Photo: Santa Catalina Conservancy Service in an Island Paradise: Santa Catalina Island, California Highlights:
Includes:
Trip Number: 08334A Price: $495 Deposit: $50 Capacity: 12 Leader:
The Trip  Photo: Santa Catalina Conservancy Santa Catalina Island is just 20 miles from one of 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. Fifteen endemic species that exist nowhere else on earth are found on the island. Rare and endangered species, including the Catalina ironwood, Catalina mahogany (all six remaining mature trees), and the Catalina Island fox find protection here. Bald eagles have been reestablished here, and three pairs are successfully breeding on the island. Winter bird counts have documented more than 80 species on an island of just 76 square miles!
The conservancy education staff has planned an evening campfire program for
us, covering topics such as the ecology of the ironwood groves and the reintroduction
of bald eagles to the island. The Project While the exact project we'll be working on is unknown at this time we'll most likely be working in the native plant nursery. We may also work to monitor some of the field plots, restore native species, and repair trails.
When you arrive it will be your responsibility to get to Santa Catalina Island -- and it's easy! Reservations can be made 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 $120. When you arrive at the dock on Santa Catalina your trip leaders and a van will be waiting to take you to your campsite. 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 day off, we can hike the interior,
shop in Avalon, or explore the rugged coast. Kayaks and bikes may be rented
in Avalon.
The conservancy is providing 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'll stay in two canvas-sided, dorm-style tents with padded cots, or you may bring your own tent. If you think you may be bothered by noise (snoring), or if you'd like more privacy, it's suggested that you bring your own tent. Porta-potties and septic toilets are available, as are two showers. Potable water is also available and will be provided at our work sites by the conservancy. The conservancy will also provide firewood and lanterns. Our campfire evenings should be a lot of fun. All meals will be vegetarian-friendly.
This is a moderate trip that requires participants to be physically fit. Few of us swing picks or even pull weeds for hours each day, so we don't require you to be body builders. Since we will not be backpacking or hiking long distances, this trip is appropriate for beginners and those who may enjoy activities that require less weight-bearing activities. However, 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. Everyone will be encouraged to work at his/her own pace.
Because we will not be backpacking, you won't need much of the equipment usually brought on service trips. A backpack, however, may be the handiest way to transport your gear. You will need to carry your own things to the van, etc. 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. These clothes will likely get dirty as we work. You will also need rain gear and clothing you can layer as temperatures fluctuate between 50-85 degrees, depending on where we are located on the island. Check out the conservancy website (linked below) for more weather details. You may want binoculars (the island offers great birding!), camera, flashlight,
small musical instruments, or a novel. Sierra Club policy prohibits radios,
tape 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 experiment. Given the fact that many of our urban areas are expanding and wildlands are increasingly fragmented, this effort provides vital insights regarding whether rare and endangered species and thousands of acres of wilderness habitat can survive next door to one of the world's largest metropolitan areas. This wilderness is being protected and preserved in the shadow of 13 million people. Volunteers like you are developing a sense of stewardship for this place, as well as other places closer 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:
General Notes About Sierra Club Trips
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Fred is an avid outdoor enthusiast, who has led and participated on several service backcountry trips. He lives in Bend, Oregon, and is a frequent hiker in the Oregon Cascades, where he enjoys the wonderful solitude of the backcountry. His objective is to get you to enjoy the backcountry. He has recently (almost) retired as a contract researcher for the U.S. Government. Fred is happy to individually answer any questions participants may have about the trip or the area, and will send bulletins prior to the trip with further details and names of other participants.
Lelia Heading has extensive experience leading hiking and backpacking trips in the Sierra Nevada, as she used to live in Reno. She has cooked on many service trips and is sought out for her camp cooking skills. Anticipate being treated to fine dishes that are sure to fill the bellies and delight the pallets.