95-515: Catalina Bird Park , or Wrigley Bird Park , was a 20th-century collection of exotic birds and game fowl kept on Santa Catalina Island, California , United States, under the sponsorship of the island's owner William Wrigley Jr. The Bird Park was located in Avalon Canyon along the Avalon municipal boundary. The Bird Park opened in approximately 1926. The Bird Park was meant to be an enticement to visit
190-561: A Mediterranean climate , characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The climate makes it an attractive destination year-round, although the summer months tend to be the busiest. Throughout the year, Catalina Island hosts a variety of events and activities, including the Catalina Wine Mixer, the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival, and many more cultural and outdoor events. A tourist-drawing area, Catalina
285-461: A culling (killing from helicopters) approach was adopted. Some residents of Santa Catalina Island were opposed to the cull, and asked the Conservancy to reconsider. Each year, more than 100,000 children and adults learn about the uniqueness of Catalina's Mediterranean ecosystem and what they can do to improve the planet through the Conservancy's educational programs and a wide variety of youth camps
380-583: A disjunctive population of toyon var. macrocarpa that is unique to Santa Catalina Island. The Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Gardens on the island provide an opportunity for visitors to appreciate and learn about these endemic and native plant species. The gardens emphasize the importance of preserving and showcasing the island's exceptional flora. In addition to native and endemic species, Catalina Island has been impacted by introduced species, which were introduced by human activities. Some of these introduced species, like eucalyptus trees, have become common on
475-470: A few years and the island went back to the Lick estate. The sons of Phineas Banning bought the island in 1891 from the estate of James Lick . The Banning brothers fulfilled Shatto's dream of making Avalon a resort community with the construction of numerous tourist facilities. On November 29, 1915, a fire burned half of Avalon's buildings, including six hotels and several clubs. In the face of huge debt related to
570-437: A herd of 12 Blackbuck from India that currently live at the lower end of the cottonwood canyon near the island's airport. Mule deer were introduced to the island in the 1920s and 30s, and currently have a population density roughly 10 times that of California generally. The island was also previously home to populations of cattle , feral goat , feral pig , and sheep , but these animals are no longer present. According to
665-528: A large collection of Catalina-made pottery and tiles , ship models, and much more. The museum features dynamic exhibits on this history, an art gallery, special exhibitions traveling from around the world, and a unique Museum Store. Programs include First Fridays at the Museum, an annual tour of the historic Tuna Club , a Holiday Symphony Concert, book signings, gallery talks, an annual silent film benefit and more. From 1927 until 1937, pottery and tiles were made on
760-404: A movie. Over the years, they became an iconic symbol of the island's culture. But with no natural predators, the herd grew to as many as 500. The Conservancy had previously conducted studies that found the island could support only about 150 to 200 bison. To control the herd's size, the Conservancy had been periodically conducting roundups and shipping bison to the mainland. Shipping the bison to
855-459: A natural part of the landscape. Native plant species have adapted to these fire cycles, and their life histories often depend on periodic burning for regeneration. In the 20th century, a shift occurred towards extensive fire suppression efforts. These efforts, while well-intentioned to safeguard property and human life, resulted in the accumulation of vegetation, leading to an increased risk of catastrophic wildfires. The suppression of fire disrupted
950-513: A real estate speculator from Grand Rapids, Michigan . Shatto purchased the island for $ 200,000 (equivalent to $ 5.9 million in 2023 ) from the Lick estate at the height of the real estate boom in Southern California in 1887. Shatto created the settlement that would become Avalon , and can be credited with building the town's first hotel, the original Hotel Metropole, and pier. Despite Shatto's efforts, he defaulted on his loan after only
1045-407: A restaurant. The third floor includes a native plant garden featuring several Catalina native or endemic species. Established to protect and restore Catalina, the Conservancy seeks a balance between conservation and public interest. Catalina's native plant community is central to the ecosystem of the island, providing habitats that offer shelter and food to the island's endemic and native animals like
SECTION 10
#17328701418231140-564: A result of statements by Davern, and other factors, Wood's death certificate was altered to indicate the cause was "drowning and other undetermined factors" In May 2007, the Island Fire was a large wildfire in the island. Largely due to the assistance of 200 Los Angeles County fire fighters transported by U.S. Marine Corps helicopters and U.S. Navy hovercraft, only a few structures were destroyed, though 4,750 acres (1,922 hectares) of wildland were burned. In May 2011, another wildfire started near
