Honoring the Catalina Island Conservancy’s past and future roles in protecting the island’s natural beauty, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) presents Catalina Island Conservancy: 50 Years of Island Stewardship, a live talk, 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 18, at the museum, 113 Harbor Way, Ste. 190.
Tony Budrovich, conservancy president/CEO will illuminate the trust’s history of preservation and share his vision forward. The in-person event is free for SBMM Navigator Circle Members, $10 for all other members, and $20 for the general public; registration is required.
There will be a pre-lecture reception for members, 6:15-6:45 pm. Register at https://sbmm.org/santa-barbara-event/catalina-conservancy/ and become a member at https://sbmm.org/membership/.
Budrovich served as the Catalina Island Conservancy’s COO becoming president and CE in 2016. In his current position, he leads the conservancy in the accomplishment of its stated mission to be a responsible steward of its lands through a balance of conservation, education, and recreation.
Budrovich manages the 42,000 acres of wildlands, a botanical garden, two nature centers, an airport, and a complex infrastructure including over 20 facilities, maintenance shops, housing, 200 miles of roads, 170 miles of trails, camps, and 60 miles of coastline and coves throughout Catalina Island.
He oversaw conservancy’s first capital campaign, which reached its goal of raising $17 million for various projects. Initiatives of the campaign included the trails expansion project (Trekking Catalina), construction of the organization’s new state-of-the-art Trailhead Visitor Center in Avalon’s downtown area, and construction of the new Ace Clearwater Airfield.
Budrovich also worked with Southern California Edison to secure $300,000 for the Airport Solar Project due to be installed in 2023.
For more, visit sbmm.org or call 805-962-8404.