Conservancy E-News - November 2020

Make a Difference

Please keep Catalina Island Conservancy in mind as you consider your year-end giving plans. With the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Conservancy needs your help more than ever.

The CARES Act, enacted by Congress on March 27, acknowledges the critical work of nonprofits by expanding charitable giving tax incentives. Whether you itemize your deductions or not, there are benefits to donating in 2020. For those who take the standard deduction, a line item for charitable giving of up to $300 is available to reduce your adjusted gross income (AGI). Those who itemize deductions can elect to deduct up to 100% of their AGI (usually 60%) on qualified cash contributions. And IRA owners can contribute directly through qualified charitable distributions (QCDs). Learn more about these special 2020 tax breaks.

While 2020 has been an incredibly difficult year, it has also offered the opportunity to adapt many of our programs, refocus on our mission and reach new audiences. Catalina Island Conservancy is more committed than ever to being a responsible steward of our lands through a balance of conservation, education and recreation. With your continued support, the Island will continue to thrive and remain accessible for generations to come.

Support the Conservancy's Work on Catalina

Catalina Island Conservancy Annual Symposium

Join us on Mondays in November for four captivating discussions about the research and work taking place on Catalina Island. Featuring the Conservancy's Conservation and Education staff, plus some of our external partners in research, the Catalina Island Conservancy Symposium is always an enlightening event. This year's free, virtual event will take place on Mondays in November from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., featuring engaging presenters speaking about conservation and education programs on the Island.

The Rarest of Trees

The elusive Catalina Island Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus traskiae) is found only one place in the world. This critically endangered, neoendemic species only exists in one known population in Wild Boar Gully on Catalina Island. Recently, Conservancy staff performed an informal survey to look for this unique species. When Blanche Trask first discovered the species in the 19th century, only around 40 plants were counted. A survey in 1996 counted only six. Read more about this rare species.

Hunting Update

Hunting opportunities are open on Catalina Island! The 2020 hunting season began July 29 and will close December 26. Catalina Island Conservancy welcomes hunters as conservation partners in responsibly managing the Island’s introduced mule deer population. In partnership with California’s Fish and Wildlife under a Private Lands Management (PLM) agreement, this program is an important tool in conservation efforts on Catalina Island. Information about obtaining tags and about hunting zones can be accessed on the Conservancy website. Learn more.

562.437.8555 • www.catalinaconservancy.org

CATALINA ISLAND CONSERVANCY • P.O. Box 2739 • Avalon, CA 90704