1235-482: A species may result from the extinction of the original population on the mainland combined with its continued survival on the island where there may be fewer threats to its continued existence. The most common native plant communities of Catalina Island are chaparral , coastal sage scrub , island oak-ironwood woodland, and grassland. These ecosystems are integral to the island's biodiversity and have adapted to its Mediterranean climate and conditions. Catalina Island
1330-534: A tourist attraction and restaurant, until destroyed there by fire in 1938. One of the main investors to purchase shares from the Bannings was chewing-gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr. In 1919, Wrigley bought out nearly every share-holder until he owned controlling interest in the Santa Catalina Island Company. Wrigley invested millions in needed infrastructure and attractions to the island, including
1425-724: A training facility in Avalon, the Coast Guard had training at Two Harbors, the Army Signal Corps maintained a radar station in the interior, the Office of Strategic Services did training at Toyon Bay, and the Navy did underwater demolition training at Emerald Bay. In 1972, the Brown Berets , a group of Latino activists, Chicanos and Mexican residents occupied Santa Catalina Island in 1972 , invoking
1520-658: A type of hybrid parrot, was first bred at Catalina Bird Park in 1940 and is named after Santa Catalina Island. Most of the island is managed by the Catalina Island Conservancy , a private nonprofit organization. The mission of the Catalina Island Conservancy is to be a steward of its lands through a balance of conservation, education and recreation. The Conservancy protects the natural and cultural heritage of Santa Catalina Island, stewarding approximately 42,000 acres (170 km ) of land (88 percent of
1615-615: Is 22 mi (35 km) long and 8 mi (13 km) across at its largest width. The island is situated in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 29 mi (47 km) south-southwest of Long Beach, California . Politically, Catalina Island is part of Los Angeles County in District 4. Most of the island's land is unincorporated and is thus governed by the county. Catalina was originally inhabited and used by many different Southern California Tribes. The first European colonists to arrive on
1710-521: Is a climate pattern characterized by the periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. Conducted in the vicinity of Santa Catalina Island, a well-established research project was derived to investigate how El Niño events influence the local hydrography and the growth dynamics of giant kelp populations in the area. Data collection involved the measurement of sea surface temperatures, kelp biomass, and other pertinent environmental variables during both El Niño events and non-El Niño periods. It
1805-524: Is a rocky island , part of the Channel Islands , off the coast of Southern California in the Gulf of Santa Catalina . The island covers an area of about 75 square miles (194 square kilometers). It features a diverse and rugged landscape, including rolling hills, canyons, coastal cliffs, and sandy beaches. The island's highest peak is Mount Orizaba , rising to an elevation of 2,097 feet (639 meters). The island
1900-646: Is also home to various native and introduced species, both on land and in the surrounding waters. Unique species include the island fox and the Catalina two striped garter snake. The city of Avalon, California , located on the island's eastern side, is the primary population center and serves as the hub for tourism. Visitors can explore Avalon's streets, visit museums, dine in restaurants, and enjoy various water-based activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat tours. The island offers opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, and wildlife watching. Catalina Island enjoys
1995-477: Is heavily reliant economically on revenue from its annual visitors. Archeological evidence of human settlement dates back to 7000 BC. Prior to the modern era, the island was inhabited by the Tongva , who, had the villages, Chowigna ( San Pedro ) and Guashna ( Playa del Rey ), regularly traveled back and forth to Catalina for trade. The Tongva had settlements all over the island, with their biggest villages being at
SECTION 20
#17328701418232090-690: Is home to approximately 400 species of native plants, each playing a vital role in the island's ecosystem. Among these species, six are considered endemic, meaning they are found only on Catalina Island and nowhere else in the world. These endemics include the Catalina manzanita ( Arctostaphylos catalinae ); Catalina mahogany ( Cercocarpus traskiae ); Catalina dudleya ( Dudleya hassei ); St. Catherine's lace ( Eriogonum giganteum var. giganteum ); Santa Catalina bedstraw ( Galium catalinense ssp. catalinense ); and Santa Catalina Island ironwood ( Lyonothamnus floribundus ssp. floribundus ). Additionally, there's
2185-608: Is home to five native land mammals: the island fox , the Spermophilus beecheyi nesioticus subspecies of California ground squirrel , the Santa Catalina Island harvest mouse ( Reithrodontomys megalotis catalinae ), the Santa Catalina Island deer mouse ( Peromyscus maniculatus catalinae ), and the ornate shrew ( Sorex ornatus ). Only one ornate shrew was ever found, from a now-developed spring area above Avalon. Shrews are difficult to capture and may survive in wetter areas of
