DIABLO WATCII
Protecting the Mountain Since 1971- Winter I Spring L993, #11
Mount Diablo on State Hit tist Your Help Needed
DdicationApril 10th
"Uniting "Ihree Springp with MountDiablo"
OnApril l0th SaveMount Diablo will dedicate tlniting' the 78-acre'Three Springs' property with Mount Diablo State Parl with the passage of the property to the State of California. Please reserve the date on your calendar. Invitations and a map to the property will be mailed in March for the free event, which will include numerous easy 45 and longer 90-minute wildflower walks beginning at 9:00 am, the dedication at noon, and a picnic lunch afterwards. The event will take place adjacent to the property at the home of Bob and Dana Nunry who were instrumental in the securing of "Three Springs". The event will be outside if the weather is good, and in the Nunn's historic barn if it rains.
SMD members have responded generously this last year to appeals for donations to secure Three Springs, which is on the slopes of North Peak. Negotiations were concluded on Earth Day, Apri122,1992, and using a loan arid diversion of other funds, the property was acquired by SMD on May 12. On December 24th, the group received a great Christmas gift when the final paperwork with the stdte was concluded, and the title passed to the State of California. Donations to the purchase will now be rerycled into SMD's Land Fund for the group's next land'acquisition.
Please attend the dedication to help us celebrate both the purchase and what should be a remarkable wildflower display on the property.
Mount Dinblo State Park is thrutenedby stnte cut backs.
Diablo Watch readers will remember that last year we asked for your help in defending Mount Diablo State Park from possible closure during the State budget battles. We were successful last year, but as we go to press, Diablo is once again threatened by inclusion on a list of 59 state parks which might be closed, according to a Feb. TTtharoclernThe SanFrancisco Chronicle. The list also includes Angel Island, Mono Lake, Butano and Henry Coe among others. We need your he$ in averting the sacrifice of some of our most important natural areas in short-sighted attempts to close the budget gap.
Bob Hudson, an assistant to State Parks Director Donald Murphywas quoted as saying, "Closure means we have to walk away from the unit. We won't be there to protect the resource, provide public safety or maintenance."
The entire state park systerrt's budget is 3 /'l.0tb of 77o of the State's $38 billion General Fund, and these parks are one of the most visible benefits of governmental service to citizens. Last year $35 million of the $L51 million Park system budget was cut including
Saae Mount Diablo Three Springs (central panel) wiII be become part ot' Mount Diablo State Park in a dedication and picnic on April L0th.staging areas around the mountain. Longer rides will start from Clayton. Stage at 8:30, ride at 9:30. A Trail Boss at each location will le4d you to and from Barbecue Terrace for a barbecue lunch. Rides will be rated to the ability of the horse and rider. Donation: $20 foradults, $15 for children 12 to 16 ($2 discount for hikers). Proceeds will help maintain trails.{9} U1} {2} {12}
Aprill.7, Saturday,8:30 am.; Pine Canyon (City of Walnut Creek). Leader: Ron White 943-5860. A moderate hike along Pine Canyon and observe many interesting natural features along the way. Hike starts from Borges Ranch and should last about three hours. {8}
April 17, Saturday, 9:30 am.; Mount Diablo Northside (Mt. Diablo Reg. Grp., Sierra Club). Leader: Harvey S. Brosler 672-5685. A strenuous, but moderatelypaced, hike to Prospectors Gap by way of Eagle Peak, return via Mitchell Canyon. Carpool from Concord BART at 9:00 am.{3}
AprilLT, Saturday,9:30 am -3:30 pm.; 6th Annual Walk'Round the Mountain (California Native Plant Society). Leader: Susan D'Alcamo 643-7008. Meet at Juniper Campground for this 6-mile circumambulation of the mountain, featuring beautiful wildflowers, wide vistas, and many different plant communities. The hike is fairly strenuous and can be slippery.
