Over 800 costumed kids and their families romped through the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, shrieking in delight at the scary costumed creatures and rushing to identify native plants to collect prizes during the Catalina Island Conservancy’s Third Annual Halloween in the Garden party on Saturday, Oct. 27.
The Conservancy’s Families in Nature program started this Halloween tradition as one of the activities it offers during the school year to give Catalina residents the opportunity to access the Island’s interior and experience nature. By celebrating Halloween in the Garden, the Families in Nature program can serve hundreds of Avalon residents by opening the gates of the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden for all to see and experience this showcase of Catalina’s native and endemic plants.
Since the first party in 2015, the annual Halloween celebration has become a community event supported by Avalon businesses, clubs and County of Los Angeles, Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn. With their support and the help of some 40 volunteers, entrance to the garden was free of charge for Catalina residents.
“Education is an important part of our mission, and the Conservancy’s Families in Nature Program gives Island residents the opportunity to learn more about the Island while spending time together in nature,” said Leah M. Melber, PhD, Conservancy director of education. “Halloween in the Garden gives us the chance to host hundreds of youngsters and their families for a fun and educational experience. Those who participated in the program were surrounded by a world of unique and dazzling plant life just a short distance from their home. We thank our sponsors and volunteers for making this community event possible.”
During this year’s celebration, the guests enjoyed live music, treats, face-painting, a Treasure Hunt, games, a costume contest and much more. Children received Treasure Hunt clue sheets at the front gate and were asked to follow the clues to different plants around Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden where they collected stamps to earn a candy bar. The Treasure Hunt was an opportunity to learn more about the unique plant life of Catalina in a fun and engaging way alongside family and friends.
Guests also had the opportunity to dissect an owl pellet and take a walk through the Boneyard, an area where Conservancy biologists explained the natural history of the Island using bones from different species to help tell their stories. Pumpkin carving, a photo booth and a scary trail walk added to the festivities.
In a statement to the press, the Island Museum expressed thanks to the Halloween in the Garden sponsors: County of Los Angeles, Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn; Catalina Broadband; The Works Consulting; Island Rentals; Catalina Island Company; Lloyd’s of Avalon; Descanso Beach Ocean Sports; Vons, and Antonio’s Pizza. Thank you also to the event’s Partners: The Catalina Art Association, The City of Avalon, Avalon Rotary Club, Interact Club, Kids at Play, Lions Club, Three Palms Avalon Arcade and Catalina Kid Ventures.