2280-735: Is rich in quartz , to the extent that some beaches on the seaward side have silvery-grey sand. These deposits provide insights into the island's history, as they contain fossils of ancient marine life. The island is situated along the boundary of two tectonic plates: the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate. This boundary is marked by the San Andreas Fault and the East Pacific Rise. The islands in this region have been shaped by tectonic uplift and volcanic activity. This means that
2375-425: Is road strikes; to combat this, the Conservancy installed new signage about Island Foxes. The Conservancy also introduced wild-life proof trash cans to protect foxes from human garbage, informs boaters about the possibility and danger of wildlife stowaways, and asks dog owners to keep their animals leashed. The Institute for Wildlife Studies, a separate conservation organization, has worked to restore bald eagles to
2470-508: Is the second, and much smaller, resort village on the island. Located at the isthmus of the island, northwest of Avalon, it is the primary landing spot for those who wish to tour the western half of the island. It is accessible by boat from San Pedro and by bus or boat from Avalon. While tourists rarely have an opportunity to surf , two beaches on the back side of Catalina offer good waves: Shark Harbor and Ben Weston Beach. There are also two camps, Catalina Island Camps and Camp Emerald Bay, on
2565-554: Is unique to the island and has been studied for its geologic significance. It is believed to be one of the oldest rocks on the island. The geology of Catalina Island is also important for conservation efforts. The Catalina Island Conservancy plays a role in protecting and managing the island's natural resources, including its geological formations. Santa Catalina Island has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate ( Köppen climate classification Csb ) with very mild winters. The National Weather Service maintains cooperative weather records at
2660-450: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo , which has no mention of the islands. On February 15, 1975, Philip Wrigley deeded 42,135 acres (17,051 hectares) of the island from the Santa Catalina Island Company to the Catalina Island Conservancy that he had helped to establish in 1972. This gave the Conservancy control of nearly 90 percent of the island. The balance of the Santa Catalina Island Company that
2755-578: The mainland to study at the Catalina Island Marine Institute every year. Catalina Island Conservancy The Catalina Island Conservancy is a nonprofit organization established to protect and restore Santa Catalina Island, California , United States. The Conservancy was established in 1972 through the efforts of the Wrigley and Offield families. The Conservancy was created when both families deeded 42,135 acres (170.51 km ) of
2850-456: The 1920s to 1930s, several bison were brought onto Catalina Island for a movie. The bison are popular with the tourists and buildings have painted images of bison and bison weather vanes. Over the decades, the bison herd grew to as many as 600. The population numbered approximately 150 in 2009. Other non-native animals currently living on the island include the bullfrog , feral cat , California mule deer , Norway rat , European starling , and
2945-626: The Catalina Island Conservancy's visitors' center, the Trailhead in Avalon on the East End, to Parson's Landing on the West End. It then loops back to Two Harbors. Other recreational offerings include: The Conservancy operates annual events including the Conservancy Ball and Catalina: The Wild Side Art Show & Sale. The Catalina Island Conservancy operates out of offices in Avalon and Middle Ranch on
Catalina Bird Park - Misplaced Pages Continue
3040-467: The Catalina Island Conservancy, there are 37 resident bird species on the island. Considerably more marine, pelagic, and migrating birds frequent the island, and 127 species have been reported to the Cornell University eBird database from 10 different eBird hotspots. There are several live camera feeds showing bald eagle nests on the island; nests are active February–July. In the waters surrounding
3135-466: The Catalina Island fox an endangered sub-species in 2004. After 15 years of work by wildlife biologists, the Conservancy announced that the Catalina Island adult fox population had rebounded to pre-crash numbers. The Conservancy's biologists counted 1,850 foxes on the island, 350 more than the year before, in one of the fastest recoveries ever of an endangered species. The Conservancy has worked with
3230-415: The Catalina Island fox, Catalina quail, and bald eagles among many other species. But years of importing non-native plants to feed grazing animals and landscape homes, has introduced to Catalina more than 76 highly invasive plant species. Due to so many efforts in the past to capitalize on the island, many invasive flora and fauna were introduced. The Conservancy removes invasive plants to protect and restore
3325-506: The Catalina fox community has been restored to more than 1570 in 2018. However, mysterious, usually fatal ear tumors continue to plague the Catalina fox. Three Catalina Island Conservancy wildlife biologists continue to monitor the population through pit tagging, trapping and inspection. The conservancy group vaccinates around 300 foxes every year and monitors 50 unvaccinated foxes via radio collar to watch for signs of new disease outbreaks. The current leading cause of death among Island Foxes