1" *nf.t
Mount Diablo $tate Park and ottrer neighboring parks
May 8, Saturday, S:30 am.; The Diablo Quartet (Mt. Diablo Reg. Grp., Sierra Club). Leader: Don de Fremery 8375646. A strenuous hike to the four main peaks of Mount Diablo (Eagle Peak, Mount Diablo, North Peak, Mount Olympia). This 16-mile hike has a total elevation gain of 4,500 feet. Carpool from Walnut Creek BARI 7:50 am. Bring AT LEAST two quarts of water. {2}
May 8, Saturday, 9:00 am.; Mitchell Canyon (Mt. Diablo Audubon Society). Leaders: Betty Gallagher 682-2458 & Mary Jane Culver 682-0509. A moderate hike up Iower Mitchell and Whit canyons. Emphasis is on wildflowers, but we will also look for birds.{2}
May 8, Saturday, 9:00 am-1:00 pm.; Spring Walk along Pine Creek (East Bay Reg. Park Dist.). Leader: Carole Richmond 757-2620. Hike the old stage road along Pine Creek through Pine Canyon to Pine Pond, passing the dramatic Castle Rocks along the way. Bring binoculars for birding and enjoy the diversity of plant and animal life. Meet at Castle Rock parking area at the south end of Castle Rock Rd in Walnut Creek.{9}
the multitude of reptilian dwellings ately-paced hike to the summit and fromOlympicBlvdStagingArea,Olym- May 8, Saturday, 10:00 am.; Butterfly throughout the park. Live Lindsay rep- around the mountain. Optional dinner pic Blvd & Pleasant Hill Rd, Lafayette, Walk at Donner Canyon and Falls Trail tiles complement the hike. Meet at the stop afler hike.{2} 8:30 am.{2} (Mount Diablo Interpretive Assoc.).
Junctlqt.Ranger Station. to "Sf;a'&fdount Diablo". adul_t.':,'1
Fee: donation
Age limit 6 to April 24, Saturday, 9:30 am.; Mount Olympia and North Peak Loop (SFBay Chapter, Sierra Club). Mark Woodbury 653-3209. A moderate, but steep ascent of two of Mount Diablo's satellites Leader will carpool from BART,8:30 am.{3}
April 17, Saturday,10:00 am.; Up, Down Aplil 21, Wednesday, 10:00 am'; Diablo and Around in itock Citv M[. Diablo WildflowersandWaterfalls(Rossmoor State Park). Leader: Ranger Burt Trails Club) Leader: Ann Sutherland Bogardus 837-0904. See Maih 74 t'or 933-W54. A 6.6 mile hike up Donner deiription.lsl 9u"ygn, along the Falls Trail, return via Back Creek'Trii1l, Carpool from OlymApril 17, Saturday; Annual Wildflower &EBlvd Sta8lggi-Area, Olympic Blvd & Photography Event (frat. Diablo Reg:... ffqsa*rt Hill Rd, Lafayette, g:00 am.{3}
Leader: Richard Kelson 672-0674. A 5-
Grp.,SierraClub)Leader: JoeFragapane ; . 680-2423. If vou eniov takine pictur€S o1', April 21, Wednesday, 1.0:30 am.; wildflowers'a"a *futahke"tosharell.ru Northside Wildflower Walk (SF Bay April 25, Sunday,'10:00 am - 6:00 pm.; Chapter, Sierra Club) Leaders: Elisabeth 4th Annual Contra Costa County Earth Rothschild and Rosemarie Hafford525- Day Festival (CC Earth Day Comrnit6790. p<iiebtate $pring, John Muir, and tee). Earth Day is celebrated across the'
companionship of others who do, you are welcome to join us. Closg-up accessory on your camera is r€coinmeqlded
State
April 17 8:00 pm.; The at Observa Assoc.). The ety vlce to the public. Meet Jack and other bers of the parkinglot. are, their plans what they do.
