Diablo watch issue 17 fall 1995 edition

60 Acres To Be Preserved At Bradford Ranch

SMD AND BRADFORD REAC H AGREEMENT

Save Moun t D ia bl o (SMD) recently reached agreemen t w ith Bradford Financial for a 60 -acre dedication as part of a 4-unit, corridor.

Th e 60 ac r e parcel is made up of th re e brush covered, west-facing draws, which

drain into a privately owned canyon that rises from Marsh Creek Road to the crest of Keller Ridge, and a chaparral covered ridge line which includes the upper elevations of SMD' s recently acquired 333-acre Chaparral Spring parcel. The chaparral was a special priority because it enlarges protected habitat in the area for the threatened Alameda whipsnake, which is also found on nearby Chaparral Spring.

151 acre subdivision. The Bradford dedication is 1 / 2 mile north of Marsh Creek Road, and one mile east of SMD's 'Chaparral Spring' property. The new parcel will enlarge SMD's holdings in the area, preserving more of the Marsh Creek Road scenic

"Keller Ridge's south face includes a broad band of chaparral which is home to this rare and beautiful little snake", said SMD Program Director Seth Adams. "Despite its name, Contra Costa and Mt. Diab lo in particular are the most continued on page 10

Heritage Tree Program

The White family had been searching for just the right tree to provide shade. Then they spotted it-a graceful heritage-sized blue oak over looking a canyon on Chaparral Spring. Within minutes, 2-year-old Emily was seated on a low arching bough, declaring her approval. This is her special tree, the one she will visit every year for years to come. Over time, her arms will reach higher up the trunk toward the spreading canopy that stretches into the sky

Jim and Linda White were the first to contact Save Mount Diab lo about participating in the Heritage Trees program introduced this spring. Three programs - Heritage Trees, Adoptcontinued on page 8 1

Fundraising Campaign a Success

The Chaparral Spring Campaign hit a high note in August. Thanks to the support of our members, the general public, and local foundations, Save Mount Diablo reached its goal of $150,000 to pay off the loans needed to help buy Chaparral Spring.

One year ago, SMD was-facing the difficult reality that there would be no new state bond moneys for land acquisition to add to state parks. At the same time, the 333-acre Chaparral Spring parcel adjacent to Mount Diablo State Park became available. SMD had been trying for four years to acquire this property and needed to act quickly to option it. The organization took a leap of faith and decided to acquire the parcel for $625,000. SMD exhausted its Land Fund and had to borrow the $150,000 to reach the full purchase price.

continued on page 7

i 11 s i d e

. '

2 Diablo Nuls ; :;

3 Chaparral Spfings Stewardship

4 Champ ions of Open Sp ace

5 Ongoing Event s

The 60-acre Bradford Ranch dedication stretches from the grassy knoll to the right and down into the canyon.

Susan Watson President

MM\' L Bowerman \'icc, President

Robert L Do v ie Vi ce-f'residc{1t

Li nd, l\•l •hln1,m Secret, r,•

Jud.son lyg,1tl Trea. u1'er

Pnul ho i~:, ·r Di.re ct or Susan D'Alcamo Director

Charlicc Danielsen Director

Don dcfremery Director

Stephen Joseph Director

Amara Koss Director

Steven Mehlman Director

Bob N uh 1t 1Jirnct0i-

Allan Prager iretlor

Malcolm Sproul Director

Staff

Seth Adams Program Director

Cc1rol Campbell Development Dir<2ctor

Patrice Moran Administrative Assistant

Diab lo Watch is published by Save Mount Diablo, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving land on Mount Diablo and e d ucating thL' pu bl ic to the mou n t<1i 11 's nat u ra l vn lu c>s,

Edited by :

Lin da a nd S t e v e Me hl ma n CONTAINS l'J>.

Diablo Nuts

Diablo w~tch i, 1Jrintcd on r ecyc led pupc r with ,1 soy b.1,e ink and cnn be re cyc led ag,1i11

GARY BOGUE HELPS RAISE OVER $17,000

When Save Mount Diablo approached Contra Costa Times columnist Gary Bogue about doing a campaign for Chaparral Spring, he responded enthusiastically. In February, Bogue kicked off a 10-week series of fundraising columns to encourage his read-

Thus sprouted the "Diab lo Nuts," a merry band of contributors who humbled us with their generosity and touched us with their letters of devotion to the mountain.

