Students Help Restore Catalina Island’s Fragile Ecosystem

In October, a small but mighty group of students boarded the ferry from Long Beach and set out for Catalina Island for an unforgettable experience that blended conservation, community, and discovery. Invited by the Catalina Island Conservancy, our youth joined Operation Protect Catalina Island, a long term effort to restore native habitats, reduce wildfire risk, and protect the species that make the island so extraordinary.

Once on shore, the students rolled up their sleeves to take part in the Invasive Plant Control Program where they helped remove Genista linifolia, a broom plant that threatens native vegetation and increases fire danger. In just one restoration session, they pulled more than 1,600 invasive plants along a scenic trail above Avalon. Working side by side with Conservancy staff, they discovered that real conservation takes teamwork, persistence, and heart.

But the trip was not all work. Students stayed overnight in permanent tents and a small house, planning, shopping for, and cooking their own meals. They snorkeled in the clear waters of Catalina, observing garibaldi, stingrays, and large schools of topsmelt. One group even discovered a pelican skull and beak, sparking animated conversations about ecosystems and adaptation.

When night came, the island revealed a new kind of wonder. Our group slowly explored the hills by vehicle, spotting Catalina Island foxes and deer under the moonlight. Between shared meals and thoughtful discussions about the island’s environmental challenges, our students spoke like true young scientists, curious, compassionate, and ready to make a difference.

What we witnessed was more than a field trip. It was growth in motion. Students learned what it means to care for the earth, to lead, and to be part of something greater than themselves. Experiences like this remind us that the next generation is not waiting for the future. They are already shaping it.

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Each trip we lead changes lives. Your support allows us to provide scholarships and meaningful field experiences that connect youth with nature and inspire them to protect it.

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Together, we can continue giving students the chance to learn, lead, and fall in love with the natural world. 🌎✨