3420-622: The Conservancy hosts on its lands. Among the educational programs it offers are: The Nature Centers at the Airport in the Sky and Avalon Canyon showcase the island's natural history and the Conservancy's restoration accomplishments. The Conservancy operates the airport as well, which is located about 10 miles from Avalon. It also operates the Explore Store in its headquarters at Conservancy House, 125 Clarissa Ave., Avalon. The nature centers' exhibits focus on
3515-719: The Europeans were forbidden to trade with colonies. However, this policy was short lasted as the island lacked the ships to enforce this prohibition; also, much of the colonies wanted to trade with other European powers. During the period stretching from the late 18th to early 19th centuries, Russian hunters from the Aleutian Islands , particularly the Russian-American Company , visited Catalina Island as part of their fur trading expeditions. They were primarily interested in harvesting sea otters for their valuable fur, which led to
3610-473: The Institute for Wildlife Studies in a successful program that brought bald eagles back to Catalina and the other Channel Islands after DDT contamination decimated their numbers. The Conservancy is also actively managing a herd of bison on the island with a novel contraceptive program that is attracting the attention of wild animal managers on the mainland. The bison were first brought to the island in 1924 for
3705-635: The Island. Glass bottom boats tour the reefs and shipwrecks of the area, and scuba diving and snorkeling are popular in the clear water. Lover's Cove, to the east of Avalon, and Descanso Beach, to the west of the Casino, are popular places to dive. At Casino Point is the Avalon Underwater Dive Park, which was the first non-profit underwater park in the United States. The area flying fish and
3800-545: The Island. By eliminating and managing invasive plant species, the CHIRP program has encouraged native species to grow and flourish. It contributed to the discovery of new species and the rediscovery of species following years of fear that they were extinct. Among those rediscovered are Catalina grass and Lyon's pygmy daisy , which had previously not been seen for 80 years. The James P. Ackerman Native Plant Nursery at Middle Ranch provides plant and seed material for re-vegetation of
3895-549: The Isthmus Yacht Club and was fought by 120 firefighters transported by barge from Los Angeles. It was extinguished the next day after burning 117 acres (47 ha). Catalina Island is a part of the Channel Islands of California, which are a chain of eight islands located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California. These islands are often referred to as the Channel Islands archipelago. They are not part of
Catalina Bird Park - Misplaced Pages Continue
3990-587: The Isthmus and at present-day Avalon, Shark/Little Harbor, and Emerald Bay. They were renowned for their mining, working and the trade of soapstone which was found in great quantities and varieties on the island. This material was in great demand and was traded along the California coast. The island was valued for its natural resources, but was also respected by the Tongva as an important "ceremonial center" with connections to
4085-410: The Santa Catalina Island Company passed down to his son, Philip K. Wrigley , who continued his father's work improving the infrastructure of the island. During World War II , the island was closed to tourists and used for military training facilities. Catalina's steamships were expropriated for use as troop transports and a number of military camps were established. The U.S. Maritime Service set up
4180-540: The Santa Catalina Island land-mass was never directly connected to mainland California. Other geologic factors that contributed to the island topography include further geologic uplift and subsidence, tectonic plate movement, sedimentation, metamorphic activity, weathering, and erosion. The island's landscape is characterized by rugged terrain, including steep cliffs, canyons, and rolling hills. There are also geologic features such as sea caves and marine terraces along
4275-510: The Santa Catalina airport. The average January temperatures are a maximum of 58.4 °F (14.7 °C) and a minimum of 47.6 °F (8.7 °C). Average July temperatures are a maximum of 78.1 °F (25.6 °C) and a minimum of 60.0 °F (15.6 °C). There are an average of 12.5 days with highs of 90 °F (32 °C) or higher and an average of 0.3 days with lows of 32 °F (0 °C) or lower. The record high temperature
4370-475: The Spread has given nearly 15,000 campers tens of thousands of hours of education from 2009 to 2013. Campers manage about 450 acres for 75 different invasive species, logging more than 7,000 hours of invasive plant removal a year. The Catalina Island fox is found on Catalina Island and nowhere else in the world. An adult fox weighs 4 to 6 pounds (1.8 to 2.7 kg) and is about 25% smaller than its mainland ancestor,
4465-490: The bright orange Garibaldi are attractions. Parasailing is also offered. Jeep and bus tours are given of the interior, which is a conservation area managed by the Catalina Island Conservancy. The Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority operates the official island visitor center on the Green Pleasure Pier and provides visitor services assists tourists with any information on how to get to Catalina Island. Two Harbors