"I walked up the hill this morning to get a view of Diablo, and here it was in the glorious sunshine (finally), the puffy white clouds over it and patched with just a little snow, and I thought, "How beautiful it is and so worth saving." (Joan Narvaez, Walnut Creek)

Bogue provided the Diablo Nuts with the hike schedule for Chaparral Spring, offered through the April on the Mountain series. Many attended these hikes and wrote to Gary about how impressed they were by ers to contribute to Save Mount Diablo to pay off the loans for Chaparral Spring. His efforts raised over $17,000 and introduced SMD to more than 400 new supporters.

Gary Bogue has been our unofficial "friendraiser" before. In 1988, Bogue and SMD embarked on a similar endeavor and raised $40,000 to help buy the 631-acre Morgan Property on the east side of Mount Diab lo. This time, Bogue decided to incorporate the new Heritage Trees Program into his fundraiser. He challenged his readers to raise enough funds for Chaparral Spring to sponsor the largest tree ($1,000), five beautiful acres of open space ($10,000) and a 10acre grove ($25,000). Contributors were encouraged to come up with a group name to be placed on a permanent plaque.

the lush woodland canyons and fields of wildflowers.

Save Mount Diablo made over 400 new friends through the Diablo Nuts and raised over $17,000. This was enough to sponsor the largest tree on · the property (a lovely valley oak, 49 inches in diameter), five acres of lush meadow surrounding the interior pond, and a two-acre grove of oaks standing sentry above the meadow.

SMD planned a celebration to show the Diablo Nuts what they had helped protect, but rain canceled the event. At a later date, we took Gary Bogue for a tour and presented him with a Chaparral Spring landscape photo by Stephen Joseph.

Gary Bogue and the Diab lo Nuts, we think you're wonderful!

Charitable Bequests

By adding a ih1pl parag raph to yo ur wi l ~ 1o u an help n ur " th continued acquisition of threatened open space and preservation of Mount Diablo for future generations . Save Mount Diablo appreciates gifts of funds or real property .

For more info rmation , contact SMD at (510) 229 -4 27 5

Gary Bogue and SMD Development Director Carol Campbell dedicate the largest tree on Chaparral Spring

Good Fences Make Good Neighbors

CHAPARRAL SPRING STEWARDSHIP

When Save Mount Diablo purchased 333acre Chaparral Spring last August, the ground was gray and bare from years of drought. Thanks to the heavy rains and decreased grazing, lush woodland and grasslands have regenerated, and the balance of nature is beginning to re-establish itself. •

By way of example, consider ground squirrel populations. Despite the drought,

the squirrels thrived, in part because there was so little cover that predators could be seen from far enough away to escape to burrows. Now, predators have returned in larger numbers, and there appear to be fewer squirrels. Plant species that were not known on the parcel have reappeared, including significant stands of native bunchgrasses. Non-native thistles and rye grass are thriving, too. Ducks bred at the interior pond, and on a recent July morning, a bobcat was spotted hunting on a fire road.

Save Mount Diablo intends to manage Chaparral Spring with a light hand until the parcel can be transferred to a public agency. The one major change the group has undertak en has been to begin fencing the two ponds (known as th e tank pond for its location nearCCWD water storage tanks, and the interior pond for its location at the

heart of the parcel), in order to control cattle movement and to allow enhancement of the ponds. In time the ponds will be softened by shoreline vegetation and wildlife will benefit from increased cover leading to the water's edge. In addition, some cattle trails have been improved for better access during SMD sponsored hikes and to support fundraising activities.

Thanks to SAFECO and tlie Galvin Family

On three volunteer work days in June and July, the fencing project began with a $4,000 grant and volunteers from SAFECO insurance . Leadership was provided by SMD board member Charli Danielsen, SMD staff, and members of the Galvin family, who live on an adjacent parcel and have leased Chaparral Spring for limited cattle grazing. Jerry Sr., Jerry Jr. and Dan Galvin together made sure fencing was constructed to their own high standards.

Forty five volunteers participated on two very pleasant breezy days, and one in which temperatures soared past the 100 degree mark. Fencing was completed around the interior pond, and two major trail sections were improved. Future work will include fencing of the tank pond in the Fall, and installation of cattle troughs outside of fences.

