1991 Diablo Watch - Spring Edition, Issue 5

DIABLO WATCH

Save Mount Diablo

Protecting the Mountain Since 1971 Spring 1991

Spring Wildflowers on Mount Diablo byGenevfeveSattlcr

Anyone who likes flowers will enjoy Mount Diablo's beautiful wildflowers. Although there are flowers in our park year round, Spring is the time of the most spectacular display. It is a matter of being in the right place at the right time to see the greatest variety of flowers which begin blooming in February and March. Drought conditions may have a significant affect on the floral display this year.

Some of the earliest blooming wildflowers are in the Mustard Family - Milkmaids, Western Wallflowers and Brewer Rock Cress. They begin to peek out in February and March. These flowers are Crucifers, as their four

petals are stretched out like the four arms of a cross. The dainty little

Milkmaid flowers can be seen at the Blue Oak picnic area and at other sites sheltered by oak trees. The stiffstemmed, bright orange Western Wallflower is readily seen from the Summit Road. To see these flowers at close range, hike the North Peak Trail from Devil's Elbow to Prospector's Gap. Look for the Brewer Rock Cress, a compact plant with rose-purple petals, in the crevices of rock outcrops. This North Peak Trail, which is on the east side of the mountain, is just the place for wildflower enth usiasts to go. Flowers you'll see in this area include the delicate, cup-shaped Baby Blue Eyes, Lupines, Poppies, Red Larkspur, Wind Poppies, Phacelias and Thistles.

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Dr. Mary Leo Bowerman Honored

In October, the California Native Plant Society celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary at the Tilden Botanic

Mary Bowerman

Garden in Berkeley. Save Mount Diablo Founder and Director Mary Bowerman was recognized. for her many years of botanical study which has centered on Mount Diablo. She was presen ted with a plaqu e naming her a "Fellow of the Society" at the Founders' Brunch held October 21, 1990 at the Brazilian Room.

Mary Bowerman was born in Cana da and had her earl y sch ooli ng in Englan d. She attended the Un iversity of California, Berkeley after two years at Pasadena Ju ni or Coll ege. She obtained her Ph D. at the Unive r sity of California, Berkeley, in 1936 in the field of Botany under the distinguished botanist Willis Linn Jepson Her field work for her dissertation was done on Mount Diablo She then condensed this information into her book The Flowering Plants and Ferns of Mount Diablo,

California , Their Distribution and Association into Plant Communities, (The Gillick Press, 1944). This book-now out of print-is available in public libraries.

Dr. Bowerman is a respected and recognized authority on Mount Diablo, for her knowledge of its land areas and plant communities in particular. It was her love of the mounta in and concern for its preservation that helped stimulate the formation of "Save Mount Diablo" in 1971.

Besides the California Native Plant Society, Dr. Bowerman is a member of the California Botanical Society, The Nature Conservancy, the Audubon Society, Sierra Club and other botanical and environmental organizations

We congratulate Dr. Bowerman on this new honor and wish her continued personal enjoym e nt of our "island mountain"

Gilia.

Thanks to Those Who Made it Possible

As we celebrate "April on the Mountain" let's not forget those who made it possible. Since the beginning of mankind, there have been individuals, groups and, in the case of early civilization, absolute rulers, with reasons to conserve natural resources. Hadrian, Roman Emperor from 117-138 A.O. decreed that anyone caught cutting down trees from the hills of Lebanon faced certain death. Even then, the Emperor's advisors lcnew that b y pro tecting trees you were also preserving the watershed . Sadly, there are no trees left on the hills of Lebanon today; only stone markers with Latin inscription warnings that those who cut down the trees will also suffer the consequences. However, this article is not about ancient times.

Instead, let's begin our journey of remembrance in the mid -19th century. The foundation of our modem day approach to lan d man a gement was borne out of con servationists' efforts of the mid-19th century that fostered the feeling the that "the United States was committed to preserving its finest western scenery not for the short-term private profit of a few, but for the continuing long-term benefit of the

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For an interesting walk take the onemile Summit Fire Ecology Trail I<eep your eyes open for the lovely blue Hound's Tongue. The shape of the leaves gives this flower its common name. Growing under the trees, look for the fem -shaped leaves of the crimson Indian Warrior.

The Varicolored Penstemon with blue -purple flowers which are yellowish in bud, grows on the ro cky slopes The attractive Red Larkspur also grows on these rock slides. Flowers at the summit generally bloom later than those at the lower elevations so you can work your way up the mountain!

