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Dear Leslie,
Our most sincere thanks to everyone who made the Annual Catalina Island Conservancy Ball on April 12th a success. It truly was an evening of fine food, excellent music and surprises that made the event special.
Summer is almost here, so save these dates -- May 29th through June 1st for the first ever Catalina Island Flying Fish Festival featuring many Conservancy favorites such as Tachi our Catalina Island fox ambassador, and an appearance of Blanche Trask, the Island's legendary botanist. The Festival is going to be fun for the whole family. Read more about it below.
Note: Look for valuable coupons especially for our readers at the end of this newsletter.
Photo in banner: A large image of the Conservancy's logo was projected down on the famous dance floor of the Avalon Casino ballroom.
Photo by Bob Rhein
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| Aliens Alive! |
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They are beautiful, but deceptive.
The aliens are here - some of them to stay. Not aliens from outer space, but alien plants. They are disguised as native growth and appear harmless. You might even say that some are beautiful. Their eye-catching blooms are colorful, aromatic and attractive to insects and other pollinators. In fact, some of them are so attractive to pollinators, that they distract them from the Island's native and endemic blossoms. This is a photo gallery of a few of the alien plants that pepper our Island landscape. To recognize them takes a bit of time, a good pair of eyes, and a little help - like this photo guide.
The alien plants you are about to meet are well adapted - able to out-compete native species - mainly because natural controls (disease, predators and competition) that keep them in check in their homelands are missing here on Catalina. So, they establish themselves, expand their populations, and eventually out-compete the native species. Or, in some cases, they live happily among them, not causing much harm.
Come with us and explore these alien invaders that have arrived on Catalina, sometimes with our unwitting help, and learn what the Conservancy is doing about them.
Text and Photo Gallery by Carlos de la Rosa
The aliens are here.
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| HERE COME THE FLYING FISH! |
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Four-day festival of events, activities and family fun
In celebration of the annual return of Catalina Island's famous flying fish, Catalina announces the 1st Annual Flying Fish Festival, May 29th - June 1st, a four-day festival of family fun.
From May to September every year, Catalina Island welcomes the famed flying fish. This spectacular fish soars out of the water at heights of up to 30 feet and glides for long distances. Flying fish are abundant for only a few months a year. It is only fitting that Catalina celebrates their arrival by honoring them as special guests with a four-day-long weekend of festivities.
The Conservancy will conduct Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden tours with "Blanche Trask," historic Island botanist, and presentations at the Nature Center at Avalon Canyon where guests can meet Tachi the Catalina Island fox ambassador.
There will be a special Adventure to Toyon Bay, a kids' fishing derby, professional sand castle creation, free live music and the re-christening of the famous "Blanche W" flying fish boat.
Click on Flying Fish Festival for more information on this fun, summer event.
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CONSERVANCY BALL APRIL 12TH CELEBRATED RENEWAL
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'Earth, Wind, and Fire' Proved a Fun-Filled Evening
 The 13th Annual Catalina Island Conservancy Ball, "Earth, Wind and Fire," acknowledged the Island's beauty and regeneration.
The décor of the beautiful Avalon Ballroom featured unique centerpieces on all 93 tables, consisting of charred branches from the May 2007 fire. The branches were adorned with twinkling lights and representations of birds and butterflies to signify the return of wildlife to the burn area following spring rains. The centerpieces were assembled by volunteers from Northwestern University and Americorps.
The Ball grossed more than half a million dollars making it the highest grossing Ball event to date. Net proceeds will fuel the conservation and restoration of Catalina's wildlands. Proceeds will be especially helpful following the 2007 fire that burned nearly 5,000 acres.
This marked the first year the Ball was hosted by the Conservancy. Since 1998, ten Southern California yacht clubs have taken turns hosting the gala. This year, 22 yacht clubs lent their support to ensuring the Ball's success.
"Our yacht club partners are an integral part of the Conservancy team," said Ann Muscat, Conservancy President and CEO. "We greatly appreciate their ongoing participation and support."
The Catalina Caballeros, the Conservancy equestrian support group, turned out in mass to support the Ball. Eighteen Caballeros and their wives shared tables decorated with cowboy gear and miniature bales of hay. Of course, the gentlemen, dressed in their best boots, blue jeans, bolo ties, belt buckles and hats for the occasion.