April 18, Northside keley
Leader: Fred ]ohnson 843-3829 spring and glorious wildflowers in andDonnerCanyons Trail. Moderatepace, ous, about 2000 feet miles.{3}
April 18, Sunday, 9:45 am.; Territory-Los Vaqueros-Round V Exploration. (Save Mount Diablo)
Leader: Don de Fremery (510) 837-5646, Roger Epperson (EBRPD), John Gregg (CCWD). Join Don, john and Roger to explore Round Valley from Morgan Territory Regional Preserve on a moderately strenuous hike (10 miles, 1700 feet elevation gain). The route will follow a portion of the proposed Diablo Trail. Carpool from Walnut Creek BART,8:50 am. Participants MUST sign up in advance with de Fremery at 837-5646. No dogs please. {7}
April 18, Sunday,10:00 am.; The Original Inhabitants (Mt. Diablo State Park) Leader: Ranger Jose Rivera 837-0904. See April Ll for desuiption.l4l
April 18, Sunday,2:00 - 3:30 pm; Reptiles of Mount Diablo (The Lindsay Museum) Leader: Mike Marchiano. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED; call The Lindsay Museum at 935-1983 for reservations. The best place for a reptile is under a rock. Take a hike with The Lindsay Museum and carefu lly discover
& 25, Saturday and Sunday, am.; 8th Annual Califomia Trail (Mount Diablo Interpretive Assoc.; Trails Fund). Leaders: Jeannie 934-4548 & Nancy DuPont 937Do some trail work on Mount Meet at Mitchell Canyon park(free forvolunteers). Bring gloves, shirt, long pants, water lunch. Refreshments will be proat lunch and after work. Free barand awards after project on SunPlease pre-register by phone. {2}
Saturday and Sunday.; TrailDays (Mt. Leaders: RangerJay Torres. This is to help improve Mount system. ]oin the park staff to work on selected trail Call837-2525 for de-
hibits whichcontribute toward a greater awareness of environmental issues. Join thousands of others to view displays, hear speakers (including Congressman George Miller and comic Will Durst), eat, and find out how you can help preserve the environment and have a good time, too. The 1993 Festivalis sponsored by the county's 18 cities and the Board of Supervisors. For more info, call 3765794 or 254-9747. Concord Pavilion in Concord.
April 25, Sunday, 11:00 am.; Mount Diablo Necklace (SF Bay Chapter, Sierra Club). Leader: Bob Solotar 5252110. A strenuous 10-mile loop around the mountain, with perhaps a side trip to Eagle Peak or North Peak. We'll see lots of wildflowers. Hike starts from the northwest end of ]uniper Campground (carpool from Rockridge BART, 10:00 am).
May 1, Saturday, nallnhabitants Leader: Ranger See April LL for
May 1, MoorL cycle Trails Leaders: Tolley themoon. Meet the sign the ride N biketo natural history and up, or beginners. Heavy required.
Elizabeth .Dickey. 254looking and in first parking lot left at South Gate EI Blvd west of I-680, 8:00 am).
"To the May 1g Saturday, 10:00 am.; View RideGi- from the Top (Mt. Diablo State Park). East Bay). See March 2L for description. Call 8371.,&Jim 2525 for more info.{4} closer to the at
May 15 & 1O Saturday and Sunday; MDIA's Annual Campout (Mt. Diablo Interpretive Assoc.). This year the campout will have special appeal for families. Planning is just beginning, so save the date. For more info., please call 933-5289 in early April.
Saturday, 9:00 am.; Mount Summit (SF BayChapter, Sierra Leader: SteveBakaley 487-7677
Join Steve on a strenuous, but moder-
April 28, Wednesday, 9:00 am.; Eagle Peak-Black Point (Mt. Diablo Reg. Grp., Sierra Club). Leader: Don de Fremery 837-5646. Explore the northwest corner of Mt. Diablo State Park on a strenuous hike (11 miles,3200 feet elevation gain). Route includes Eagle Peak, Deer Flat, WhiteCanyon, and BlackPoint. Carpool
May 2, Sunday, am.; Mount Diablo NaturalHistory(Mt. DiabloState Park). Leader: Ranger Burt Bogardus 837 -2525. See March 27 for desuiption.lll
May 5, Wednesday, S:00 am.; SHARP. Let's Climb Diablo! (SF Bay Chapter, SierraClub) Leader: Fred Johnson8433829. A strenuousbutmoderately-paced springtime jaunt up and around Mount Diablo.{3}
LOCATION KEY & NOTES
. weather and terrain vary widely. Hikers should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes or boots, carry a liter of water on short and two liters on long hikes, and take a snack or lunch. Binoculars and hats are a good idea.