4560-420: The city of Avalon on Catalina Island. It is the first LEED Gold certified building in Avalon. In addition to providing information about recreation opportunities on the Island, hiking and biking permits, and serving as the launch point for Conservancy Eco Tours and Wildlands Express shuttles, the Trailhead has educational exhibits and a shop. The second floor of the Trailhead features a plein air exhibit and
4655-406: The coastline. Catalina Island has been a site of interest for geologists and researchers studying island geology, as well as the processes of island formation, uplift, and erosion. The island's geology has also contributed to the understanding of tectonic plate interactions in the region. One of the most notable geological features on Catalina Island is the " Catalina Schist. " This metamorphic rock
4750-549: The construction of the Catalina Casino which opened on May 29, 1929. Wrigley also sought to bring publicity to the island through events and spectacles. Starting in 1921, the Chicago Cubs , also owned by Wrigley, used the island for the team's spring training . The Cubs continued to use the island for spring training until 1951, except during the war years of 1942 to 1945. Following the death of Wrigley, Jr. in 1932, control of
4845-617: The decimation of the local sea otter population. The hunting by the Russian-American caused a profound ecological impact on the marine life around Catalina Island by depleting a keystone species. With its numerous hidden coves and relatively low population, the island has been considered a potentially attractive location for pirates and smugglers, much like other coastal areas. While there are historical indications that such activities may have occurred at various times, concrete documented accounts of piracy or significant smuggling operations on
SECTION 50
#17328701418234940-717: The decline of the Pimugnans because of diseases brought by the Spanish from Europe. By the 1830s, the island's entire native population had been forced to the mainland on the Spanish missions or to work as ranch hands for the many private land owners. In the late 18th century, the Franciscan friars considered building a mission on Catalina, but abandoned the idea due to the island's rugged terrain, small population size, and lack of fresh water. While Spain maintained its claim on Catalina Island,
5035-481: The exhibits, and trained the talking mynahs . Les Mobley was superintendent in 1951 when the bird park successfully hatched and displayed three baby emus . The Catalina macaw , a hybrid macaw which takes its name from the park and is now popular as a pet was first bred in captivity at Catalina Bird Park in 1940. When the Catalina Bird Park aviary closed in 1966, the newly established Los Angeles Zoo purchased
5130-591: The fire and the subsequent decline in tourism due to World War I , the Banning brothers were forced to sell the island in shares in 1919. On May 10, 1912 Glenn L. Martin flew a homemade seaplane in to Avalon, setting records for distance and time. In 1917 the Meteor Company purchased the Chinese pirate ship Ning Po , the oldest pirate ship afloat, built in 1753, and towed her to the Isthmus of Catalina Island for use as
5225-506: The first year and 3.3% Archived 2014-05-21 at the Wayback Machine the following year. The Conservancy's scientists, and their collaborators at California State University, Fullerton, continue to study PZP to determine if the female bison can regain their fertility after a period of time without the contraceptive. They are also evaluating the timing of ovulation in response to PZP application. After several years without bison births on
5320-660: The gray fox. Its diet includes mice, lizards, birds, berries, insects, and cactus fruit. It is Catalina's largest terrestrial predator. In late 1999, an outbreak of distemper virus caused the fox population to plummet from about 1,300 to just 100 animals. In 2000, the Catalina Island Conservancy and its partner, the Institute for Wildlife Studies, implemented the Catalina Island Fox Recovery Plan. The plan combined relocation, vaccinations, captive breeding and release, and wild fox population monitoring. Due to this outbreak The US Fish and Wildlife Service declared
5415-478: The island and can sometimes outcompete native flora. Conservation efforts, led by organizations such as the Catalina Island Conservancy, aim to manage and control invasive species to protect the native ecosystem. Catalina Island has also been a focal point for botanical research, attracting botanists and researchers who study the island's unique plant species. These studies contribute to our understanding of plant adaptation, island ecology, and conservation. The island
5510-400: The island are limited. During the 1850s and 1860s, Catalina Island witnessed a minor gold rush, as part of the larger California Gold Rush of that era. Gold miners arrived on the island in search of valuable minerals. However, their scale and success was nothing to be compared to the more prosperous gold rush locations in California. The historical evidence regarding substantial gold deposits on
5605-472: The island arrived by chance by blowing over on the wind, drifting or swimming over the ocean, or flown over by wing. Starting with the Native Americans, animals and plants have also been introduced by humans, both intentionally and accidentally. Catalina is home to at least fifty endemic species and subspecies that occur naturally on the island and nowhere else in the world. This limited distribution of
