Conservancy's Summer Naturalists Educate Public and Support Island Tourism with Information about Catalina and Conservation

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Category: Entertainment News

Published on Thursday, 24 July 2014 05:03

AVALON - Four college students from across the country have been greeting visitors in Avalon and Two Harbors this summer, educating them about conservation on the Island and encouraging them to explore and experience Catalina.

They are all members of the Catalina Island Conservancy's Summer Naturalist program, which brings the students to the Island, trains them and then sends them out into the community to help the Avalon and Two Harbors communities reach their visitors with nature knowledge, hands-on activities, interpretive hikes and information about the incredible natural resources of the Island.

"This year's Summer Naturalists are outstanding college students with a passion for nature and conservation who brought their enthusiasm to Catalina to support the Conservancy's mission of educating the public and encouraging Island visitors to explore and experience the wild lands," said Ann M. Muscat, PhD, the Conservancy's president and CEO. "Each one has a wealth of environmental education experience, and they are providing the Island's visitors and residents with natural and cultural history interpretation at the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, Airport in the Sky, Two Harbors and on Crescent Avenue."

The Summer Naturalists for 2014 are Tanya Camper, Kaeli Flaska, Hanna Mogensen and Bobby Pfeiffer. Camper lives in San Diego and is a recent graduate of the University of Redlands with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. As a former student at the USC Wrigley Marine Science Center and frequent visitor to Catalina Island, she said she is pleased to be using her knowledge of California's terrestrial and marine ecosystems as a Summer Naturalist.

Flaska is a native of Cincinnati, OH, who is attending Iowa State University. She is pursuing dual majors in biology and environmental science. An avid scuba diver, Flaska is also exploring Catalina's abundant kelp forests.

Mogensen is from Auburn, Maine. She is a recent graduate of Smith College in Massachusetts, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and environmental science. Mogensen has extensive experience as an environmental educator, having worked throughout New England and abroad with diverse audiences.

Pfeiffer hails from Hamilton, New Jersey. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in animal science from Rutgers University.  Pfeiffer has worked at the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, N.J. for the past two years. He made the most of his journey to California by stopping at seven national parks en route to the Island.

The Summer Naturalists began working June 9 with an intensive two-week training course that prepared them for their roles as ambassadors for the Conservancy and Catalina Island. They then went to work on the Island, where they will be available to the public until Aug. 15.

About the Conservancy

The Catalina Island Conservancy was formed in 1972 and is one of California's oldest land trusts. Its mission is to be a responsible steward of its lands through a balance of conservation, education and recreation. Through its ongoing efforts, the Conservancy protects the magnificent natural and cultural heritage of Santa Catalina Island, stewarding approximately 42,000 acres of land, more than 60 miles of rugged shoreline, an airport and 50 miles of biking and nearly 150 miles of hiking opportunities within its road and trail system. The Conservancy conducts educational outreach through two nature centers, its Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden and guided experiences in the Island's rugged interior. Twenty miles from the mainland, the Island is a treasure trove of historical and archaeological sites. It also contains numerous rare and endangered animals and plants. The Island is home to 60 species - and counting - that are found only on Catalina.

For additional information, visit www.catalinaconservancy.org