. all hikes, unless noted, are subject to rain cancellation or modification; the leader should be contacted if rain threatens; calling for confirmation is a good idea.
. entrance to the state park is $5, including at Mitchell Canyon r Hikes with a {bracketed} number at the end of the description begin at one of the points below, shown on the accompanying map.
. call the leader if you have questions.
May 76, Sunday, 10:00 am.; Up, Down and Around in Rock City (Mt. Diablo State Park). Leader: Ranger Burt Bogardus 837-2525. See March L4 for desqiption.l1l
May 22, Saturday, 10:00 am.; The Fire Interpretive Trail (Mt. Diablo State Park). Leader: RangerCarlNielson83T2525. An introduction to wildland fire suppression and a glimpse of the area that burned during the 1977 wildfire. Excellent views of the Bay Area. Meet at the lower summit parking lot. Please call to bonfirm. Rain may cancel. {4}
May 23, Sunday, 10:00 am.; Early California (Mt. Diablo State Park). Leader: Rangerlay Sherman 837-2525. See March 20 for desuiptian.{ \
bers. There members in hicle entry info, Northside. Club). Join Joe on a on the north Carpoolfrom will toMDIAmema $5 fee for nonto the s veand 9:00 ami
March 2O falls and Grp,SierraClub).
533-0897. Come waterfalls and wild strenuous hike.{3}
R.g of Sierra 2423. hike Diablo. am.{2} am; WaterDiabloReg. ]urasin past on this
in and out of canyons in wildflower season. Leader will carpool from Rockridge BART, 8:00 am.{2}
March 27, Satard,ay,10:00 am. Mount
Diablo Natural History. (Mt. Diablo State Park). Leader: Ranger Burt Bogardus 837-2525. Join Burt for a short hike exploring the natural history of the Rock City area of Mount Diablo. Meet at the Upland Picnic Area.{S}
March 27, Satarday,10:15 am. Mount
(Save Mount Diablo). Leader: David Sanger 526-0800. A strenuous hike (10 miles,3000 feet elevation gain) that will climb up the east side of Mount Olympia and North Peak, following theOlympia, East, Zippe, and North Peak Trails. Photo opportunities abound. Hike starts from intersection of Marsh Creek Rd and Morgan Territory Rd.{12}
pic Blvd & Pleasant Hill Rd, Lafayette, 8:45 am. {6}
March 20, Saturday,9:15 am. Mitchell Canyon. (SF Bay Chapter, Sierra CIub). Leaders: Ron Rothbart and Anne Machung 525-7381. Enjoy early season wildflowers on this strenuous exploration of Mount Diablo from canyon floor to mountain peaks. Leaders will carpool from Walnut Creek BART,8:30 am.{2}
Diablo from Shell Ridge. (SF Bay Chapter, Sierra Club). Leader: Neil Kaplan 451.-5252. Approach from the west and visit Diablo's southern slopes on this strenuous hike (19 miles, 3300 feet elevation gaid' Moderate pace, full day required. Expdtt flowers, views, and mud. Meet Neil at trailhead (on La Casa Via in Walnut Creek, 0.4 mi east of Ygnacio Valley Rd) Leader will carpool from Rockridge BART,9:15 am.
March 28, Sunday, S:30 am. Mitchell
Canyon Nature Walk. (Mount Diablo Interpretive Assoc./Ohlone Audubon). Leader: Elsie Richey 881-5486. |oin Elsie on a leisurely nature walk: wildflowers, early birds, butterflies, rocks, etc. If in doubt, call before 7:00am.{21
March 28, Sunday, 9:30 am. Mount
April 3, Saturday, Mitchell Canyon Diablo). |oin Bob on look at trail. Free ested lunch is call desuiption
April 4, Sunday. ology (Workshop). terpretive Assoc.).
hike;
(Save Mount Diablo). Leadfrom SMD and the CaliforPlant Society . Call 229 -427 5 info. join Save Mount Diablo its newest acquisition, the Three Springs property, to the of California for addition to Mount State Park. 45- and 90-minute flower hikes will take place from till noon, followed by the dediand a free picnic lunch. MUST by a map will be sent.
