The term "biosecurity" refers to measures taken to prevent the introduction or spread of harmful diseases or invasive species to ecosystems. The isolation of islands creates more specialized endemic communities that are not as resilient to disturbance as mainland communities. Thus, biosecurity is especially important to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species which pose a significant threat to native plant species by increasing the risk of wildland fires, displacing native species and altering native habitat.

There are several ways that you can help protect Catalina Island by preventing the introduction and spread of invasive plant and animal species. To start, make sure your luggage and supplies are clean. Don't forget to clean your shoes and bags upon entering and leaving the Island to make sure no seeds or species make their way to Catalina. Boot brushes are available for purchase at the Trailhead visitor center.

Follow along on our social media this week for more invasive species awareness info and tips!

Have you joined for our free Last Friday Lecture Series yet? The lecture series is available virtually and occasionally live at the Trailhead. These talks bring subject matter experts from the Conservancy and beyond to teach about the latest developments in their fields. This month, we’ll be joined by Conservancy Sr. Wildlife Biologist Emily Hamblen to talk about bird conservation programs on the Island. Check out the schedule of upcoming topics for the next few months.

The West End bald eagles, Akecheta and Thunder, were the first to lay eggs in the Channel Islands this season! There is some Catalina history with these eagles – Thunder was actually born on Catalina Island in 2009 at the Two Harbors nest. Bald eagles have a storied history on Catalina, with the population having recovered thanks to the hard work of biologists after devastation from DDT dumped into the Channel. The Conservancy has a longstanding partnership with the Institute for Wildlife Studies that has reintroduced bald eagles to the skies above Catalina. Akecheta and Thunder have three eggs, laid Jan. 29, Feb. 1 and Feb. 5. They are expected to hatch early this month, so keep an eye on the Bald eagle cams!

Tickets are going fast for our 26th annual Conservancy Ball celebration: A Groovy View since ‘72! This year’s event will mark half a century of the Conservancy’s essential conservation, education and recreation programs. Guests will celebrate into the evening with dinner and dancing on Saturday, April 23 at the historic Avalon Casino. The popular silent auction will be held online prior to the event, with bidding beginning on April 9 and closing on April 22. Join us at the Ball to celebrate 50 years of the Catalina Island Conservancy - get your tickets today! 

We extend a heartfelt thank you to our individual sponsors and corporate partners including Presenting Partner Capital Group Private Client Services and Shaun and Katy Tucker, Sponsor Reception Partner Edison International and Food and Wine Partner U.S. Bank. We are grateful to our other Partners including Connolly-Pacific Co.; Aon - Commercial Risk Solutions; California Swimrun; CliftonLarsonAllen; Rodriguez, Horii, Choi & Cafferata LLP; Avalon Freight Services; and Catalina Express.

562.437.8555 • www.catalinaconservancy.org

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