DIABLO WATCH
Save Mount Diablo
Protecting the Mountain since 1971 Spring 1990
Earth Day the Focus of 'April On The Mountain'
'April On The Mountain' has been an annual tradition since 1974 for Save Mount Diablo and the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association. Although winter's cold, clear days are spectacular, and summer's heat makes the shady canyons attractive, early spring is one of the best times to get to know the mountain. We hope you'll enjoy this year's calendar.
The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970. Over 20 million people participated nation wide; the huge showing of environmental concern resulted in the passage of the Clean Water and Clean Air Acts, and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency.
20 years later, we can hope the second Earth Day will have even more effect. 100 million people are expected to participate world wide.
Save Mount Diablo is sponsoring a sunrise Earth Day gathering at Mount Diablo's summit. Afterwards, Earth Day of Contra Costa County and the East Bay Regional Park District will hold an environmental fair at the Martinez Regional Shoreline. We'll be there. Corne see what you can do in your daily life (every little bit helps) to help the Earth, as well as what SMD and other groups have been up to lately.
Enjoy yourself whatever hike you take!
Crystyl Ranch Victory; It's Not Over Yet
In the Fall Diablo Watch, we reported that Concord voters would decide the Crystyl Ranch referendum on Nov. 9th. A massive 725-unit development on the slopes of Lime Ridge and the highest on Diablo's north side, 'Crystyl' was approved by Concord's city council at twice the density the City's very reasonable General Plan allowed, minus the Plan's 300 acres of open space.
An independent committee of the Coalition For Concord's Future, 17 conservation and homeowner groups including Save Mount Diablo, challenged the approval. Despite $204,000 in developer spending, the group raised more than 10,600 signatures only to be attacked legally. SMD's lawyers succesfully defended the petitions.
In the face of continued opposition, development plans were withdrawn, confusing voters, who were assured in the developer's mailings that new plans would only be submitted after approval by opponents. The council's amendment remained, however, and identical plans could still be submitted after the election.
The voters weren't fooled; an 80% majority said NO! to Crystyl Ranch. Recently the developer has indicated his intent of submitting new plans.
Please Write: Mayor Campbell and Council members, 1950 Parkside Drive, Concord, 94519. Tell them you love Diablo, support preservation of natural open space, views, and General Plan limits.
"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe." -John Muir (coyote photo by Michael Sewell)
Celebrate John Muir's Birthday and Earth Day on April 22nd with a hike. 1
Meeting points on the map are shown, i.e., as (3) designating Regency Dr.
March I9-Monday, 7pm; Annual Dinner and Presentation of John Muir Award (John Muir Memorial Association). Reservations: Betsy Little, 685-4192. Masonic Hall, Estudillo and Thompson Sts, Martinez.
March 25-Sunday, 10:00am; Diablo Foothills (Contra Costa Hills Oub). Leaders: Joe & Betty Goldstein, 934-0458. Enjoy the camelbacked hills of Diablo's north-western ridges. Cars are needed at Walnut Creek BART for the caravan to the staging area.
March 25-Sunday, 9:00am; Back and Donner Canyons (Berkeley Hiking Oub). Leader: Fred Johnson, 843-3829. Enjoy Spring and glorious wildflowers in the two canyons and along the Fall trail. Moderate pace, somewhat strenuous, about 1800 feet elevation gain. Reconvene at the end of (3) Regency Dr., Oayton. Rain cancels.
March 30-Friday, 7:30pm; Close-up Slide Show-Mount Diab lo Rowers (Bob Case, naturalist, 689-6528). An hour long slide show in which you'll become intimate with the many beautiful flowers on Mount Diablo. An excellent introduction to hikes later in the month, this is one you won't want to miss. Ygnacio Valley Library (Thurman G. Casey) 2661 Oak Grove Rd . Walnut Creek.