Even in June, as the grass begi n s to dry, you'll find the Mariposa Lily with white peta ls blotched with red, growing mos tly on rocky, south -facing slopes from lo w elevations right to the summit. The Yellow Mariposa Lily can

whole population". These ideals and goals have shaped land manage ment practices and, in par ticular, the park movement from the beginning.

Do the names Frederick Law Olmsted, John Muir and Gifford Pinchot mean anything to you? They should! All of us have been affected one way or the other by these men. Bureaucracies at all levels of government have been created to carry out the thinking of these men. How lands are managed and for what purposes are still being debated today just as they were 130 years ago

The eloquent writings of these men exemplifies the differen ce in philosophies of the early co nserv ationists . John Muir spoke of intangibles - the intrinsic values of our natural world. He said "thousands of tired, nerveshaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is goi ng home; that wilderness is a necessity, and that mountain parks and reserva tions are useful not only as fo un tai ns of timber and iniga ting rivers, but as fountains of life"

Gifford Pinchot, on the other hand, had a to tally different view of our natural resources. Pinchot thought

be seen in the grasslands on Fossil Ridge and by walking out from Curry Point

For an easy walk, head to Mitchell Canyon Soon after leaving the lot, there is a patch of bright yellow California Buttercups. After walking up a short incl ine, a bank on the left of the road has Brodiaea, the Woodland Delp hin ium, California Sax ifrage, Woodland Star, Chinese Houses, Shooting Stars and Indian Paint Brush.

These are just a few of the many wildflowers on Mount Diablo To help you enjoy the area, purchase the Trail Map of Mount Diablo State Park featuring twelve trails, published by the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association. A book on wildflowers of California or the Bay Area will greatly increase your knowledge and appreciation. Field guides may be obtained at the Summit Museum or bookstores.

by Felix L Arteaga, Dfablo District Superintendent

more in practical terms and utilitarian uses. He said".. . trees could not only be protected, but managed for sustained yields" From his type of thinking came the concept of multiple use of our natural resources.

Frederick Law Olmsted was instrumental in the establishment of the federal grant to the State of California preserving Yosemite Valley. However, some would say that Olmsted's biggest legacy was his philosophy that exp ressed the preservation ethic in its early in cep tion in this rountry, which has persisted through time. He believed "this duty of preservation is the first which falls upon the state under the Act of Congress, because the millions who are hereafter to benefit by the act have the largest interest in it, and the largest interest should be first and the most strenuously guarded " . As you can see, Olmsted was a person who understood that sometimes the government may have to act to protect something for those not yet born

The d iffering philosophies created a dualism in the American conservatio n movement. At the national level, a b itter debate emerged Conservationists, in short, wanted to save natural resources in order to share them with present and future generations. Preservationis ts wanted to save natural resources and species from virtually any "human" harm or des truction - not necessarily for the purposes of sharing but because of their instrinsic value. The validity of both philosophies were later recognized. To the followers of Pinchot - the national forests were created. To the followers of Muir and Olmsted-a system of national and state parks.

As we celebrate "April on the Mountain" let's take a moment and give thanks to those early pioneers and to our present conservationists of Save Mount Diablo for carrying forth what was started long ago.

I hope you have an enjoyabl e visi t to Mount Diablo State Park

April 11, Saturday, 9;00 a.m.; Mount Diablo (Mount Diablo Regional Group, Sierra Club). Leader: Harvey Brosler (510) 672-5685. A moderately paced 2B hike to Eagle Peak returning through lovely Mitchell Canyon. Meet at Mitchell Canyon trailhead in Clayton at 9:00 a.m. ($5 entrance fee), or carpool from Concord BART at 8:30. Bring lunch, liquids. This will be a fairly strenuous hike. @

April 11-Saturday, 2:00 pm; Sunset at Round Valley (the most beautiful valley in the East Bay). (Save Mount Diablo) Leader: Seth Adams, (510) 229-4275. Hike a relatively flat route into East Bay Regional Park's new Round Valley Preserve, nestled between Morgan Territory and CCWD's new Los Vaqueros watershed lands. This is a rare chance to see this spectacular preserve not yet open to the public. Bring a snack; we'll have time to explore the valley then hike out in the moonlight. 5-6 miles round trip. Follow Marsh Creek Rd. east to Camino Diablo, south on Vasco Rd. about 3.5 miles. Park near the bridge.