The next volunteer fencing day is tentatively scheduled for October 28. Please call Charli Danielsen at 549-0211, if you'd like more information.

Note from the President

11 h, another "nonrn1!" California year. In this land of great beauty and many faults, we are accustomed to extremes, such as the winter of 1993-94, the fourth driest on record, followed by the winter of l 994-95, which may still be going on bv the time you read this

Nevertheless, if you were able to venture outside between deluges last spring, the waterfalls were the mightiest in years and the displav of wildflower, tl1e finest in many a season on our favorite mountain

Chaparrcil Spring, the "new kid on the block" showed its stuff From a dusty, drought-ttied area in fall 1994, it came back to a glowing, grassy oak and buckeye savanna with views that took one's breath away In March, the brilliant patches of buttercups in emerald grasses vied in color with the Western bluebirds which hovered over them , By June, the buttercups had faded and the grasses were turning gohl, but the bucke ,ye trees were in full bloom, and in the oaks by the lower pond there were both Hooded and Northern (Bullock's) orioles, vellow birds in green leaves.

The storm clouds that obscured many a dav last spring could not dampen the ~nthusiasm that the public has expressed for Save Mount Diablo''s purchase of Chaparral Spring Thank you all for vour encouragement and generous support! Thanks to you, we paid off our bank loans this August. We are now b0gi1111ing tlw long task of building our land fund, from which more protection oiourprL'Cious mountain will come.

Pag~ ponsor to help u t the st ot printing and mailing thi new I tter at w lcome and can b thanked on these pages.

This page of Diablo Watch is supported by tl,e bequest of Dan and Barbara Reid, of Diablo.

Beautiful human scenes ne\'er to be torgotten in a beoutiful natural landscape: the parents of Emil_1·, aged 21 /2, showing her the Heritage Tree that they bought for her, a living thing that will grow with her; the class uf fourth graders, who hcd collected funds on their own for Chaparral Spring, gazini:; at their tree and frolicking in grasses, catching (and releasing) tim frogs at the interior pond; the lol'ing couple who w,rnted a grove and who ended up liking it SD much that they bought nnother; the caring mother who wanted i\ trc,' a;; a memorinl for her decea,ed daughter, so thilt she would not be forgotten; C,ny Bogue hnving his picture lnken by Hi~ T!'ee, the larg e st on the propt:rly; ,1 hiking party of Cary', "Diablu Nuts" concurring that it Wils, indeed, a good tree, and, ye,, the grove by the interior pond wa, ju,t right. It may have been a long winter, but it was a memorable spring and ;i fine summer, nnd now we begin a new cvcle .

T/1111,k yo11Jiircnri11:_,: c11011-<l1 lo 11/llkf 11/I l'1i;; possihlc.

Joseph Baptist and a SAFECO volunteer secure barbed wire to fence posts at Chaparral Spring's interior pond.

Champions of Open Space

When Jane Cam bus read in Gary Bogue's column about Save Mount Diablo's Chaparral Spring Campaign, she decided it was the perfect project for her 4th grade class at Westwood Elementary School in Concord. They had been studying endangered habitats and species around the world and she wanted them to know aboutwhatwas threatened in their own backyard.

Jane and her students became impressed by the efforts of Save Mount Diablo and decided to take on a fund-raiser. After negotiating the appropriate channels of authority, they fanned their neighborhoods for donations. One week later, they had collected over $270.

Save Mount Diablo was so impressed by their efforts, we decided to dedicate a heritage sized oak on Chaparral Spring in their honor. In May, SMD took the students for a hike on the property to visit their tree and to see first-hand what they had been instrumental in saving.

"Education has become a real-life experience for these children," said Cam bus. "I think that's pretty good for a group of 9- and 10-year olds."

Lime Ridge Master Plan Process To Begin

Walnut Creek and Concord acquired land to create Lime Ridge Open Space in the late 1970's. To date, much of upper Lime Ridge has been closed to the public. The preserve is managed by the City of Walnut Creek's Open Space staff who recently began work to ensure public safety and the preservation of natural and cultural resources, while beginning a process related to pub lie use of the Preserve. A request has been made to the Walnut Creek City Council to fund the first phase of development for the Lime Ridge Master Plan. If funded, it will include safety and security elements-gates, fences, initial design, all to be considered during Master Plan public hearings.

