Ending the Year Strong
This year has profoundly impacted all of us. We are facing extraordinary challenges, hardships and grief, while finding strength and resilience. We are working hard to ensure Catalina Island remains your peaceful escape and familiar retreat. The Conservancy has been thinking of ways to continue to safely connect you to the Island and is so grateful for your continued involvement. Like you, we are working hard to adapt during this extraordinary time in history. We need your help to continue our work on Catalina.  

The Conservancy, despite sizable budget cuts and temporarily furloughing staff, still faces a $1.5 million budget deficit this year. Your contribution today will ensure that Conservancy programs are ongoing and allow us all to focus on brighter Island days ahead. With gratitude for your past support and continued involvement, we ask you to please be generous and donate. This year only, as part of the CARES Act, you may be eligible to take an “above the line” charitable deduction of up to $300 ($600 for couples), regardless of whether or not you itemize. Learn more about these special 2020 tax breaks.
New Conservation Director
We are happy to introduce Deni Porej as the incoming Director of Conservation. Deni grew up in Africa, lived on four continents and worked on conservation projects on six. He has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Belgrade University and a Ph.D. in Ecology from Ohio State University. Starting his career with The Nature Conservancy in Ohio as a conservation director, Deni then served as conservation director for the World Wildlife Fund’s Mediterranean program. The last three years he served as CEO of World Wildlife Fund Adria. We look forward to his many contributions to conservation and Catalina Island Conservancy’s open space lands. Meet the Executive Team.
Welcome to the Fleet, 'Bee'
Whether you are hoping to learn more about the Island’s rich history, see some of our unique plants and wildlife, or simply explore parts of Catalina that most people never see, Conservancy Eco Tours provide an opportunity to experience the wildlands. Purchased in 2019 and customized over the past year due to pandemic-related delays, we are excited to finally unveil the 'Bee.'
This new, specialized Toyota Tundra, has joined the Eco Tour fleet, raising the customer experience and comfort while on these rugged adventures. Customizations include individual heated seats and personal USB ports to keep your devices charged and ready to snap unforgettable photos. With a custom wrap showcasing scenes of Catalina and a custom covering and seating area, this Tundra provides a climate-controlled experience. Book your adventure!
Science Stories
Are you spending time at home over the holidays? Experience the beauty of Catalina Island through our Science Stories series. These science themed read-alouds around the Island are geared toward learners from Kindergarten through Third Grade. Follow along as we explore the work of early naturalists and topics in natural history against the backdrop of the Island's wildlands. The learning doesn’t end when the video is over - check out the accompanying maps to see where each story was read. After the story, click on the accompanying activity, engage in your own science explorations and learn more about Catalina! There are currently four videos and activities available on the Conservancy website. Watch Science Stories.