April 11, Saturday, 8;00 p.m.; Lower Summit Parking Lot (Mount Diablo Astronomical Society) Leader: Jack Borde, president MDOA, (510) 827-9716 Members of the Mount Diablo Astronomical Society over the past eight years have worked with the State Park service to bring science education in astronomy to the general public. We of the newly

The Mount Diablo Interpretive Association

was created in 1974 to increase the public's opportunities to learn about Mount Diab lo' s history and natural history. The Mount Diablo Interpretive Association (MDIA) oversees the State Park's docent programs, and produces educational materials about Mount Diablo. For more info, write: MDIA, P.O. Box 250, Diablo, CA. 94528, or call Judy Adler at (510) 934-6256.

MDIA inaugurated an annual Autumn Classic celebration of Mt. Diablo, a day of athletic competitions and special events. The fourth edition of the Mt. Diablo State Park map and trail guide ($3.50 at park headquarters) is now available .

"April on the Mount

formed Mount Diablo Observatory Association would like to present who we are, what we do, how we would like to expand and new possibilities. 0

April 11, Saturday; Annual Heritage Trail Ride and Barbecue (Heritage Trails Fund). Leader: Nancy Dupont, (510) 937-7661. Enjoy the beautiful mountain on horseback. Three trail rides ranging in experience level. Also a hike led by Jeannie Harmon, (510) 934-4548.

April 11, Saturday, 9:00 a.m.; Mount Olympia and North Peak, from the East (Save Mount Diablo) Leader: David Sanger, (510) 526-4465. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the intersection of Marsh Creek Road and Morgan Territory Road in Clayton. We will climb up the east side of Mount Olympia, using the East Trail and Zippe trails. After a rest for lunch and photographs, we will continue to the rugged summit of North Peak before returning.

in" Hikes and Events

This is a strenuous hike of approximately 10 miles with 3,000 feet elevation gain. You will have a chance to see a seldom visited part of the park. Bring lunch, two liters of water and good shoes. Rain cancels.

April 12, Sunday, 11:30 a.m.; Mount Diablo Necklace (San Francisco Bay Chapter, Sierra Club) Leader: Bob Solotar (510) 525-2110 (Phone 8:30 -10 p.m). A 2C loop around the ol' devil mountain

with perhaps a side trip to Eagle Peak or North Peak. With lunch we'll see lots of wildflowers. Meet at 11 :30 at the far end of Juniper Campground. No host carpool Rockridge BART Station, Oakland (east side College Ave) by the escalators at 10:30. This will be a strenuous hike.

April 15, Wednesday,, 10:15 a.m.; Mitchell Canyon Loop (S. F. Bay Chapter, Sierra Club). Leaders: Elizabeth Rothschild, (510) 848-4424 and Rosemary

Hafford, (510) 525-6790. Enjoy spring wildflowers on the north side of Mount Diablo on this strenuous but very leisurely paced 2B hike. Meet at Walnut Creek BART 9:30 a.m. Carpool by the entrance Ygnacio Valley Road and California. Hike starts at 10:15 a.m. from Mitchell Canyon parking lot ($5 entrance fee). @

April 16, Thursday, 9:30 a.m.; Location of hike undecided at this time (Contra Costa Hills Club). Leader: Betty Goldstein, (510) 934-0458. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at Walnut Creek BART for carpool to trailhead.

April 18, Saturday, Donner Canyon Bird Trip (Mount Diablo Audubon Society). For information, phone AUD-U-BON (2838266) for a tape recording with current info. This will be a strenuous hike up the canyon. Bring binoculars, field guides, lunch and liquids. Guests are welcome.

April 18, Saturday, 9:30 a.m.; Mount Diablo North Side (San Francisco Bay Chapter, Sierra Oub) Leader: Mark Woodbury, (510) 653-3209 Enjoy spring wildflowers and perhaps waterfalls on this 2C loop. Bring 2 quarts of water and meet at Mitchell Canyon parking lot in Clayton ($5 entrance fee), or carpool Rockridge BART Station, (east side of College Avenue by the escalators) at 8:30 a.m. This will be a strenuous hike. 8