March 3I-Saturday, 7:30am; Morgan Addition and Riggs Canyon (Diablo Hiking Club) Leader: John Van Heertum, 672-7231. Explore the newly acquired Morgan Ranch and beautiful Riggs Canyon. This is a fairly strenuous hike of about 8 miles. Meet at the Pleasant Hill Community Center; 320 Civic Dr. (off Taylor Blvd., two blocks west of Sun Valley Mall) Bring lunch and liquids.
April I-Sunday, 10:00am; Mitchell Canyon Wild Flower Walk (Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association) Leader: Ranger Bob Justice, 8372525. Enjoy spring wildflower on this easy four mile walk. Meet at (2) the Mitchell Canyon parking lot. Bring lunch and liquids.
April I-Sunday, 9:30am; Morgan Territory Regional Preserve Spring Hike (Mt. Diablo Regional Group, Sierra Club) Leaders: Carole Lonegan, 581-9946, and Lucy Cuzillo, 935-7677. We'll hike the canyons and ridge tops of this preserve, which has doubled in size in the past three years, and enjoy the wildflowers. Meet Carole at (7) the preserve parking lot, or Lucy earlier at Walnut Creek BART at 8:30am to carpool. Strenuous with some cross country.
April 4-Wednesday, 9:45am; Knobcone PointOyster Point (Mt. Diablo Regional Group, Sierra Oub) Leader: Don de Fremery, 9375646. Explore sculptures ridges and canyons in the rugged southeastern corner of Mount Diablo State Park. Meet at (6) Curry Point, or earlier at 9:00am to carpool from SE corner EmporiumCapwell parking lot, Newell and S. Broadway, Walnut Creek. Strenuous with some cross country
April 6-Friday, 7:00pm; Moon Over Diablo (Solo Sierrans, Bay Chapter Sierra Club) Leader Jack Sneddon, 676-3939. Walk through Pine Canyon and toward Bar-B-Que Terrace then back via Wall ridge. Meet at (8) the
Macedo Ranch staging area. Bring a flashlight, snack to share, liquids, and appropriate footwear. 8 miles, rain cancels.
April 6-Friday, I0:00am; Mitchell Canyon Wildflower Walk (Save Mount Diablo). Leader: Dann McCright, 689-5335. This will be a walk of about five hours up the canyon to see the early spring wildflowers. Bring lunch and water, and meet at (2) the Mitchell Canyon parking lot.
April 7-Saturday, I0:OOam; Indigenous Cultures of California (Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association). Leader: Angel Island State Park Ranger Jose Rivera, 837-2525. This program focuses on the native American people oft.he Mt. Diablo area; the first ecologists and how they lived with the land. Meet at (5) Live Oak Campground.
April 7-Saturday, 9:00am, I:30pm; Eagle Peak and Donner Canyon (Mt. Diablo Regional Group, Sierra Club) Leader: Karen Jurasin, 933-0897. A brisk morning walk up Eagle Peak, then those with energy plus new arrivals will go for an adventure hike in Donner Canyon. Both hikes begin at (3) the end of Regency Drive, with lunch at the cars. Carpool, phone leader, bring lots of water. Strenuous.
April 7-Saturday, 2:00pm; Latino History of Mt. Diablo (Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association). Leader: Angel Island State Park Ranger Jose Rivera, 837-2525. This program focuses on the Bay Area's early Spanish period to the 'California' Mexican era.. Meet at (4) the Summit building.
April 8-Sunday, 9:30am; Mount Diablo, Especially for Children (Lindsay Museum). Leader: Tracy Thompson, pre-register at 9351978 from 11am-5pm. Amble with your little one and discover natural wonders. We'll look up, around, over and under, using our senses to explore what's right outside the door. Meet at (5) Live Oak campground. Limit 10 children plus parent.
April 8-Sunday, 10:00am; Bay Geography (Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association) Leader: Ranger Ray Torres, 837-2525. This will be a one-mile hike around the Fire Interpretive Trail. Enjoy the great visibility this time of year, and learn about the geographic forces, both cultural and physical, that have shaped the Bay area. Meet at (4) the lower summit parking lot. Dress warmly, be prepared for wind. Rain cancels.
