Photo: Santa Catalina Conservancy Spring Service in an Island Paradise, Santa Catalina Island, California Highlights:
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Trip Number: 08292A Price: $495 Deposit: $50 Capacity: 12 Leader:
The Trip  Photo: Santa Catalina Conservancy Santa Catalina Island lies just 20 miles offshore of one the world's largest metropolitan areas, yet much of its unique ecosystem remains intact. The island is a "mountain in the sea," rising 2,000 feet from the intertidal zone with rugged canyons and soaring ridgelines. It's home to fifteen endemic species that exist nowhere else in the world. Rare and endangered species, including the Catalina ironwood, Catalina mahogany (all six remaining mature trees), and the Catalina Island fox all call the island home. Bald eagles have been reestablished here, and three pairs are successfully breeding on the island. Winter bird counts have documented over eighty species on an island of just 76 square miles! Spanish explorers and early settlers introduced cattle and sheep to the island, and scars from overgrazing can still be seen. In 1919, William Wrigley, Jr., acquired a majority of the island, and over the next 56 years the Wrigleys initiated a variety of conservation practices. This interest in conservation culminated in the creation of the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy in 1972. This non-profit organization is responsible for preserving the natural heritage of Santa Catalina and now manages thousands of acres of island wilderness. The organization has developed one of the nation's leading ecological restoration programs and offers a wide array of educational programs and volunteer opportunities. They are also our hosts for this trip. In May of 2007, the island was devastated by a wildfire that burned 4,750 acres. The extent to which this event has impacted the local ecosystem is still unclear, but the Conservancy staff and island residents remain dedicated to preserving the island's unique biological resources. The Project While the exact work we'll be doing has yet to be determined, we expect to be occupied in support of the Conservancy’s mandate to maintain and preserve the Island. In past years, the groups have worked in the native plant nursery and with the island kit foxes. We’ve also helped monitor some of the field plots, restore native species and repair trails. And this year, we expect to spend some of our time helping the Conservancy deal with the aftermath of the devastating 2006 Santa Catalina wildfire.
On arrival to Loa Angeles, participants are responsible for getting to Santa Catalina Island . Fortunately, this is easy – reservations can be made with the Karmel Shuttle at http://www.karmel.com/catalina.html . They'll pick you up at the airport (LAX) and deliver you to the boat. They'll even have your boat ticket ready for you. Your fellow participants will be with you on the boat and it should be a beautiful ride. The cost of the round-trip from the airport to the island is $97.50 (price as of September, 2007). When you arrive at the dock on Santa Catalina your trip leaders and a van will be waiting to take you to your campsite. Our trip will include one day off. The typical workday will probably start around 8:30 a.m. and end at 4 p.m., with a 45-minute lunch break. During our time off we can hike the interior, shop in Avalon, or explore the rugged island coast. Kayaks and bikes can be rented in Avalon.
 Photo: Santa Catalina Conservancy The Conservancy will provide accommodations for us at the Laura Stein Volunteer Camp. The camp is about three miles from the town of Avalon and overlooks the Catalina Channel. We plan to stay in two canvas-sided, dorm-style tents with padded cots, or in personal tents. Bring your own tent if you think you may be bothered by noises, or if you'd like just like more privacy. All meals and plenty of snacks will be provided by the staff cook. The menu will be vegetarian-friendly, though the menu will include dairy products and meat alternatives. Participants will be asked to share food preparation and kitchen cleanup duties Flush toilets are available, as are two hot showers. Fresh drinking water will be provided at camp and at our work sites. The Conservancy will also provide lanterns and folding chairs for our evenings on camp. From past experience, we expect evenings in camp to be a lot of fun.
This moderate-rated trip requires you be fit. Few of us swing picks or even pull weeds for hours each day, so we don't require anyone to be a body builder. Since we won’t be backpacking or hiking long distances, this trip is appropriate for beginners and those who may enjoy activities that involve carrying less weight. However, in order to enjoy the trip to the fullest, you will need to be in good shape. A program of aerobic conditioning, starting at least three months before the trip, is suggested. In work projects, everyone will be allowed to work at his or her own pace.
Because we won't be backpacking, you won't need much of the equipment usually brought on service trips. A backpack, though, may be the handiest way to transport your gear – you'll will need to carry your own things onto the boat and to the van. Each participant will need to bring a sleeping bag, a day pack, at least two one-liter water bottles, a Tupperware-type container for lunches, and a basic first-aid kit. Safety requires that all service trip volunteers work in sturdy long pants, boots, and leather gloves. You can expect your clothes will to get dirty as we work. You'll also need rain gear and clothing you can layer as island temperatures vary considerably: anywhere between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on where we are located on the island. Check out the conservancy website (linked below) for more weather details. You may to want to bring binoculars, as the island offers great birding. Cameras, flashlights, small musical instruments, favorite book are all good ideas. Sierra Club policy prohibits radios, personal music players, phones, or pets. You'll receive a more detailed equipment list from the leader before the trip begins.
Four USGS 7.5-minute quads cover the island. They are Santa Catalina North, South, East, and West. The Conservancy has a great Web site with lots of information on the history and natural history of the island, at http://www.catalinaconservancy.org . Conservation The restoration of Santa Catalina's natural ecological processes is a great, ongoing experiment. Given the fact that many of our urban areas are expanding and wild lands are increasingly fragmented, this effort tests the notion that rare and endangered species and thousands of acres of wilderness habitat can survive next to one of the world's largest metropolitan areas. This wilderness is being protected and preserved in the shadow of over 13 million people. Volunteers like you are developing a sense of stewardship not only for Santa Catalina, but for similar places close to your homes. In this sense of stewardship lies our greatest hope.
See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy. The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.
Leader:
Jim Nicholas has been taking part in Sierra Club Service trips for more than a decade. They allow him to combine three of his great passions: meeting new people, preserving beautiful wild places, and field-repairing hiking equipment.
General Notes About Sierra Club Trips
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Beth Druhe loves hiking and camping, especially when she’s helping restore and maintain natural areas. When she’s stuck in the city, she gardens and enjoys the local birds.