April 19, Sunday, 5:00 a.m.; Mount Diablo Sunrise Hikes (S. F. Bay Chapter, Sierra Club). Leaders: Celeste Burrows, (510) 228-2233 and Jack Sneddon, (510) 676-3939. Camp at Juniper and hike 1 hour to summit at 5:00 a.m. (or meet at locked Northgate entrance at 5:00 a.m. and drive up). This will be followed by a sunrise potluck breakfast and a 5-mile 1B hike at 6:00 a.m. Rain cancels. For camping or meeting information phone leaders.

save mounT DIABLO

Save Mount Dillblo is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization which has been preserving land on Mount Diablo and educating the public to the mountain's natural values since 1971. Preserved lands have more than tripled in that period. Save Mount Diablo continues to raise funds to preserve the remainder of the mountain. For more information contact Program Director Seth Adams at (510) 229-4275.

April 13, Saturday, Donner Canyon Bird Trip (Mount Diablo Audubon Society). For information, phone AUD-U-BON (283-8266) for a tape recording with current info. This will be a strenuous hike up the can-yon. Bring binoculars, field guides, lunch and liquids. Guests are welcome. e

April 13, Saturday; Annual Herltage Trail Ride and Barbecue (Heritage Trails Fund). 'Leader: Nancy Dupont (9344304). Enjoy the beautiful mountain on horseback. Three trail rides ranging in experience level. Your own horse or horses available to rent for the event.

April 13, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Spectacular Slide Show of the Stars (Mount Diablo Astronomical Society). Roger Griggs of the Mount Diablo Astronomical Society will give us one of his sensational slide presentations led by Jack Borde (8279716). The public is invited to see this outstanding presentation at the Mitchell Canyon staging area at 7:30 p.m. 0

April 13, Saturday, 9 a.m.; Up, Down and Around Sentinel Rock. Leader: Ranger Burt Bogardus, Mount Diablo State Park (837-2525). A physically demanding 11/2 to 2 hour scramble through the Rock City area. including a climb to the top of the sandstone formation called Sentinel Rock. Good footwear mandatory. Sorry, no children under 10. Meet at Elephant Rock Picnic Area in Rock City. @

April 14, Sunday, 8 a.m.; Pine Canyon Hike for Birds (Mount Diablo Interpretive Association and Ohlone Audubon). Leaders: Elsie Richey and Jerry Richey (357-2477). This rather lengthy hike (5 miles round trip) will leave the Macedo Ranch parking area at 8 a.m. The early hour will bring us into contact with birds during their morning foraging activities. We should find grassland species (sparrows, horned lark, etc.) as well as savannah birds (woodpeckers, falcons, bluebirds). As we go on, Blue Oak woodland should have some nuthatches, warblers, chickadees, etc. for our viewing . This is the side of the mountain where peregrines have been released; we may be lucky enough to see one. Then there's Pine Pond: several species of Wjlter birds are possible here. Since birding takes time, this will be a slowly-paced stroll. Plan on taking about 6 hours, and to carry a lunch. Wear walking shoes, bring binoculars and scopes. 0

April 14, Sunday, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.; Third Annual Walk 'Round the Mountain (California Native Plant Society). Leader: Susan M. D' Alcamo (798-0415). Meet at Juniper Campground. This 3rd annual circumambulation of the mountain features beautiful wildflowers, wide vistas and lots of good exercise. We'll pass through different plant communities and will have an opportunity to learn about the trees, shrubs and annual wildflowers we'll see. We'll walk about 6 miles - much of it fairly strenuous and slippery. Please wear boots and bring liquids, lunch and layers of clothing. We'll be walking to the top of Mount Diablo, down Devil's Elbow Trail, to Prospectors Gap, over Bald Ridge to Deer Flat and return to Juniper camp. 4lD

April 14, Sunday, 10 a.m.; Geology of Mount Diab lo. Leader: Ranger Theresa Cortez, Mount Diablo State Park (8372525). Walk with the Ranger to discover the origins of Mount Diablo. Easy 1 1/2 mile walk. Meet at the lower summit parking lot. 0 •

April 17, Wednesday, 10:15 a.m.; Mitchell Canyon Loop (Sierra Cub S. F. Bay Chapter). Leaders: Elisabeth Rothschild (848-4424) and Fred Johnson (843-3829). Enjoy spring wildflowers on the north side of Mount Diablo. This will be a strenuous but leisurely-paced 2B hike. Leader at Walnut Creek BART Station (by the entrance) Ygnacio Valley Road and California. Hike starts at 10:15 from Mitchell Canyon parking lot ($5 entrance fee). @

