Catalina Island Conservancy

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The mission of the Catalina Island Conservancy is to be a responsible steward of its lands through a balance of conservation, education and recreation. Caring for 88 percent of Catalina with its 42,000 acres of sweeping valleys, rocky hillsides, oak-covered plateaus, 50 miles of rugged coastline and 200 miles of roads is a daily undertaking.

The Conservancy is responsible for protecting numerous rare and endangered species found on the Island and nowhere else in the world. Conservation efforts, scientific research, and educational outreach persist while the Island welcomes more than one-million visitors a year. Balancing human needs and desires and the needs of the land to stay healthy is challenging indeed.

Conservation efforts on Catalina are carried out in many exciting ways. With scientific research guiding the process, ecological restoration on the Island includes the removal or exclusion of invasive non-native species, those that are detrimental to natives; monitoring of sensitive plants, animals and habitats; and propagation of native plants in the James H. Ackerman Native Plant Nursery. Ongoing research is the life-blood of the work done by the Conservancy on Catalina to help keep the Island healthy and wild for today, and for future generations to enjoy.