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| Pat Meyer and an island fox at Santa Barbara Zoo |
Friends of the Island Fox (FIF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable corporation.
Tax ID# 84-5114320
FIF was originally founded in March
2005 by Pat Meyer. From 2011 to June 2020, FIF was affiliated with the Channel Islands Park Foundation and then Channel Islands Restoration. FIF was re-established as an independent nonprofit in 2020.
FIF projects and programs - What We Do.
Friends of the Island Fox Brochure pdf
FIF 2022–2023 Annual Report pdf
Contact Us At:
by phone: (805) 228-4123 or via e-mail: info@islandfox.org
Mike brings experience as a California Naturalist and a Naturalist volunteer with Channel Island National Park and National Marine Sanctuary. He has contributed to wildlife monitoring for Ojai Valley Land Conservancy restoration efforts as well as monitoring wildlife for California State University, Channel Islands as part of campus recovery efforts following the Springs Fire. Mike is certified in wildlife Track and Sign Interpretation from CyberTrack International, the international standard for wildlife tracking. He has followed the island fox recovery effort since 2000 and has been part of Friends of the Island Fox since 2016. Look for his photos, videos and articles throughout the FIF website.
To reach Mike regarding Friends of the Island Fox: mike@islandfox.org
Founder of Friends of the Island Fox, Pat immigrated to the United States from England and completed her MBA through the University of Redlands, CA. Following a career as Vice-President of Personnel and Administration in the insurance industry, Pat became interested in zoology. She met Tim Coonan, fox biologist at the Channel Islands National Park, as island fox populations were plummeting. Coonan encouraged Pat to start a nonprofit organization to support island fox recovery efforts and Friends of the Island Fox was found in 2005. After directing FIF from 2005–2018, Pat now serves as V.P. and Director of Donor Relations and Fundraising. Her greatest thrill was having a wild island fox mark her backpack as its territory.
To reach Pat regarding donations or fundraising for Friends of the Island Fox Program:
(805) 228-4123 or pat@islandfox.org
Kristine Chatari, Secretary
Kris credits growing up in Alaska with her fascination and love of all wildlife. An avid hiker, she always has her binoculars ready hoping for the next NatGeo moment. Recently retired after a 47-year career as a legal secretary, Kris joined FIF as their Board Secretary. She collects and recycles aluminum cans and plastic bottles as her contribution toward earning money to purchase vaccinations for Channel Island foxes. Kris refers to Santa Cruz Island as "her happy place."
Keri served as Friends of the Island Fox's V.P. of Education from 2005–2010 and Education Director from 2011–2017. She acted as FIF President from 2018–June 2021 and is excited to return to leading FIF's education programs. Keri earned her BA from UCLA and her MA in Environmental Education from CSU San Bernardino in 2009. She's an educator, author, and science curriculum developer. She's thrilled to see FIF taking an active role in funding island fox science.
To reach Keri regarding Friends of the Island Fox educational materials or programs:
(805) 228-4123 or keri@islandfox.org
Jessica is a wildlife veterinarian and epidemiological researcher with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. She first worked as a field technician and project manager monitoring Santa Cruz Island fox recovery in 2006. Her Master's research on island fox interactions on San Clemente Island and modeling of how diseases like canine distemper move through island fox populations has informed epidemic response plans for all of the island fox populations. As a veterinarian, she provides care to injured island foxes on San Clemente Island and is active in the Island Fox Conservation Working Group veterinary sub-committee. See her in action providing island fox health checks. From mountain lions and elephants, to island foxes, Jessica is passionate about helping wildlife co-exist with people and easing human-wildlife conflict.
Megan Sarrail, Board Member
Megan is an attorney by trade and an island fox enthusiast. She has a keen interest in conservation and volunteers for a local wildlife rehabilitation center. Her photos of island foxes can be seen throughout the FIF website.
Justin recently joined the FIF Board and is a wildlife biologist working with kit foxes in California's Central Valley. He shares his enthusiasm for island foxes and biology by introducing students in a field studies program to island fox conservation. Read all about it in his article.
Friends of the Island Fox is a
Island Fox Friends
Catalina Island Conservancy
Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands Park Foundation
Channel Islands Restoration
Fresno Chaffee Zoo
Fort Collins, CO, Foxes Baseball Club
Island Packers
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Garden
Road Scholar
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Santa Barbara Zoo
The Nature Conservancy
U.S. Navy
University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
Friends of the Island Fox Education Programs Have Participated with:
California Science Teachers Association
California State University, Long Beach Science Teacher training program
Carpinteria School District Science Matters
Channel Islands National Park, Live Dive Program
Eaton Canyon Nature Center
Gold Coast Science Matters
Humane Society of Ventura Co.
LEAD USA
Los Angeles Environmental Education Fair
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Garden
Moorpark College Teaching Zoo
Placerita Canyon Park and Nature Center
Road Scholar (formerly Elder Hostel)
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Santa Monica Mountains Restoration Trust
Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area Science Fest
Ventura County Office of Education
Numerous elementary, middle and high schools throughout Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties
Various community and philanthropic organizations