April 20, Saturday, 9 a.m.; The Rugged North Side: Mt. Olympia via the Zippe TraiL Leader: David Sanger, (526-4465). Explore the seldom-visited northeast slopes of Mt. Olympia (2946') with views of North Peak and Marsh Creek. On a clear day you can also see the Sierras. Be prepared for hills as we ascend 2400' in a strenuous 9-mile loop. Bring lunch, liquids and good shoes. Meet at the Mitchell Canyon entrance at the end of Mitchell Canyon Road in Clayton. 0

April 20, Saturday, 10 a.m.; Bay Geography. Leader: Ranger Ray Torres, Mount Diablo State Park (837-2525). Meet at the lower summit parking lot for a one-mile hike around the Fire Interpretive Trail. Enjoy the great visibility available this time of year and learn about the geographic forces, both cultural and physical that have shaped the Bay Area. Dress warmly and be prepared for wind. Meet at lower summit parking lot. 0

April 20, Saturday, 1 p.m.; Tracking the Animals of Mount Diablo. Leader: Ranger Theresa Cortez, Mount Diablo State Park (837-2525). Come along on this hike to look for animals that inhabit the mountain. Hike about 2 miles; moderate. Meet at Artist Point picnic area-Rock City. C,

April 20 &: 21, Saturday and Sunday, 8:30 a.m.; 6th Annual California Trails Days. April 20 - sponsored by Heritage Trails & Mount Diablo Interpretive Association. April 21- sponsored by American Trails Day. Meet at Mitchell Canyon at 8:30 a.m. If you can join us, please phone George Cardinet (672-5072), Jeannie Harmon (934-4548) or Bill Borden (937-5196). If you have trail tools, please bring them. Wear long sleeve shirts and pants. Bring lunch and water. Cold drinks will be provided. Gloves and hats are a good idea. 0

April 21, Sunday, 9:30 a.m.; Mount Diab lo North Side (S. F. Bay Chapter, Sierra Club). Leader: Mark Woodbury (653-3209). Enjoy spring wildflowers and perhaps waterfalls on this 2C loop with Mark Woodbury. Bring plenty of water and meet in the parking lot, south end of Mitchell Canyon Road, Cayton at 9:30 (entrance fee $5). Leader at carpool Rockridge BART Station, Oakland (east side of College Ave. by the escalators) at 8:30 a.m. No-host carpool at Walnut Creek BART Station (by the entrance) Ygnacio Valley Road and California 9 a.m. This will be a strenuous hike. 0

April 21, Sunday, 11:30 a.m.; Ride with a Ranger. Leader: Ranger Barbara Torres, Mount Diablo State Park (837-2525). Bring your horse and lunch and ride up Wall Ridge and across to Barbecue Terrace for lunch. Return through Pine Canyon. On this trip we will ride through the oak woodland, grassland and chaparral plant communities and look at the intenelationships of the plants, birds and animals of each. Horses should be in condition to go approximately 8 miles with elevation gain of over 1000 feet. Some rocky terrain; shoes recommended. Bring halter and lead rope, lunch and drink. We will return at 4 p.m. Meet at the Macedo Ranch parking area. 0

April 21, Sunday, 9 a.m.; Back and Donner Canyons (Berkeley Hiking Club). Leader: Fred Johnson (843-3829). Meet at end of Regency Drive, Cayton, 9 a.m. Enjoy spring and glorious wildflowers in Back and Donner Canyons and along the Falls Trail. Moderate pace, somewhat strenuous, about 1800 feet elevation gain. Rain cancels. C)

Mount Diablo: A Haven for East Bay Wildlife by

Mount Diablo's wildlife recently received a flurry of attention and activity from world-class organizations such as National Geographic and Nature, a popular PBS show. Here's an update on what's happening in this comer of the world.

For a number of years I have been a licensed wildlife guide specializing in wildlife photography trips. fve guided many nationally-published photographers who urged me to start taking my own photographs. Three years ago I was approached by Tom Bernardo (for-mer Supervising Ranger) and the Mount Diablo _Interpretive Association to document Mount Diablo wildlife. Since then, I have become the unofficial resident wildlife photographer.

