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Frequently Asked Questions |
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| CATALINA ISLAND CONSERVANCY |
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Are you a part of the Nature
Conservancy?
No, CLICK HERE to read about the history
of the Catalina Island Conservancy. |
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What happens to the island
if anything happens to the Conservancy?
The Conservancy is a very healthy, strong organization. All measures have been
taken to ensure that in any event, Santa Catalina Island will be protected by
a conservation-minded organization or agency. |
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Are we allowed to hike, bike
or camp on Conservancy land?
Yes, CLICK HERE for more recreation
information. |
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What kind of volunteer projects
do you offer?
Our Volunteer Program matches interested individuals and small groups with projects
related to the conservation of Santa Catalina Island. See Volunteer
Corps for more information. |
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Do you have any jobs available?
Check Jobs, Internships and Research Opportunities for
current positions. |
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What is the mission of the
Conservancy?
The mission of the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy is to conserve the land
it owns in perpetuity; to restore it to a natural state; to provide education
and recreational uses of the land consistent with conservation; to foster and
develop research to promote understanding of the resources of Santa Catalina
Island and Conservancy activities and to promote an understanding of the underwater
habitat surrounding the Island. |
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Where can I find your contact
information?
Address, department information, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses can be
found in Department Information. |
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| EARLY PEOPLE/NATIVE ISLANDERS |
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How many people lived on the
island at one time?
Although we cannot know for certain, some archeological evidence suggests a population
size of about 1,000 to 1,500 people. |
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What kind of wood were the
plank canoes made from?
The plank canoes or ti'ats were constructed of redwood that drifted
down the coast from Northern California. |
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How often did the early people
travel back and forth to the mainland?
Trading was vital part of the island economy, so cross channel travel was frequent. |
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How long did it take to cross
the channel in a canoe?
This is not known. |
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Where are the Native People
today?
The descendants of Catalina's Native People can be found around the world. Many
Gabrielino/Tongva people still make the Los Angeles/Orange County areas their
home. |
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| FERAL ANIMAL REMOVAL PROGRAM |
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How many pigs are on the island?
Because pig numbers can fluctuate rapidly depending on habitat conditions, actual
numbers are difficult to estimate. After 3 years of earnest feral animal removal
activity, there may now be as few as 100-200 pigs on the island. |
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How long before all the pigs
are gone?
Within one year (2003). |
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Why can't just a few goats/pigs
stay?
The purpose of the Conservancy is to protect native species. Goats and pigs are
extremely detrimental to the health of habitat for native plants and animals.
The cost of managing a "few" goats and pigs is just too high. |
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What about the bison/deer?
A Two-year bison impact study is now underway. The information gathered in this
comprehensive study will help to guide herd management decisions in the future.
Deer, with no natural predators on the island, are managed by hunting. |
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How are the animals being
hunted?
Public safety is a prime concern behind the Feral Animal Removal program.
For that reason, a combination of trapping, and hunting with and without dogs
is used for the removal program. |
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Who is doing the hunting?
Field biologists hired by the Institute for Wildlife Studies are responsible
for the hunting of feral pigs. |
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Can I come to the island to
hunt?
There is currently no pig or goat hunting program for the public. For deer hunt
information call (310) 510-2595. |
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| FLORA AND FAUNA |
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Do you have rabbits/coyotes/raccoons/(enter
any animal here)?
The island has many fewer species of native animals than does the nearest mainland.
Wildlife Information can be found in Animal
Species. |
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How can something be endemic
to the island if it came from someplace else?
Over generations, organisms adapt to take advantage of resources available. When
organisms adapt to resources on the island, they become uniquely suited to life
here. Because they are isolated from interbreeding with their mainland relatives,
over many generations they may become a distinct and different species. They
are now island endemics. |
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How many endemic plants are
on Catalina?
Santa Catalina Island is home to 6-9 endemic plant species. The range is explained
by the fact that plant taxonomy is a changing science. As new research leads
to greater understanding of plant species, classifications and names sometimes
change. CLICK HERE for more information. |
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How many endemic animals are
on the island?
Catalina has three subspecies of endemic birds, Bewick's wren, Catalina quail,
and Hutton's vireo. The deer mouse, western harvest mouse, ground squirrel, and
Catalina Island fox are all Catalina endemic subspecies. |
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Have any plants/animals gone
extinct in contemporary times?
The Catalina Monkey Flower is believed to be extinct. It has not been seen since
1901. Nearly forty plant species have not been recently seen. The Bald Eagle
was extirpated from the island, only able to make a comeback with the help of
humans. |
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How do you know what is native
and what is not?
Generally, we look at the point of origin for the species and its mode of arrival
to the island. We also look at past botanical collections from various botanists
that have studied the island. We can also examine kitchen middens that the native
people left behind, to see what bones are found. |
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Do you have snakes on the
island?
Yes. |
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How many different kinds of
snakes do you have on the island?
We have five species of snake on Santa Catalina Island: aquatic two-striped garter
snake, southern pacific rattlesnake, gopher snake, ringneck snake, and common
kingsnake. More different kinds of snakes than any of the other California Channel
Islands! |
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How many rattlesnakes are
on the island?
We are unsure how many rattlesnakes are on the island. The Conservancy in conjunction
with the United States Geological Survey began, in 2002, to gather baseline data
on the populations of Catalina's reptile, amphibian and small mammal populations. |
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How many people per year do
rattlesnakes bite?
