For the first time ever, the 2021 Catalina Island Conservancy Annual Symposium will have both in-person and virtual attendance offerings. Join the Conservancy in Long Beach, on Friday, Oct. 8, to learn about “Stewardship in a Changing World: 21st Century Conservancy on Catalina Island.” This enlightening, one-day mini symposium offers a series of short presentations by Conservancy biologists, educators and research partners, with each followed by an interactive question and answer segment.
“The Annual symposium is a great way to learn more about the latest Island happenings, from the science behind our conservation work to how we engage the community through innovative learning programs,” said Catalina Island Conservancy Sr. Director of Education Dr. Leah Melber. “The short talk format means the one-day activity will leave attendees with seven new ideas and hopefully an interest in learning even more about Catalina through a visit or by participating in future activities.”
Conservancy President and CEO Tony Budrovich will open the program, held at Aquarium of the Pacific. Education topics will include a look at Course Catalina, a Conservancy program to share the opportunity to explore the natural world of Catalina Island with mainland and Avalon schools, and information about how the Conservancy has boosted engagement at Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden.
When it comes to conservation, Conservancy Sr. Director of Conservation Deni Porej will share information about the new Conservation Strategic Plan. This long-term plan presents the Conservancy’s vision for conservation on Catalina Island through six areas of work: Animals, Plants, Threats, Cultural Resources, Collaborations and Sustainability.
Additional conservation topics will include the role and importance of fencing and exclosures in native plant recovery and protection, a look at how invasive plant management works, and information about programs to protect sensitive species on Catalina Island, including wildlife found nowhere else in the world.
In-person registration is limited, and Conservancy members receive a discount on their Symposium tickets. Special thanks to the Aquarium of the Pacific and the Port of Long Beach for their support of this event. Find out more information and sign up today at CatalinaConservancy.org, or bit.ly/CICsymposium.
Formed in 1972, the Catalina Island Conservancy is one of California’s oldest land trusts. Its mission is to be a responsible steward of its lands through a balance of conservation, education and recreation. Through its ongoing efforts, the Conservancy protects the magnificent natural and cultural heritage of Santa Catalina Island, stewarding more than 42,000 acres of land and more than 60 miles of rugged shoreline. It provides an airport and 50 miles of biking and 165 miles of hiking opportunities within its road and trail system. The Conservancy conducts educational outreach through two nature centers, its Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden and guided experiences in the Island’s rugged interior. Twenty miles from the mainland, the Island is a treasure trove of historical and archaeological sites. It also contains numerous rare and endangered animals and plants. The Island is home to more than 60 species that are found only on Catalina. For additional information, please visit www.catalinaconservancy.org.
The in-person event includes lunch and a post-event reception which offers opportunities to further discuss the presentations with our speakers and the ongoing projects on Catalina Island with our field staff.
The online option will include a live stream of the presentation portion of the event from 10:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. (with a break for lunch).
