For more than half a century, the Wrigley family helped shape the future of Catalina Island, first as a commercial investment and later as a conservation legacy. William Wrigley Jr., the chewing-gum businessman, became a major investor in the Santa Catalina Island Company in 1919 and helped expand tourism, infrastructure and attractions across the island. His family’s involvement continued after his death in 1932, eventually shifting towards protecting Catalina’s undeveloped landscapes. In 1972, the Catalina Island Conservancy was established. Three years later, the family transferred 42,135 acres to the organisation, placing roughly 88% of the island under its care.
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