The natural boundary between the two cities, Lime Ridge was the site of intense quarrying and other activities which left the landscape pockmarked and covered with tailings in many places. It has been the focus of a number of development proposals in recent years, including the approved Crystyl Ranch and Rancho Paraiso projects, and the Portofino project which was denied by the City of Walnut Creek. Concord is just beginning environmental assessment for "The Summit", a development proposal in the old sand quarry opposite the Crossings development on the south side of Ygnacio Valley Blvd. In November 1993, Walnut Creek and the East Bay Regional Park District jointly purchased the 221 acre site which had been proposed for the Portofino development, and the City began exploring whether to locate a new golf course on part of the parcel.

The City hired U.C. Berkeley researcher Lynn Huntsinger to prepare a study "Environmental Assessment, Management Options For Improving Biodiversity in Lime Ridge Open Space " , in which she bi:1ilt on earlier studies, as a first step in considering management options and the location of future trails and a staging area. The researchers have found quite a few interesting things in terms of species variety and numbers, especially around the old quarrying sites, which now harbor quite a bit of co11ti1111ed 011 page 9

Diablo Trail Begins STATE APPROVES 14 MILES

After several years of planning, the Department of Parks and Recreation has approved the first section of the Diablo TrailPhase I, fourteen miles stretching through Mt. Diablo State Park from Diablo Foothills Regional Park to Morgan Territory Regional Preserve. In this first phase multi-use day activities will be allowed. In a later phase, the trail will be extended and overnight use will be considered. Save Mount Diablo has received funding from a special memorial and grants from the Bank of San Ramon Valley and the California Trails and Greenway Foundation to support the creation of the trail.

The trails, which together will make up the Diab lo Trail are largely in place and open

to the public. Some trail work is necessary and 'Diablo Trail' medallions must still be installed before the first section of trail can be dedicated. (Because the trail is secondary in priority to Save Mount Diablo's acquisition and land use programs, staff time is devoted to the trail as time is available.)

The State Park section of trail enters the Park northwest of Macedo Ranch, climbs to Wall Point and Rock City, then follows the Curry Point Road through several canyons of Sycamore Creek past Knobcone Point and Blackhawk Ridge then enters the Oyster Point meadow before dropping into Riggs Canyon. After rising onto SMD' s Morg,rn Ranch acquisition, it climbs high onto Highland Ridge to the Morgan Territory Regional Preserve gate.

co11ti1111ed 011 page 9

Jane Cambus and her 4th grade class collected over $270 for Save Mount Diablo

On-Going Developments

Marsh Creek Road Specific Plan Approved

After nearly 5 years of work, the Clayton City Council recently approved its Marsh Creek Road Specific Plan. The Plan, which sets development standards in the area east of the City, initially caused great concern because it considered more than a thousand acres and would have allowed devel-

opment high onto the slopes of North Peak and in other visually sensitive areas. Last year the specific plan area was reduced to remove more than half of the private lands within its boundaries, and to decrease development num-

Peregrine Falcons Fail To Breed

Winter Rains Blamed

The heavy and late rains in 1994 - 1995 benefited many of Mount Diab lo' s wildlife species, but sadly not the endangered peregrine falcons. Introduced by SMD in alliance with other groups and with funding from The Harold Smith Companies and Chevron among others, the birds successfully nested at two sites in 1994. 1995 began with promise, when birds nested at three sites (historic levels). Excitement turned to disappointment, however, when all three nests failed - probably because the birds were unable to hunt much of the time.

The nesting failure, which included most peregrine nests in the Bay Area and many throughout the state, came just before the birds were removed from listing under the federal Endangered Species Act. Monitoring will continue for nesting success and to gauge the pesticide levels which originally drove the birds nearly to extinction. Cross your fingers for 1996!

bers and maximum elevations, especially on the Mt. Diablo side of Marsh Creek Road.

Save Mount Diab lo was involved throughout this process in an effort to reduce the impacts of the Plan and to advocate environmentally sensitive policies. SMD will continue to monitor the Plan as new developments are proposed, beginning in the near future with the 90+ unit Heartland development on the slopes of Keller Ridge, the nearby Maita proposal in the same area, and the 30+ unit Temps project adjacent to Russelman Road and including part of the old Christmas Tree Farm.

