Sit a Bit at Haypress Reservoir
Eight new picnic tables have been added at Haypress Reservoir in honor of a longstanding mid-hike luncheon tradition. These tables, dedicated by the Conservancy and boating support group the Marineros, honor Nelson Jones, Sr., who passed away May 19, 2019 at 88 years old.

Nelson, along with his brothers, the late Thad and Graham “BZ” Jones, have a long history with both Catalina Island and Catalina Island Conservancy. In remembrance of the family’s legacy of volunteering and support, the Conservancy celebrates their love for the Island with a yearly hiking event.
When the 2020 Thad and BZ Jones Hikes were cancelled due to coronavirus, many participants elected to donate their registration costs to support Conservancy programs and the remembrance picnic tables. Thousands of people who hike the Trans-Catalina Trail or pass Haypress Reservoir each year will be able to enjoy them on their Island adventures.
We missed hosting our annual trek and wish we could have been exploring the Island together in honor of Thad, BZ and Nelson Jones. As COVID restrictions ease, we are hopeful that we'll be able to host the one-day, BZ Jones Hike on Saturday, October 16th, 2021. The hike may include some modifications this year as we continue to adhere to appropriate safety standards.
Bringing the Outdoors to the Classroom
The Conservancy’s Nature in the Classroom program has adapted in order to continue sharing the wonders of Catalina’s wildlands with learners. Thus far in 2021, Avalon School kindergarten, first, second, and fifth grade students have met with Conservancy Environmental Education Specialist Cressita Bowman to discuss Island-related topics. Each grade spends about an hour with Bowman, who walks students through concepts such as the lifecycle of a cactus or the Catalina Island fox. Part of the Conservancy mission is to help local residents and visitors create a sense of connection to the Island. They are truly our future stewards of Catalina. Learn more about the Conservancy's Education Programs.
Have a Ball at Home
This year’s Conservancy Ball is going virtual with an engaging broadcast and interactive activities for all attendees on Saturday, April 10, 2021. We look forward to you and fellow Conservancy supporters participating in the event regardless of your location, while staying safe and remaining in compliance with local guidelines.

We are grateful to our sponsors including Presenting Partner Capital Group Private Client Services and Shaun and Katy Tucker, Virtual Sponsor Gathering Partner U.S. Bank, and After Party Partner Edison International. We also would like to thank Ball at Home Kit Partners Connolly-Pacific and Jordahl Construction; and Community Partners Albus-Keefe Associates, Aon Risk Services, Inc., California Swimrun, Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP, Mutual of America Financial Group, OCDM Direct Mail Marketing, Rodriguez, Horii, Choi & Cafferata LLP. Register for your free ticket today!
A Successful Fox Monitoring Season
After a successful trapping and vaccination season, the 2020 Catalina Island fox population estimate is complete. For 2020, the Conservancy estimates that approximately 1,807 of these endemic creatures live on Catalina Island. Although the fox population estimate is lower than the 2019 count of 2,372, Catalina’s foxes are still thriving. The Island fox population fluctuates yearly due to natural variation in rainfall and resource availability and all indicators point to a healthy population near carrying capacity. Learn more about the Catalina Island fox.