While establishing my career as a wildlife photographer, I continued to guide and was recently hired by film makers for Nature. The film makers were working on a documentary about ground squirrels and the valuable role they play in the food chain. Within four days on Mount Diablo, we were able to film fourteen coyotes at close range and a bobcat hunting in front of us for thirty minutes before he even realized we were there! "The Seven Lives of the Ground Squirrel" includes many wildlife scenes on Mount Diablo and is scheduled to be aired locally on Channel 9 sometime this year.

Another recent project on the mountain which received a great deal of attention was the peregrine falcon cross fostering project. Last year was the second consecutive year that Save Mount Diablo, wildlife biologist Gary Beeman and a host of others successfully reintroduced peregrine falcons on the mountain. On the day the peregrine falcon chicks were placed in the nest of prairie falcons, world-renowned photographer Galen Rowell documented the event. Cross fostering was part of a story for National Geographic on the successful recovery of the peregrine falcon in California. Due to my fear of heights, I was happy to photograph Galen from the ground while he, suspended at a life-threatening height by a small rope, photographed the chicks. Galen Rowell's article will appear in National Geographic this year. His photography is in a class by itself and this article, which will include Mount Diablo, is reason enough to subscribe to National Geographic.

Mount Diablo is the single most valuable remaining wildlife habitat in the East Bay and it deserves the attention it has been reooiving. From its cool damp washes and creek beds shaded by bay trees, to its dry rock and brushy peak, it is the premiere wildlife habitat in the Bay Area rivaled only by Marin County's foresighted open space.

Michael Sewell

Mount Diablo is one of the last areas in the Bay Area where mountain lions raise their young, golden eagles nest and bobcats can be seen by the observant. After successfully photographing bobcats, golden eagles, foxes, coyotes and other predators, I am presently working on the long-term project of photographing the mountain lions. Because I am so frequently in the back country looking for wildlife and their tracks, I am regularly asked about the larger predators and their populations. I am not aware of any comprehensive population studies that have taken place on Mount Diablo. However, I have a rough idea about a few of the species.

Studies in Southern California have shown that when an area loses its coyote population, its ecosystem is thrown out of balance for most of the other mammals. I am happy to report that Mount Diablo will not experience this problem - it has one of the largest East Bay coyote populations.

Another predator that is also important, but much less tenacious, is the bobcat. I believe Mount Diablo has the largest bobcat population in the East Bay. However, the population is still not very large. If private land bordering the park continues to be lost to development, essential wildlife corridors will be lost forever and genetic inbreeding could become a problem.

A few golden eagles nest annually on the mountain. However, I have great concern over the heavy toll the windmills at Altamont Pass are taking on the entire raptor population of the

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UPDATE

The Crystal Ranch plan will be going through the environmental review process shortly. Keep your eyes on the local'papers for more news this spring. If you'd like additional information feel free to call Save Mount Diablo board member Pat Moran at 947-1951.

Coyote on Mount Diablo, near Deer Flat.

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East Bay. A biologist recently informed me, off the record, that the remains of 29 eagles were found after they had unfortunately flown into the blades of the windmills.

The animal population I am most frequently asked about is that of the mountain lion, also called the puma or cougar. There are 27 different subspecies of mountain lions. Our local variety is one of the larger subspecies, but it has become extinct in many of the areas where it once thrived. It would not be entirely accurate to say that there is a mountain lion population on Mount Diablo. Lions have been known to range over 20 miles in one night. They use Mount Diablo as part of their range. No other animal presents a stronger case for the importance of wildlife corridors, such as the one connecting Mount Diablo with Morgan Territory park, and with Black Diamond Mines Regional Park.

Over the years, there have been many mountain lion sightings. Here's a glimpse of a few recent ones: a very large, dark-colored mountain lion was seen on Mount Diablo in the Pine Canyon area; a mountain lion and cub tracks appeared around my photography blind while I slept one night in 1989 on Mount Diablo, and; a mountain lion and cub (I believe the same pair) were spotted a few weeks later near Danville. Still another sighting of an adolescent occurred on the road near Juniper campground in 1990. All three of these young lions were probably from the same family. I also got a fleeting glimpse of an adult last year in the Morgan Territory area. Based on these sightings and

Mountain lions like this do hunt on Mount Diablo.

others, I believe a handful of mountain lions use Mount Diablo as part of their range. While it may be true that Mount Diablo is the most important part of their range, without corridors to other protected lands, they will probably not survive in the area.

While there are countless good reasons to support the existence of Save Mount Diablo, ensuring the continued presence of the mountain lion on Mount Diablo, after a millennium, is in itself ample motivation.