Anderson Approved By Supes

On May 2, over Save Mount Diab lo' s objections, the County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the 14 unit, 47 acre Anderson project. Overlooking Diablo Foothills Regional Preserve, the parcel is made up of a steep, visually sensitive knoll at the end of Las Quebradas Lane and south of Miranda Creek. While the parcel is not directly adjacent to public lands, most of the units are at the crest of a county designated scenic ridge line, and the Supervisors' approval sets an unfortunate precedent.

Sand Quarry "The Summit" Proposed

The City of Concord has begun environmental assessment related to a proposal by Braddock & Logan for the 80 acre 'old Sand Quarry' site on the south side of Ygnacio Valley Road, opposite Cowell Road. Rising up the slopes of Lime Ridge and adjacent to Lime Ridge Open Space, the project would include 246 single family homes and a 17 acre commercial area. It was formerly used for quarrying limestone and sand but has not been used commercially since the early 1970's.

Save Mount Diab lo will be involved in the proposal as it moves forward, since the site is very visible, is adjacent to public open space, and may include habitat for a number of rare species. To get more information about the project, or to receive notice of the availability of the draft Environmental Impact Report, write: Janet Homrighausen, City of Concord, Department of Community Development, 1950 Parkside Drive, M/S 24, Concord, CA 94519.

Save Mount Diablo wish es to recogni ze th e followin g gifts made in hon or of or in memon; of others. Th ese gifts w ere re ceived betwe en January 1, 1995 and July 1, 1995.

In Honor Of:

Becky Adams-Nestor

James L. Nestor

Gary Bogue

Valerie Mark

Betty Campbell-Birthday

Jacqueline Buettner

Dr. Jack Clark-Birthday

Mom&Dad

C. N. & Marylee Cooper- 55th Anniversary

Pat & Bob Moran

Elinor Fisher-Birthday

Chris & Dean Coons

Steve Jones

The MA

Chessa Rachelle

Linda & Steve Mehlman

Joe Murillo-7th Birthday

Mom (Patti Cole)

San Joaquin Chapter NSDAR

Irene Fontaine -Won

Tess Schoenbart-Happy Mother's Day

Edward Schoenbart

Beth Feinstein Thurber

Rick E. Thurber

In Memory Of Robert & Cordelia Barg

Virginia Barry

William H Bartlett

Rhonda L. Bartlett

Peter Baturin

Mrs. M. P. Baturin

Boris Roy Bocheff

Barbara Bocheff

Lewis Bostwick

Charles & Marjorie Evans

Thomas N. Bowdle

Sarah L. States

Bernadine Boyd

Elise Newman

Farmer E. Boyd

Evelyn J. Boyd

Mildred Bozarth

Sandra L. Bozarth

Mr. Bridges

The Edwab Family

James & Nan Brooks

Bernard & Eleanor Peterson

Bill Burness

Doris & Herm Allington

Jasper Carlton

Elizabeth Carlton

Daniel Chavez

Ange l a C. Maisel

Joseph Henry & Annie Coates

Melicent & Daphne Bess

S. E. Cozza

Nina Davis

Charles G. Dols

Mr. & Mrs Donald Nelson

Nancy Drenkhahn

Michelle Sushi

David Dubner

Earl

Ted & Marjorie Plant

Walt & Mary Rogers

Dodge Ely

David John Bigham

George Fujioka

Agnes Elfving

Ronald Upham Gore & His Family

Greg

Sarah Gore

Willard Ballenger

Michele Amy Guard

Nancy Guard

Carole Haggmark

Mitzi G. Jarvis

Sylvia Harris

Pat & Bob Moran

Marie Hawkins

Mary Bowers

Robert G. Heitz

Lillian & Dorothy

Henry G. Hinze!

Eric & Debbie Hinze!

Cliff Howard

Charlotte Webber

Will Huffstatler

Marc h eta Bowdle

George William Albert Irvine

Hazel E. Irvine

Toby Johnson

Carole Sue Johnson

Joan Kenston

Joseph Kenston

Milton "Kim" Kimball

Charlie & Marge Evans

Emanuel Maisel

Angela Maisel

Gloria Marshall

Dorothy Dorsett

Benjamin A. Mattiuzzi

Alice J. Mattuizzi

D. L. Morgan

Katherine Morgan

Albert Morris Sr.