A Pre-Ball Sponsor Party was held at Casa del Monte, Philip and Helen Knight Wrigley's stunning 1927 hillside home in Avalon, newly restored by its current owners Alison Wrigley Rusack (Philip's granddaughter) and her husband Geoffrey Claflin Rusack. The Rusacks, who own Rusack Vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley, were also major sponsors of the Ball.
Next year's Conservancy Ball will be held Saturday, April 25, 2009 theme to be announced. Sponsorships will go on sale in fall 2008 with individual tickets on sale early 2009. Please contact Kathy Perriman at (310) 510-2595 Ext. 114 to be sure of your place on the mailing list.
Photos: (Top) Senior Wildlife Biologist Julie King introduces Tachi to Caballero Tom Sparks.
(Middle) Conservancy Board member Blanny Avalon Haganah (second from left, bottom row), granddaughter of Philip Knight Wrigley, poses with lucky Avalon residents who won the annual raffle to join her at her table. (Top row from left) Craig Purcell, Steve Escoto, Leeann Human (middle row) David Markowitz, Judy Seals, Deanna Stone (bottom row) Meriam Djelidi, Blanny Hagenah, Joan Monasmith and John Tusack
(Bottom) The Catalina Caballeros and "cowgirls." (Back row from left) Tom and Gerda Sparks, Lisa and Darrell Hoover, Ann and John McBride, Rick and Wendy Harp, Geoff Rusack, Dr. Steve Pullman, Jody and Scott Scheller (front row from left) Steve Deming, Melodie Seeney, Paulette and Terry Chapman, Jan and Dick Pierce.
Photos by Bob Rhein
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EARTH DAY APRIL 19TH DRAWS
700 RESIDENTS AND VISITORS |
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Island Conservation was the message
Seven hundred Islanders and visitors attended the Earth Day Celebration and Eco Fair at the Nature Center at Avalon Canyon.
Visitors sampled black bean veggie burgers, learned how to make sustainable choices, found out what drought and deer tolerant plants to plant, and heard more about Island endemic animals including the Catalina Island fox and the Orange Crowned Warbler.
Aaron Morehouse, Conservancy Education Program Supervisor who directed the event, described it as an excellent opportunity to celebrate our earth, and also, for people to see what they can do in their everyday lives to help create a more sustainable Island community. "This kind of success owes a great deal to the wonderful talents and overwhelming support of the many people who contributed to the day," Morehouse said.
Thanks to all who made Earth Day at the Nature Center a memorable occasion:
· Travis Langen and the CELP team from Howlands Landing.
· Jeff Chace and the CIMI team.
· Bill Agresta for all of his work in setting the stage and music for the event.
· Frederico for his getting the stage going with his musical talents.
· Auto Pilot for keeping the stage alive with their sets of acoustic music.
· Meriam Djelidi and Island Poppy Plant Care.
· Donna Denning, Fiona Morehouse, and Kathy Troeger for their recycled art activities.
· Angie Bera from Dinghy Docks for her efforts in building awareness of eco-conscious products.
· Katie Langin, Dan Mitchell, Jongmin Yoon and Robby Lambert of the Orange-crowned Warbler research team from the Smithsonian Institute and the Colorado State University at Fort Collins.
· Conservancy Conservation and Education Staff including: Tachi the Catalina Island Fox , Julie King, Calvin Duncan, Rich Zanelli, Heidi Gansen, Chris Todd, Brenda Sanchez, Shane Barrow, Sarah Ratay, and Kelly Callaghan Skoff.
· Middle Ranch Crew and Facilities staff from the Catalina Island Conservancy including:
Lenny Altherr, George Hernandez, Jose Soto, Juan Mesa, Jose Silva, Angel Hernandez, and Murray Crow.
· Conservancy Volunteer and Visitor Services and volunteers including: Scott Dennis, Linda Jo Cleveland, Lesly Lieberman, Richard Pelouze, Dan Hirst, Tim Neville, Mary Story, and Whitey Mendenhall.
Photos (Top) Tully Rohreh (left) on the CIMI staff, discusses sea cucumbers with Jonah Richey, 12.
(Bottom) Island kids enjoy Earth Day crafts.
Photos by Bob Rhein
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