What's that bee doing in that purple bush mallow flower? And what's that yellow blob on its legs?

“Isla Earth,” the science-based environmental radio series and website produced by the Catalina Island Conservancy and funded through the Annenberg Foundation's Blue Planet Initiative, ended its first year on the air with the addition of a 40th carrier station. The radio series is carried by public radio stations in 20 states. In addition, Isla Earth is heard on the commercial station KNX AM, 1070 on the dial in Los Angeles. The series reaches a cumulative listening audience of more than 5 million every week.

The 90-second series heard weekdays explores environmental issues that are of both local and global concern. Topics span conservation actions through sustainable technologies, environmental milestones, and much more. Each show aims to inspire listeners to visit the website to learn more and possibly, to become involved in conservation actions.

“Isla Earth is an important public service component of the Catalina Island Conservancy’s educational outreach mission,” said Ann Muscat, Conservancy President and CEO. “The show is an extension of the Conservancy’s vision of making Catalina a model of conservation and sustainability on a global scale,” she said.

The Isla Earth website is updated daily with a new episode. Radio show archives are searchable by subject and keyword and can be listened to on demand. The website provides visitors with "Discovery Links" for each individual show, guiding them to in-depth information about the day’s subject.

Examples of other Conservancy programs to welcome participants to Catalina's wild side and to promote environmental appreciation include Evening Nature Programs that take place at the Nature Center at Avalon Canyon, The HIKE; and an Earth Day celebration to be held Saturday, April 21, 2007, from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden.

A list of radio stations that carry Isla Earth can be found by clicking here.

Story ideas for Isla Earth episodes may be submitted to the show's producer, Pat Florez

Photo: Earth, an Island from space

Help us tell the Island's success story with your own hands and voice.

The 2007 Summer Internship Program is looking for motivated candidates to assist the Catalina Island Conservancy with invasive plant management, native plant propagation or interpretive education programs. If you are a natural born leader, you may want to consider applying as Intern Coordinator — a paid position

Interns must have either a Bachelor’s degree or have completed the relevant coursework of their bachelor’s program. A valid driver’s license is required.

All interns receive benefits such as free housing at the beautiful Laura Stein Volunteer Camp overlooking the San Pedro Channel and the mainland; meals and a free trip to Catalina and a return trip back to Long Beach; in addition to other benefits.

Find out more about the 2007 Summer Internship Program and how you can be a part of it!

Photo: Interns celebrate a job well done!

Wrapping barbed wire...wild coastal views. Separating tiny tendrils...healthy coastal chaparral. What is the cause- effect relationship of these statements? Join us for a week-long Volunteer Vacations program and discover how your conservation efforts amount to a healthier island.

We’ve extended our Volunteer Vacations programs by a day to give more time to enjoy the Island. Participants stay at our Laura Stein Volunteer Camp for a week while they conduct a range of important projects from removing old cattle fencing to delicately shifting seedlings.

We feed you each night with delicious, hearty meals prepared by local restaurants and volunteers. Feed your souls as you experience the joy of seeing what happens when a few dedicated people work together to protect the land. Build friendships as you spend a week helping to reveal Catalina’s natural beauty.

Our Volunteer Vacations program runs for six weeks this spring and fall. Sign up now to reserve one of the limited spots in this rewarding program. We have the following dates available: May 14th-19th, May 28th-June 2nd, June 11th-16th, June 25th-30th, September 10th-15th, and September 24th-29th. Cost is only $175 per person for camp accommodations with stunning ocean views and five three-course meals hosted by staff or volunteers who help tell the story of what we are doing to keep Catalina healthy.

Discover more about the Conservancy's Volunteer Vacations, then fill out the Application Form

If you have questions, give Volunteer Groups Coordinator Matthew Sutton a call at (310) 510-2595 x109 or send an email to volunteers@catalinaconservancy.org .

Did you know that the Catalina Island fox is one of more than 20 plants and animals found on Catalina Island and nowhere else in the world? Find out more at this month's Evening Nature Program, 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 14 at the Nature Center at Avalon Canyon.

Julie King, the Conservancy's Senior Wildlife Biologist will share the current status of the Catalina Island Fox Recovery Program as well as the natural history of the fox and its place on our Island.

This is your chance to meet “Ne Shun Tachi” (“Little Girl of Hope” in the language of the Tongva who called Catalina Island home for centuries), or "Tachi" for short.

Tachi is the educational ambassador for the Fox Recovery Program. Come meet Tachi in one of her rare public appearances in Avalon.

For more information, call (310) 510-2595.

I would like to make a donation to the Catalina Island Conservancy so that activities such as the Fox Recovery Program and the Evening Nature Program can continue on Catalina.

Photo: Senior Wildlife Biologist Julie King and Tachi

Conservancy's Award-Winning Marathon Aid Stations

If it's March 2007, it's time for the 29th Annual Catalina Marathon. The Catalina Island Conservancy has long been a part of the Marathon by providing Aid Stations along the way providing refreshments to weary runners.

The Spring 1993 edition of the Conservancy Times featured news that the Conservancy had won first place in the Aid Station judging. "This spectacular drive-in featured a painted backdrop, complete with short-order cooks, to vintage cars and lots of 'car hops' to serve the thirsty runners."

The Conservancy's award-winning Aid Station in 1996 had a political theme. "The station was designed as 'Bison Party Campaign Headquarters.' Candidate 'Chip Fullabull' was on hand to greet the runners with his campaign pitch. All the workers were decked out in red, white, and blue, and the election theme was carried out with stirring music from John Philip Sousa..."

This year, the Conservancy has a Wild West-themed Aid Station under construction by the Visitors and Volunteer Department that is rumored to be the best one of all.

Good luck to all the runners and participants in this classic Catalina event.

Photo: Doug's Drive-In Aid Station in the 1993 Catalina Marathon.

Photo by Doug Propst