Carol & Jerry Gerich

My parents

Lillian H. Lemon

Bill Poole

Mr. & Mrs John States

Edd L. Reyes

Gary R. Wirth

Donald Milton Roberts

Aron Roberts

Lee Seelinger

John Tu lli s

Ruth Shuman

Mrs. Robert Leslie

Ber t L. Smith, Jr.

Kathryn M. Smith

Su St auffer

Dr. & Mrs. Francis Barham

Irene Beardsley

Nicholas Clinch

Hugh DeWitt

Glenda & Paul Fillinger

Mr. & Mrs. Edward Fleischer

Walter & Maxine Goad

Thomas Hagler

The Jacuzzi Family

Ellen & Henry Jori

William Kincheloe, Jr.

Ginny & Bob Leavitt

Martha Lunt & Family

Bill Martin

Peter & Ka t herine Mond a vi

JolmMowat

Mrs. Samuel Ordway

Selma Soss

Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Vasqu ez

Jolm & Pa t ricia Walter

The Weicker Foundation

Mary & John Thorne

Melicent & DaphneBess

Byron Turnbull

Michael & Lynn Deckert

Marjory Van Dyke

Gladys & Dµncan

Dorothy Vitula

Mary & Dick Bowers

Bob Walker

Helen Burke

Mildred Dickemann

Bob Watson

Ann T. Jones

Diane Wilkes Schuller

Reta Maley & Joyce Chellis

Prof. Frantisek Wolf

Myrtle Wolf

Ray Woods

Bandit

Jim & Julie Kreag

Vi Bruene

Betsey & Morgan

Kona

Kathy Ann Harris

Brian

Fundraising Campaign a Success continued . ..

co11/i11uedfro111 page 1

We put out an appeal for funds to repay the loans, and the response was terrific. Early support came from the J.M. Long Foundation, the B.T. Rocca, Jr. Foundation and the California Native Plant Society. This was matched by the generosity of many individuals, organizations and businesses. We are especially grateful to Gary Bogue for his series of appeals in the Contra Costa Times to help raise money for Chaparral Spring. (See separate article.)

Cowell Foundation Grant Made the Difference

In May, Save Mount Diablo received word from the Cowell Foundation that it had been awarded a $50,000 grant for the Chaparral Spring Campaign. This grant put SMD within reach of the $150,000 goal. "The Cowell Foundation grant made a

world of difference in bringing us success in raising such a high amount," stated Susan Watson, SMD Board President.

By August, over $160,000 had been raised through contributions and pledges. In addition to paying the loans to the bank, Save Mount Diab lo was able to repay $10,000 to its Revolving Option Land Fund. This fund was created to secure property until full funding is developed

Next Steps

With the loans repaid, Save Mount Diablo now turns to its next challenge - raising $500,000 to replenish its Land Fund. The organization will continue to hold title to Chaparral Spring while it develops the funding to transfer it to a public agency.

Save Mount Diablo thanks the following donors who gave generously to the Chaparral Spring campaign and helped us purchase this beautiful land.

Chaparral Spring Donors

$50,000

S. H. Cowell Foundation

J.M. Long Foundation

$10,000 - $24,999

B. T. Rocca, Jr. Foundation

$4,000 - $9,999

California Native Plant SocietyEast Bay Chapter

$1,000 - $3,999

Burt Bogardus

Dr. & Mrs. William Weeden

Myrtle Wolf

$500 - $999

Susan Peters

Lt Alan R. Wall

$200 -$499

Carol Anderson

Richard Braunlich, Jr.

Kathleen Cronin

Dr. Edward Finsilver

Galaxy Press

Ann Gregory

Patricia Hamilton

Jane Haumeder

Mr. S. Morris

The Muir Garden Club

Nancy Patten

Irene Peters

Paul Popenoe, Jr.