5700-695: The island at the Catalina Clay Products Company , and these items are now highly sought-after collectibles. Children in Avalon attend schools in the Long Beach Unified School District . There were two schools on Catalina Island. Two Harbors was served by a one-room school house, but it closed down in 2014; students must now travel to Avalon for all grades K–12. Avalon schools are housed on one main campus that includes Avalon Elementary School, Avalon Middle School and Avalon High School. Thousands of school-age youths travel from
5795-576: The island between the two population centers. Today, the popular tourist destination can be reached via ferry services from mainland California, with the most common departure point being the city of Long Beach. The island also has an airport, the Catalina Airport in the Sky, which is located on a hilltop and offers scenic views of the island. Catalina Island is known for its diverse ecosystems, which include coastal scrub , chaparral , oak woodlands , grasslands , and coastal marine environments. It
SECTION 60
#17328701418235890-504: The island claimed it for the Spanish Empire . Over the years, territorial claims to the island transferred ownership to Mexico and then to the United States of America. The island was used for otter hunting and gold-digging, before successfully being developed into a tourist destination in the 1920s. Since the 1970s, most of the island has been administered by the Catalina Island Conservancy . In 2022, Santa Catalina Island's population
5985-532: The island generally and did not produce any revenue. The steel girders from the original dance hall—the one that was replaced by the Catalina Casino —were reused in the construction of the Bird Park aviary in 1928. The resulting cage was 90 ft (27 m) in diameter and 115 ft (35 m) high. Former President and Mrs. Calvin Coolidge paid a visit in 1930. Circa 1931, the aviary was open to tourists, admission
6080-403: The island on Conservancy land since the late 1970s. Bald eagles had been common on the island until the 1960s, when it is believed that the effects of dumping the pesticide DDT off the coast of Southern California made it impossible for eagles to successfully hatch their young. The reintroduction of the bald eagle to the island may also edge out an invasive golden eagle population that threatens
6175-407: The island over to the organization—88% of the Island. Founded in 1972, the Conservancy is one of the oldest private land trusts in Southern California . The stated goal of the Conservancy is to "be a responsible steward of our lands through a balance of conservation, education and recreation." In April 2019, the Conservancy opened a new base of operations, the Trailhead, at 708 Crescent Ave. in
6270-516: The island remains inconclusive. In 1846, Californio Governor Pío Pico made a Mexican land grant of the Island of Santa Catalina to Thomas M. Robbins, as Rancho Santa Catalina. Robbins established a small ranch on the island, but sold it in 1850 to José María Covarrubias . A claim was filed with the Public Land Commission in 1853, and in 1867, the grant was officially patented to José María Covarrubias . Covarrubias, in turn, sold
6365-418: The island to Albert Packard of Santa Barbara in 1853. By 1864, the entirety of Catalina Island was under the ownership of James Lick , whose estate maintained control over the island for the following approximately 25 years. By the end of the 19th century, the island was almost uninhabited except for a few cattle herders. The first owner to try to develop Avalon into a resort destination was George Shatto ,
6460-497: The island's center. The Conservancy offers several other publications and productions for the public, including the biannual Conservancy Times magazine; monthly Conservancy News e-newsletter and an Annual Report. The Catalina Island Conservancy offers 50 miles of biking trails and nearly 150 miles of hiking opportunities within its road and trails system, including the Trans-Catalina Trail , which stretches 38.5 miles from
6555-422: The island's natural history, including its animals, plants, geology and marine life, and the conservation efforts led by the Conservancy. The Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden offers visitors a living exhibition of the plant life on the island. The Conservancy cares for such endemics as the Catalina liveforever, Catalina manzanita and Catalina Island bedstraw at its Ackerman Native Plant Nursery at Middle Ranch in
6650-469: The island), 50 mi (80 km) of shoreline, an airport, and more than 200 mi (320 km) of roads. One of the Conservancy's key goals is the conservation of the island fox, an endangered endemic species. In 1999, all but 100 out of 1,300 foxes on Catalina Island were wiped out because of a virulent strain of canine distemper . Following a successful recovery program which included captive breeding, distemper vaccinations and population monitoring,
6745-428: The island, Catalina Island Conservancy had plans to bring two pregnant bison to Catalina at the end of 2020. The deer are an invasive species, and they have a significant impact on native plants due to over-grazing. In 2023, the Conservancy created a plan to reduce the impact that invasive deer have on native vegetation. After consulting with wildlife experts, capturing and sterilization were eliminated as options, and
