Phase One of the Catalina Island Conservancy’s IMAGINE CATALINA campaign raised a total of $17.3 million, exceeding the $17 million goal. The Trailhead building, the flagship project of Phase One of this campaign, opens to the public on April 30.
Phase One campaign initiatives focused on the Trailhead visitor center, the Trekking Catalina: Master Trails System and West End Restoration Planning.
The Trailhead, Catalina Island’s first LEED-certified green building, will serve as a gateway to the Island’s wildlands, providing visitors and residents with information and opportunities to understand and explore the Island’s 42,000+ acres of open space and 62 miles of rugged shoreline. Visitors will have an opportunity to obtain hiking and biking permits, trail maps, detailed information on campgrounds, native flora and fauna, ecology and history.
“We are deeply grateful to the many individuals, foundations, businesses and boating communities who stepped forward to make gifts of all sizes during the campaign,” said campaign co-chair Blanny Avalon Hagenah.
“Their generosity will greatly impact the Catalina Island visitor experience in both Avalon and in the Conservancy’s wildlands,” said campaign co-chair John Cotton.
Visitors to the Trailhead will be able to learn about the Island’s natural history, board an Eco Tour, enjoy a meal at Toyon Grill by Bluewater, host a special event or shop. In addition to educational exhibits, the Trailhead will also feature the Conservancy’s rotating Catalina Plein Air art exhibit and a rooftop garden with stunning views.
The Trekking Catalina: Master Trails System was completed in 2017 and includes 27 miles of new and expanded trails with seven restroom buildings across the trail network. The new trails are part of 165 total miles of recreational road and hiking trails on the Island, including the 37-mile Trans-Catalina trail that traverses the entire Island.
Planning for large scale restoration of the West End of Catalina will begin in the second half of 2019. The campaign focuses on four goals:
• Protect and restore the Island by modeling science-based conservation
• Train stewards of the natural world through life-long learning experiences
• Connect people to the land and sea through nature-based recreational opportunities
• Model sustainability in facilities, operations and financial models
“The successful completion of Phase One of the IMAGINE CATALINA campaign is a testament to the dedication of all involved to ensuring that the Conservancy continues to meet these strategic goals,” said Tony Budrovich, Conservancy President and CEO. “Philanthropy plays a vital role in advancing the Conservancy’s mission to be good stewards of our lands through a balance of conservation, education and recreation. Our donors are helping to ensure the long term sustainability of this iconic Southern California destination for the benefit of residents and more than one million annual visitors.”
For more information and for information about contributing to Catalina Island Conservancy, visit: https://www.catalinaconservancy.org/index.php?s=support&p=contribute.