Jeaime L. Thomas

Westwood Elementary

4th Grade - Mrs. Cambus Wild Birds Unlimited

$100 - $199

Lillian Adams

Anna Barnett

Arthur Bonwell

Jaclyn Bowman

David Browne

Fred & Katherine Brunswig

A.J. Buxton

John & Thelma Dana

Rosemary Daniel

Danville-Alamo Garden Club

Laura A. Davis

Don De Fremery

Michael & Adele Deverell

Bozema Duncan, Adam & E. P.

Adam

Martha Engelbert

Russell & Patricia Erickson

George & Toni Finger

Lucy Flanner

Margaret Forster

Pat Frazier

Katherine Gyorfi

Ellie Higgins

Charles Hogle

Virginia Holmes

Nancy Howe

Lois Kail

Diane Kauffman

Marian King

Selma King

Jax & Judy Kneppers

Peter Laurence

Lillian Lemon

I. V. Lindskoog

Richard Mattingly

John M. McKillen, III

Mt. Diablo Dog Training Club

Mt. Diablo Regional

The Sierra Club

Mr. & Mrs. James R. Moore

Ruth Murray

Theron Nelson

North Main Pet Lodge

Jane Oberholzer

Claire Overstreet

Judith & Donald Person

Margarette Ray

Raymond & Hazel Sawyer

Maxine Schmidt

Sandra Schmidt

D' Arey Selwood

Ron & Karin Siemens

Catherine Siero

Helen Stevens

T & C Heating & Air Conditioning

Thomas & Delinda Trowbridge

Joan Volberg

Katheryn Webb

Carolyn Wilson

Linda Young

and the over 300 donors who contributed amounts up to $99.

Bradford Ranch cont'd . ..

continued from page 1

important parts of the whipsnake' s range. By preserving land between Mt. Diab lo State Park and Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, we hope to maintain the snake's populations " The chaparral plant community in which it lives is also home to a whole group of other rare species, including five plants which.were identified on Chaparral Spring, and are expected to be found on the new parcel. Land preservation on behalf of these rare species also helps support more common species including bobcats, coyotes and eagles.

The whipsnake habitat was identified during environmental analysis performed by Bradford as a portion of a fully environmentally mitigated proposal for the 4-unit subdivision of the adjoining acreage. The 60 acre 'remainder' was proposed to protect whipsnake habitat, and a scenic easement was placed over all but four two-acre building sites on the 151 acre property. "Environmentally responsible development is state-of-the-art development in the 1990's", said Stuart Wilson, project manager for Bradford "The beauty of the environment is the primary asset of Bradford Ranch. Preserving part of that environment for the whipsnake made good sense. Our effort, in concert with Save Mount Diablo, proves that the development community and the environmental community can work together to produce successful projects for both ."

Save Mount Diablo and Bradford Financial reached an agreement to allow permanent preservation of the 60 acre parcel. While building sites are developed, Save Mount Diab lo will pay property taxes and insurance for the 60 acre parcel, and then can either accept the parcel itself, or pass it on to a public agency that can provide long term management. "We' re grateful to Bradford Financial for taking an enlightened approach in the preservation of significant wildlife habitat," said Susan Watson, SMD' s president.

SaveMountDiabloisanon-profit50l(c)(3)conservation organization which has been preserving lands on Mount Diab lo and educating the public to the mountain' snatural valuesince1971. Preservedlandshavemorethantripled in that period. SaveMountDiablocontinues to raise funds to preserve the remainderof the mountain. For more information, orto receive Save Mount Diablo' s newsletter Diablo Watch, write to Save Mount Diablo, P.O. Box 5376, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 or contact Program Director Seth Adams at (510) 229-4275.

Park News . . .

continued from page 9

tailing the habits of Mt. Diablo's rarest inhabitant.

Shell & Lime Ridge Open Spaces

(Cities of Walnut Creek and Concord)

Welcome to new open space ranger Bruce Weidman who will be located out of Sugarloaf. The Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group has been looking in the open space for new golden eagle nests, after one long standing nest blew down a few years ago. The Oak Restoration Project is full steam ahead, continuing watering and planting as in previous years, and this year extending into grazed areas while experimenting with protective devices. This has been a great year for oaks, and a particularly good year for seedlings, some of which will be protected with tubex cylinders. The Howe Homestead Harvest Festival will take place on October 22, noon to 5; contact 943-5855 for more information.

Chaparral Spring provides spectacular views of North Peak. Help us save this property