There is one more month to learn from Catalina Island Conservancy’s Summer Naturalists. Each year, four environmental professionals in the making share information about the unique history and importance of Catalina Island. To prepare for their role as Catalina ambassadors, all Summer Naturalists undergo two weeks of intensive training spanning the Island’s history, ecology, and trail system.
The Summer Naturalists are stationed in two locations on the Island until Sept. 3. The team manages a mobile nature center in the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden Saturday-Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and in Two Harbors, Fridays noon-4:30 p.m., weekends, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Mondays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. They display unique artifacts, offer field guides and answer all questions you may have. Staff at both locations offer kids activities, guided hikes and other planned programming.
The young professionals have varying specialties and come from all over the country. Kellie Crouch is a third-year college student studying environmental science. She has been a member of the Conservancy and dedicated volunteer for three years. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Meghan Hayden studied Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Cornell University. She is excited for the opportunity to share in the Conservancy’s mission and learn from visitors to Catalina Island.
Cyra Malec joins the Naturalists from University of Georgia where she graduated with an Ecology degree. Her passion for travel and the environment has brought her to Catalina Island where she is excited to experience the knowledge of all of the Islands awesome ecosystems and work with visitors to help the Island thrive. Valerie is a rising senior year at UCLA studying Biology with a concentration in Conservation Biology. She aims to involve the community in restoration and conservation projects by educating the public and creating outlets for citizen science.
Visit the Summer Naturalists on your next trip to the Island. Conservancy members receive free entry to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden. Avalon Transit’s Garibaldi bus route includes the Garden and can be picked up at the Trailhead visitor center. Visiting the Summer Naturalists adds value to your Catalina Island adventures while they share about the Conservancy’s mission: to practice responsible stewardship of the land through a balance of conservation, education and recreation.
For more information, contact the Conservancy at the Trailhead at 310-510-2595, or visit catalinaconservancy.org.
