Catalina Island Field Trip June 1
Catalina Island Field Trip June 1
UPDATE 6/3/2024: We had a great time with 17 people attending. David Berman took a number of photos linked here. Thank you for sharing, David!
UPDATE 5/31/24: The weather prediction in Avalon is:
Saturday
Patchy fog before 11am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. West wind around 5 mph becoming east southeast after midnight.
Since we will be in the upland plant communities, be aware that temperatures can be higher and sun can be brighter!
Bring layered clothes, sun protection (sunscreen / hat / long sleeves), and a water bottle.
UPDATE 5/24/2024: We are now taking names for the wait list.
UPDATE 5/23/2024: We have had an increase in available seats to 20! I’ve emailed all the waitlist people that they have a spot, should they want it, but there are now a few open seats remaining. We have to confirm our numbers soon, so don’t wait to register! Please email SouthCoastCNPS@gmail.com if you have a change of plans and can not make it.
- All day! 6:00a – 4:55p
- Our Hosts – The Catalina Island Conservancy will transport and guide us to island points of interest. Neil Uelman from SCCNPS will be our lead botanist. Noon meal at the Airport in the Sky Restaurant. MENU
- Transportation – Catalina Express (ferry) from Long Beach. To maximize our daylight time on-island, we will leave on the 6:00a ferry from Long Beach, and return on the 3:55p ferry. Some people may want to return on the 6:30 ferry in order to have time to explore Avalon. Some have expressed dismay at the early hour. We agree – it’s early! But we think it’s worth it because then we get a full day on island.
- This is what your ticket would look like if you are planning to explore Avalon in the later afternoon. Return on the 3:55 ferry otherwise (it’s a long day and no shame to retire early).
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Yes, it’s early but worth it! -
- On-island transportation is by enclosed passenger vans and suburbans. Sunscreen, hats, and layered clothes work best, since it can be hot and sunny or cold and windy.
- Walking Whites Exclosure is under a half mile with some incline; those who tire easily can remain closer to the entrance. Other sites will not require a long hike.
- Whites Restoration Area boasts incredible biodiversity. The native plant haven features a variety of Channel Islands endemic and Catalina endemic and native species, including Channel Island tree poppy (Dendromecon hardordii), Saint Catherine’s lace (Eriogonum giganteum), Catalina nightshade (Solanum wallacei), Trask’s yerba santa (Eriodictyon traskiae ssp. traskiae), Santa Catalina ironwoods (Lyonothamnus floribundus ssp. floribundus), Santa Catalina Island manzanita (Arctostaphylos catalinae), and more. See: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/f406d92c98b24de7a7f2d84551b680de
- How To Sign Up – You must do TWO things: Sign up via email to SouthCoastCNPS@gmail.com AND reserve a seat on the ferry. Do this ASAP because there is limited seating on the ferry and on the island tour vehicles.
- Estimated costs: Your ferry ride (about $80-90), parking at the ferry facility (about $20), lunch (about $15). The Catalina Island Conservancy is graciously providing transportation. Thank you!
- More details – Before your visit, a useful place to get more information is: https://catalinaconservancy.org/restoration-project/