6840-445: The island, there are schools of fish like Garibaldi , California sheephead , leopard sharks , white seabass , yellowtail , bat rays , giant sea bass , and many more. Great white sharks are also occasionally found or caught off the coast of Catalina, though usually around seal rookeries and not around inhabited areas. Common marine mammals around Catalina include California sea lions and harbor seals . The Catalina macaw ,
6935-488: The island. The Catalina orangetip butterfly is a notable insect on the island. The Southern Pacific rattlesnake ( Crotalus oreganus helleri ) is also present on the island. This species should not be confused for the Santa Catalina rattlesnake , found on Santa Catalina Island, Mexico. The Catalina Island bison herd consists of American Plains Bison maintained and monitored by the Catalina Island Conservancy. In
7030-508: The island. The Conservancy also operates the Stop the Spread program, a partnership between the Conservancy's naturalists, CHIRP staff and the many youth camps on the island. The program is focused on invasive plant control in and around each camp. Campers are taught about the value of native species, the problems posed by invasive species and how to help eradicate invasive species. Campers also learn how to restore and improve native environments. Stop
7125-545: The island. Overgrazing by these introduced animals led to the removal of native vegetation and substantially altered the composition of plant communities. As a result, this overgrazing caused notable changes in the island's ecosystem dynamics, influencing both its flora and fauna. The ecological effects of grazing practices raised legitimate concerns about habitat degradation and the decline of native plant species on Santa Catalina Island. Conservationists and environmentalists responded by considering management strategies to address
7220-448: The island. The Conservancy's Catalina Habitat Improvement and Restoration Program (CHIRP) is designed to ensure long-term conservation of species richness and habitat integrity in one of the world's biodiversity hot spots. Three species of highly invasive plants have been nearly eradicated from the island: tamarisk, pampas grass and fig. CHIRP has targeted 27 other species for eradication and another 36 to be managed to limit their presence on
7315-624: The mainland but are remnants of an ancient mountain range. Catalina is primarily composed of two distinct rock units: Catalina Schist from the Early Cretaceous (95 to 109 million years ago), and Miocene volcanic and intrusive igneous rocks . The geological makeup of Catalina Island is primarily igneous and metamorphic rock. The island is composed of a variety of rock types, including basalt, schist, granite, and limestone. These rocks originated from volcanic eruptions, magma intrusions, and sedimentary deposits over millions of years. The island
7410-431: The mainland was costly, and it raised concerns about the stress on the animals during shipment and the expansion of the herd beyond ecologically sustainable numbers between shipments. Beginning in 2009, the Conservancy's scientists injected the female bison with porcine zona pellucida (PZP), a contraceptive that had been used for fertility control in zoos, wild horses and white tail deer. In addition to substantially reducing
7505-425: The native island fox. Grazing practices on Santa Catalina Island have a historical legacy dating back to the late 19th century when ranching operations were established. During this period, livestock, primarily sheep and cattle , were introduced to the island, marking the beginning of a substantial human impact on its ecology. The introduction of herbivores for grazing had significant ecological consequences for
7600-533: The natural fire regimes that had shaped the region for millennia and had unintended ecological consequences, including changes in plant composition and fuel load. Contemporary fire management on the island strives to strike a balance between the ecological role of fire and the necessity of protecting human structures and lives. This involves a more nuanced approach that recognizes the importance of fire in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Controlled burns, also known as prescribed fires, are one technique employed to reduce
7695-595: The negative impacts of grazing and to protect the island's unique flora. This prompted the implementation of conservation efforts to manage and mitigate the ecological consequences of livestock grazing, with the goal of preserving the island's natural heritage. Fire is an intrinsic element of the Mediterranean climate in Southern California, and it has played a crucial role in shaping the region's ecosystems over time. Historically, fires occurred infrequently but were
7790-429: The northeastern end of the island that offer summer camps for children and Boy Scouts. The Catalina Island Museum, formerly located in the historic Catalina Casino but since 2016 in a standalone building, is also an attraction as it is the keeper of the island's cultural heritage with collections numbering over 100,000 items and including over 8,000 years of Native American history, over 10,000 photographs and images,
7885-457: The number of new calves, the PZP had no apparent effect on pregnant females or their offspring. A peer-reviewed study published in 2013 reported that the contraceptive program was effective in controlling the herd. Previously, more than two-thirds of the cows delivered calves every year. After receiving the contraceptive, the calving rate dropped to 10.4% Archived 2014-05-21 at the Wayback Machine in
