One of the most notable features of Catalina Island is the Catalina Island Conservancy. This is in reference to the fact a majority of the land is protected by law, in an attempt to let nature prosper. How did the conservancy plan start? It started with William Wrigley Jr. He bought controlling interest in SCI Co. with the intent to keep the area looking like early California, instead of an industrialized city. Wrigley’s son Philip continued in his father’s footsteps by creating the Santa Catalina Foundation, a non-profit organization that focused on land, plant, wildlife and water preservation.
To this day, the Conservancy organization still maintains responsibility over roads and trails, the airport and land management. The Airport-in-the-Sky is actually managed by the conservancy organization. There is a nature center here as well as guided nature hikes available from the establishment. Some of the Conservancy-sponsored tours include the Jeep Eco-Tour Program, the Education Program and the Avalon Summer Naturalist Program.
What is the result of this outreach? Santa Catalina remains as beautiful now as the day it was first explored. The Conservancy owns 88% of the island to this day. Their mission is to “be a good steward of the island through balance conservation, education and recreation.”
When visitors arrive, they will be greeted with lush green land and blue water. The island has 20 endemic species of animal and plant that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The island has been compared to the Galapagos Islands in terms of beauty and ecology. In fact, some insect life has evolved into new creatures because of their adapting ability.
Why not come sample the beauty of nature in Santa Catalina? It’s not too far away from home, and yet feels very different from the noisy and hectic state of California. There are many natural sites, water sports and animal life to take in here.