10, 9:00 am. Diablo (Sa Diablo). Explore ofMountDiablo season. This "Three to the state park. A day hike. Meet Rich at south of Mountaire Parkway in {3}
April 14, Wednesday,2:00 pm. Plant Community Mosaics. (Mount Diablo Interpretive Assoc.). Leader: Sharyn Fernandez 798-4723. A short hike from the lower summitparking lot toJuniper Campground (1.3 miles,800 feet elevation loss). We will key in on the varied plant communities along the way (indicator plant and animal species, adaptations, etc). Call Sharyn for carpool arrangements.{4}
April 14, Wednesday, T:30 pm.; Wildflower Slide Show (Mt. Diablo Reg. Grp.,SierraClub). LeaderJoeFragapane 689-2423 & Tim Dallas 256-1386. Come tothemonthlymbetingof theMt. Diablo Reg. Grp. and enjoy an evening of superb wildfl ower slides taken byJoe, Tim, and other members of the Diablo FStops, the newly-formed MDRG photo club. This multi-media presentationwill be held at Las Lomas High School in Walnut Creek (Main St & Lilac Dr).
March 20, Saturday, 9:15 am. Mount Diablo Northside (Mt. DiabloReg. Grp, Sierra Club) Leader: Andi Goulet 9471861. Join Andi on trails of her choice for a moderate hike to look for spring wildflowers. Carpool from Walnut Creek BART,8:30am).{3} mem-
March 20, Saturday, L0:00 am. Early California. (Mt. Diablo State Park.) Leader: Ranger fay Sherman 837-2525.
Diablo Summit. (Mt. Diablo Reg. Grp, Sierra CIub). Leader: Ward Smith6822483. Walk with Ward on a strenuous climb of this 3849-ft mountain. Carpool from Pleasant Hill BART,9:00 am.{2}
933-5289. During this 6-hour you will receive an intro to the of Mount Diablo, review MDIA school program "On The participate in its hands-on cluding a short walk on the Fire pretive Trail. Fee, $20 for MDIA bers ($25 non-members), includes "On The Rocks" teacher packet. Send checks, payable to MDIA, to MDIA, PO Box346, Walnut Creek, CA 94597
April 10, Saturday,9:30 am. Ridges of Morgan Tenitory. (SaveMount Diablo). Leader: GlenWalder823-6954. A strenu- I ous 11-mile hike along the Bob Walker and Highland Ridges. Hike will follow the Bob Walker Regional Trail for 6.5 miles before returning on an alternate route. Dazzling wildflowers and stunning vistas (bring binoculars). Hike should take 6-7 hours, so bring lunch and liquids on this remote and unique trek. Carpool from east side of Walnut Creek BART,8:30 am. {7}
April 17, Saturday, 7:00 am.; Donner Canyon (Mt. Diablo Audubon Society). Leader: Elizabeth Dickey 254-0486. An all-day hike up Donner Canyon to see spring migratory birds. We move at a slow pace, but some trails are steep and rough.{3}
April 17, Saturday, 8:30 am.; Benefit Barbecue Ride and Hike (Heritage Trails Fund). Leader: Nancy DuPont 937-7661. Enjoy Mount Diablo in the beautiful springtime. There will be four
Save Mount Diablo
...is a non-profit 501(c)(3) conservation organization which has been preserving lands onMountDiablo and educating thepublicto themountain'snaturalvalues 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'or to receive Save Mount Diablo's newsletter Diablo Watch, write SMD, P.O. Box 25, Concord, CA 94522 or contact Program Director Seth Adams at (510) 229-4275.
The Mount Diablo Interpretive Association
...was created in1974 to increase the public's opportunities to learn about Mount Diablo'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 346, Walnut Creek, CA g45g7,or call Judy Adler at (510) g3g-5289.
