Catalina Island Conservancy

Thanks to Catalina Island Conservancy, adventurers today and adventurers tomorrow can enjoy Catalina’s wildlands. 

The MISSION of The Catalina Island Conservancy is to be an exemplary steward of island resources through a balance of conservation, education, and recreation. 

Why is it important?

Founded in 1972, the Catalina Island Conservancy is one of California's oldest private land trusts, protecting 88 percent of Catalina Island’s approximately 48,000 acres, including the region’s longest publicly accessible undeveloped coastline. 

The Conservancy is a research and conservation leader, protecting and restoring vulnerable habitats and species in Catalina’s Mediterranean climate, home to more than 60 endemic species of plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth. Conservancy staff guides Island ecosystem recovery with the goal of generating a resilient, self-sustaining ecosystem with no endangered forms of life.

How do they do it?

The Conservancy offers recreational experiences and educational programs for not only the 300,000 annual visitors who choose to visit the unique and special Conservancy “Wildlands Ecosystems” but also inspires the nearly 1.2 million visitors to other parts of the Island. Recreation, educational engagement, service opportunities, and partnerships connect the Island’s unique resources to people’s lives, inspiring environmental stewardship and action.

In terms of recreation, The Conservancy provides access to Catalina’s Wildlands with nearly 165 miles of recreational roads and trails and 62 miles of secluded coves for camping, biking, hiking, eco-touring and taking in the island’s most famous residents--Catalina Bison. 

They preserve and restore the environment on Catalina, promoting and modeling ecologically sustainable communities to create a healthier future for this Island and Mother Earth. The conservation programs focus on ensuring resilience, habitat restoration and wildlife programs conserving the island’s endemic species. 

For educational purposes, The Conservancy provides formal classroom lessons and non-formal outdoor experiences designed to deliver nature-based engagement and experiential learning. 

How you can #TravelKindly: 

• Choose Catalina Island Conservancy as your local charity when booking your hotel through Kind Traveler. 
• Experience the beautiful Catalina Island as a Catalina Island Conservancy member. Members receive discounts on camping, eco-tours, bike passes and more. As a Conservancy member you will also be contributing to programs in conservation, education and recreation which protect, preserve and make accessible for all to explore
• Contribute to the protection and preservation of the unique flora and fauna on Santa Catalina Island and come volunteer for the Catalina Island Conservancy. Their volunteer program has group and individual volunteer opportunities with projects restoring and preserving Santa Catalina Island. You can participate in a one-time special event or volunteer over several weeks, months or even years.