According to Avalon Municipal Hospital, in the last 22 years (1980-2002), three
people have been treated for rattlesnake bites. According to Baywatch staff,
there have "...seldom" been rattlesnake bites on the island. Common
sense is the best protection against rattlesnake bites when afield: watch
where you place your hands, where you place your feet, and where you sit. If
you find a snake LEAVE IT ALONE! |
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What is the "most dangerous" animal
on the island?
All wild animals on Catalina should be respected and left alone. Any wild animal
could bite, charge, scratch, peck, or gore if provoked. |
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Are there any poisonous plants?
Several native and non-native plants are known to be poisonous if ingested. Other
plants can cause skin reactions if touched. |
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How many bison are on the
island?
There are roughly 300 bison on the island (2002). |
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| GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY |
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What is the true distance
between the island and the mainland (is it really "twenty six miles across
the sea")?
At its closest distance (Doctor's Cove near Arrow Point), Catalina is 19.7 miles
from Los Angeles (Point Fermin). |
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What is the highest peak?
Mount Orizaba is measured at 2,097 ft. |
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Is/was there a volcano on
Catalina?
There are no active volcanoes on Catalina. Geologic evidence suggests that roughly
15-20 million years ago, lava flowed on the island. |
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How long does it take to hike
across the island?
At its narrowest point the island is .45 miles wide and at its widest point is
nearly 8 miles. As the island varies in topography, width and accessibility,
there are numerous factors to figure into getting from one place to another.
Check our map to orient yourself. |
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Was the island connected to
the mainland?
Based on geological evidence, it is believed that Catalina was never connected
to the mainland. |
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| ISLAND LIFE |
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How many people live here?
There are roughly 3,500 people who live on Catalina (2002). |
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What do residents do for work?
Many residents work in visitor serving businesses. Others work for the City of
Avalon, Long Beach Unified School District, Connolly Pacific (quarry), Southern
California Edison or the Catalina Island Conservancy. |
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Is there a school/church/laundromat/grocery
store/(fill in the blank!) on the island?
Because the island has year-round residents, most of the services you find in
mainland communities can be found on the island. |
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How many kids are in the schools?
There are over 750 students in Avalon Schools (2002). |
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What is a good snorkeling
spot/restaurant for lunch/hiking trail, etc.?
Snorkeling is a great activity that can be enjoyed around the island. Hiking
information can be found in the Visitor's
Guide. |
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Does everyone have a golf
cart?
No. As a pedestrian friendly town, many people walk or ride bicycles around town. |
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Can I rent a car on the island?
No, CLICK HERE to learn about our
Jeep ® Eco-Tours. |
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| VISITORS |
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I will be visiting Catalina,
what can I do while I am there?
Hiking, biking, kayaking, snorkeling and Jeep ® Eco-Tours are great ways
to enjoy the natural side of Catalina. There are numerous volunteer and educational
opportunities offered by the Catalina Island Conservancy. Check our Calendar to
find out what we have planned. |
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Are there educational programs
or hikes on the island?
The Conservancy sponsors educational programs all year long. Check our Calendar to
see if there will be one while you are on the island. |
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| VOLUNTEERS |
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Do I have to pay for my own
transportation to the island to volunteer?
Volunteers are responsible for the transportation to Catalina Island, but on-island
transportation from Avalon is provided to work sites. |
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Do you provide housing for
volunteers?
The Laura Stein Volunteer Camp is utilized by groups that come to volunteer for
the Catalina Island Conservancy. If you are an individual that would like to
volunteer over 5 days, you may look into Volunteer Vacations as an alternative.
Or if you vacation frequently on Catalina you can make plans in advance to volunteer
during your visit. |
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Can I just volunteer for a
day trip on the island?
Yes, but you will want to plan ahead for a day trip with the Volunteer Department
to ensure that there will be projects going on when you visit. |
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Can I just show up and have
projects to choose from?
A lot of time and effort goes into coordinating projects for volunteers to assist
with. Taking the time to plan ahead will give staff time to match you with projects
that match your interests, skills and abilities. |
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How many volunteers can we
take in a group?
The smallest group staying at the Volunteer Camp while volunteering would be
4. The largest group the camp can accommodate is 14. |
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What do I need to bring?
See What to Bring. |
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Is there cookware at the camp?
See Camp Accommodations. |
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Is there beach access at the
camp?
As the camp is perched 1,300-feet above the Pacific Ocean, the only beach access
throughout your stay is while you are in Avalon. |
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| WEATHER |
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What is the average temperature
in the summer/winter?
Temperatures average in the mid 60s to low 70s all year around. In the summer,
however, it can be hot, in the 90s inland. In the winter, inland areas of the
island may even get a bit of frost. |
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How much precipitation does
the island get per year?
CLICK HERE to view rainfall data. |
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What kinds of storms happen
out there?
Catalina is prone to most of the same storm systems that affect the greater Los
Angeles area. |
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What is the usual water temperature?
The average water temperature in the winter is 56-59 F, in the summer 67-70. |
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In regards to the weather,
when is the best time of the year to visit Catalina?
The weather on Catalina is nice all year around with mostly sunny days and cool
evenings. Occasional fog rolls over the mountain ridges during all seasons. |
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