7980-407: The remaining 650 birds for US$ 14,000 (equivalent to about $ 131,470 in 2023). The physical plant was described as being Moorish styled in design and spread over 7.5 acres (3.0 ha). The Bird Park was decorated with Catalina art tiles including several "bird murals" of toucans , macaws , crested cranes , etc. The tiled fountain from the Bird Park was moved to Avalon Plaza after the aviary
8075-576: The risk of severe wildfires. These managed fires are intentionally set under controlled conditions to reduce excess vegetation and restore natural fire regimes. Other strategies, such as fuel reduction efforts and public education, are also integral to fire management on Santa Catalina Island. The goal is to protect both human communities and the island's ecological integrity while respecting the historical role of fire in shaping its landscapes. Over one million people travel to Catalina Island every year, accounting for $ 166.7 million in annual direct spending on
8170-514: The village of Povuu'nga , located in present-day Long Beach . During European colonization , The first European to set foot on the island was the Portuguese explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo , who sailed to the west coast in the name of the Spanish crown . On October 7, 1542, he claimed the island for Spain and named it “ San Salvador” after his ship. Although his interactions with Catalina Island are not well-documented, his main achievement
8265-424: The warm waters accompanying El Niño which can have detrimental consequences for kelp as the warm water disrupts the normal nutrient-rich upwelling, a process vital for kelp growth. Since Catalina Island was never connected to mainland California, it originally lacked any terrestrial life. Any plants or animals that arrived on the island had to make their way across miles of open ocean. The original species to come to
8360-437: Was 105 °F (41 °C) on July 6, 2018, and the record low temperature was 29 °F (−2 °C) on January 11, 1949. Coastal high fog is common during summer, but usually burns off by the afternoon. Average annual precipitation at the airport is 13.73 inches (34.9 cm); the highest mountain peaks get up to 17 inches (43 cm) per year. There are an average of 45 days with measurable precipitation. The wettest year
8455-525: Was 1952 with 21.74 inches (55.2 cm) and the driest year was 1964 with 5.53 inches (14.0 cm). The most precipitation in one month was 7.81 inches (19.8 cm) in January 1952. The most precipitation in 24 hours was 2.95 inches (7.5 cm) on December 5, 1966. Snowfall is a rarity on the island, averaging only 0.4 inches (1.0 cm) a year at the airport, but 4.0 inches (10 cm) fell in 1949, including 3.0 inches (7.6 cm) in January. El Niño
8550-404: Was 4,201 people, with a 51.44 percent to 48.56 percent ratio of male to female residents , 90 percent of whom live in the island's only incorporated city, Avalon . The second center of population is the unincorporated village of Two Harbors at the island's isthmus . Development also occurs at the smaller settlements of Rancho Escondido and Middle Ranch. The remaining population is scattered over
8645-625: Was concluded that this temperature rise has had diverse effects on the local hydrography, including shifts in water circulation patterns, heightened nutrient availability, and alterations in light penetration. Macrocystis pyrifera , a species of giant kelp, is a pivotal component of the underwater ecosystem of Catalina Island. The study discerned both positive and negative effects of El Niño events on giant kelp The Positive Effects were that El Niño caused an increase in nutrient levels, resulting from shifts in ocean currents, which, in turn, benefited kelp growth in certain areas. The Negative Effects were
8740-411: Was free, and there were more than 5,000 individual birds in the collection. Circa 1934, Out West magazine reported that golden and ring-neck pheasants that had "been liberated" from the Bird Park were adapting well to canyons of the island. The first supervisor of the aviary, which had a breeding program, was Edward Herbert Lewis . Lewis also designed the park, supervised construction, selected
8835-417: Was in mapping and exploring the coastline, which helped lay the foundation for future European expeditions and settlements in California. Over half a century later, another Spanish explorer, Sebastián Vizcaíno , arrived at the island on the eve of Saint Catherine 's day (November 24) of 1602. Vizcaino renamed the island in the saint's honor. The colonization of California by the Spanish greatly contributed to
8930-530: Was not deeded to the Conservancy maintains control of much of its resort properties and operations on the island. Actress Natalie Wood drowned in the waters near the settlement of Two Harbors over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in 1981 in what was ruled an accidental death. Wood and her husband, Robert Wagner , were vacationing aboard their motor yacht, Splendour, along with their guest, Christopher Walken , and Splendour 's captain, Dennis Davern. As
9025-588: Was shut down. The Bird Park was adjacent to the Catalina Island Golf Course . Some of the bird park structures have been converted into subsidized housing. Santa Catalina Island (California) Santa Catalina Island ( Spanish : Isla Santa Catalina ; often shortened to Catalina Island or Catalina , and also known as Pimu as the traditional name of the Indigenous people of the Tongva Tribe)
#822177