Cohen Foundation
The Leisure Family Foundation
Pacific Tugboat Service
Safari West, Inc
Tatman Foundation
Western Exterminator Company
Lee Bass
Doug and Audrey Bombard
Greg and Lori Bombard
Mary Lou Boone
Mike Bruce
Tom Chisholm
James and Diane Connelly
Bob Crigler and Madeleine Clark
Bill and Carolyn Doherty
Jean Evans
Bill Forster and Linda Hart
John and Vikki Franck
John Ganahl
Janet Given
Daniel and Judith Heinze
Jeffrey and Heather Johnsrud
Damien and Yvonne Jordan
Michael and Karen Learned
J.K. and Robin Leason
Willis and Judith Longyear
Peter and Jackie McDougall
Douglas and Anna Myles
Raj and Indra Nooyi
Frank and Joann Randall
David and Kathleen Renton
Mike and Linda Rivkin
Jim and Pam Ross
Patrick Seaver
Willis and Marye Short
Richard and Harriet Squire
Dan and Claire Stuart
John and Donna Sussman
Lewis and Pat Whitney
Diane Wilkinson
Stewart and Emily Wright
$500 - $999Horst and Ginny Lechler
Ron and Barbara Doutt
Bob and Judy Fisher
Dave and Rose Ellen Gardner
Ed and Audrey Jessup
Bob Kreidel
Rick and Wendy Harp
Lyndon and JoAnn Taylor
The Koll Company, LLC
Don and Lisa Beaumont
Red and Martha Cole
Dorn and Victoria Dean
Mike and Liz Giordano
Thomas and Karen Rasulo
Bud and Gaynor Suiter
Eric and Lidia Thibault
Hal and Carolyn Weed
Andrew and Diane Jessup
Scuba.com
C.W. and Kathryn Asmus
Dick and Linda Landes
William and Nancy Hammond
Diana McCrossin
Sam and Cathy Muslin
John and Linda Van Den Akker
Steve Deming
Kurt and Dara Golden
Barbara Kellogg
Pacific Sports
Ben and Pat Ehrman
David Elder
Cal Parsons
David Sabourin
Russ and Nancy Medevic
Brian and Gwynn Thomas
Steven and Suzanne Peterman
Steve and Judy Escoto
Ron and Cheryl Roberts
Debra Bacon
Robert and Terri Bishop
John and Cindy Cotton
Steve and Steph Hathaway
Carl Jones
John Locke
Myron and Andrea Lyon
William and Beverlee McNally
Doug and Sandy Mills
Robert and Monika Olson
Vytas and Catherine Pazemenas
Scott and Jodie Scheller
Steve and Laura Sharpe
Robert and Janet Thompson
Tom and Wendy Trujillo
Todd and Jean Walker
Bill and Carol Watkins
Jonathan Weiner and Diane Silvers
Jane Pulsinelli
Isthmus Yacht Club
Otten Foundation
Grant Abramson and Miriam Muscarolas
James and Nancy Armitage
James and Kathryn Bondoux
Charles and Karlyn Boppell
Philip and Amaris Bryer
Tim and Kat Caulfield
Jamie and Michele Caylor
Peter and Joan Costa
John Curci
Mary DeGroot
John and Julie Dixon
Patrick Doheny
Bob Eberwine
Wilson and Eleanor Edwards
Kathy Fancher
Arnold Feuerstein
Bruce and Barbara Goldreyer
Gillian Groves and Gerald Petersen
Larry and Carole Harris
Lee Harrison
Thomas and Marcy Holthus
Bill Johnson
Peter and Edith LaDow
John and Pat Merrell
Nissa Myer
Julio and Grace Negrete
Elliott and Elisa Olson
Carl and Mary Raymond
George and June Romine
Don Rothenberg
Susan Rousset
Ralph and Michelle Salcido
Donald Schoellerman
Edward and Helen Shanbrom Family Fund
Susan Shane
William and Paula Steele
Robert Strom
Faith Strong
Carel Struycken and Tracey Norton
Jean Wells
Larry and Sue Werner
Travis and Nicolle Winsor
Photos from top: Stinging lupine (Lupinus hirsutissimus)Silver puffs (Uropappus lindleyi)Catalina mariposa lily (Calochortus catalinae)Photos by JaCk baldElli
Antarctica: January 3 – January 24, 2010Join your hosts, Dr. Ann Muscat and Jack Baldelli, veteran Antarctic explorers since 1983, for an unforgettable journey with Zegrahm Expeditions to the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula and Elephant Island, the little-known natural wonderland of South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands. Visit a research station on the Antarctic Peninsula and witness the scientific activities conducted by the multinational community of scientists working there. For more information on this exciting expedition, please email Jen Poyer, Special Events Supervisor, at [email protected], or contact her by phone at (562) 437-8555 x 231. Please note: Conservancy ecological expeditions are completely funded by participants.
NEWS FLASH!
THE TRANS-CATALINA TRAIL IS NOW OPEN!For the first time in history, hikers can traverse virtually the entire length of Catalina Island on the 37.2-mile Trans-Catalina Trail. The trail, under construction for a decade, was officially opened during a ceremony on Saturday, April 4, 2009, at the Haypress Recreation Area.
ISLAND ECOLOGY TRAVEL PROGRAM Islands and archipelagos around the world share the same issues, problems and solutions that we experience on Catalina. The Island Ecology Travel Program offers all Conservancy members and supporters an opportunity to join naturalists, scientists and other experts on inspiring journeys of discovery to the world’s islands.
Antarctic iceberg welcomes explorers. Photo CourtEsy of zEgrahm ExPEditions
Board of Directors
Anthony Michaels, Ph.D. / Chair
Victoria Seaver Dean / Vice Chair
Marie Knowles / Past Chair
Ann Muscat, Ph.D. / President and CEO
Don Beaumont
Norris Bishton
Jim Brown
John Cotton
Jane Trevor Fetter
Blanny Avalon Hagenah
Clifford Hague
George Pla
Roy Rose
Benefactors
Paxson H. Offield / Chair
Maria Pellegrini, Ph.D.
Alison Wrigley Rusack
Executive Officers Ann Muscat, Ph.D.
President / Chief Executive Officer
Mel Dinkel
Chief Operating Officer / Treasurer
Leslie Baer
Chief Communications Officer
Jackie McDougall
Chief Development Officer
Carlos de la Rosa, Ph.D.
Chief Conservation and Education
Officer
Directors Emeritus
Rose Ellen Gardner
A. Douglas Propst (deceased)
Robert Thorne, Ph.D. / Emeritus
Taxonomist & Curator
P.O. Box , Avalon, CA () -
330 Golden Shore, Suite Long Beach, CA
www.catalinaconservancy.orgwww.islaearth.org
“ Through my volunteer work, the Conservancy has enabled me to do whatever I could imagine.
Judy Hibbs2,000-hour Conservancy Volunteer
Coast sunflowers (Encelia californica) and wishbone bush (Mirabilis californica)Photo by JaCk baldElli