Removing non-native plants is a key element in preserving the island’s native ecology
Catalina Island has intrigued generations of travelers. Unique wildlife, breath-taking natural beauty and an unspoiled wilderness found nowhere else make the island a destination that resonates, calling vacationers back again and again. While Avalon’s quaint charms and Two Harbors remote attraction provide plenty of temptations for travelers, for many people it’s the interior of the island that truly calls to them.
Thanks to the Catalina Island Conservancy and the vision of the Wrigley family, nearly 90 percent of the island is protected in perpetuity from development. Santa Catalina’s remote canyons, windswept promontories and native flora and fauna will never face the urban sprawl that characterizes the mainland. This non-profit organization was founded in 1972 and continues in its mission today, thanks to the generosity of its founders and others who love the island.
One of the best ways to learn more about the Catalina Island Conservancy and its role on the island is by volunteering. Regular opportunities include Thursdays at the Nursery and the monthly Windward Beaches Cleanup. Catalina Island Vacation Rentals has also worked with the Catalina Island Conservancy to develop Volunteer Vacations, giving travelers an even more in-depth way to give back and make their time on Catalina Island make a difference.