April 8-Sunday, 8:30am; Wildflowers and Waterfalls of Diablo (Solo Sierrans, Bay Chapter Sierra Club) Leaders: Jack Sneddon, 676-3939, and naturalist/author Ted Niehaus. A moderate hike up Donner Canyon and beyond. Depending on weather, we should see beautiful displays of red larkspur and much more. With enough rain, it should still be possible to view the waterfalls, too. Bring h.1~ch, liquids, appropriate footwear. Heavy ram cancels. Meet at (3) Regency Drive.
April 8-Sunday, 8:30am; Diablo Delight (Mt. Di.ablo Regional Group. Sierra Club) Leaders: Andi Goulet, 947-5891, and Don de Fremery, 937-5646. Enjoy poppies, lupines and other colorful delights on this strenuous hike through Deer Flat, Juniper camp, past. waterfalls and on to Diablo's summit.· Meet at (2) the Mitchell Canyon lot ($3 entrance) or at 2
8:00am carpool from Walnut Creek BART (BART begins service at 9:00am on Sundays).
April I3-Friday, 11:00am; Native Americans of Mount Diablo (Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association) Leader: Ranger Burt Bogardus, 837-2525. A one-hour program exploring the history, culture and varied uses of local plants by aboriginal people of the Mt. Diablo region. Meet at (5) the Live Oak Picnic Area.
April I4-Saturday; Donner Canyon Bird Trip (Mt. Diablo Audubon Society). For info, phone AUD-UBON, 283-8266 (a tape recording with current information). This will be a strenuous hike up the canyon. Bring binoculars, field guides, lunch and liquids.
April I4-Saturday, 9:30am; Family Hike in Mitchell Canyon (Save Mount Diablo) Leader: Bob Doyle, 937-3744 for reservations. Enjoy the Canyon and wildflowers with your family. Bring lunch and liquids. Meet at (2) the Mitchell Canyon parking lot.
April 14-Saturday; Annual Heritage Trail Ride and Barbecue (Heritage Trails Fund) Leader: Nancy Dupont, 934-4304 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 IS-Sunday, 5:45am; Easter Sunrise on Mount Diablo (Solo Sierrans, Bay Chapter Sierra Club) Leader Jack Sneddon, 676-3939. Meet at (9) the locked North Gate entrance station to drive to the summit for a beautiful and different, non-religious experience. Hot coffee will be served, bring breakfast. Optional 6 mile hike afterward, to warm up and wildflower watch.
April IS-Sunday, 9am; Twin Peaks Hike (Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association). Leader: Ranger Bob Justice, 837-2525. A 4 mile, 4 hour loop trip to Twin peaks, steep in places. Meet at (2) the Mitchell Canyon Parking lot. Wear boots, long pants and bring water .
April IS-Sunday, 10:00am; Mt. Diablo Peak Loop (Contra Costa Hills Oub) Leaders: Fred & Annette Suzukawa, 455-5210. A loop beginning at Juniper camp, and passing Devil's Pulpit. Meet at Walnut Creek BART where CARS ARE NEEDED for the caravan to Diablo overlook.
April IS-Wednesday, 9:00am; Eagle Peak (Mt. Diablo Regional Group, Sierra Club) Leader: Don de Frernery, 937-5646. Oimb Eagle Peak from the north side on this strenuous hike. Meet at (2) the Mitchell Canyon ($3 entrance) parking lot or earlier at 8:30am to carpool from SE corner Emporium-Capwell parking lot, Newell and S. Broadway, Walnut Creek.
April 2I-Saturday, 8:30am; Run on Mount Diab lo (Diablo Road Runners) Leader: John Mercurio, 676-4151. You're invited on this 4-6 mile fun run, all skill levels welcome. Moderately hilly. Meet at (8) the Macedo Ranch trailhead.
April 2I-Saturday, 10:00am; pre-Earth Day Celebration (Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association) Leader: Ranger Mary Pass, 8372525. Find out what we can do to make our world/community a better place, 'We have only one Earth-we must take care of it'. Meet at (5) lower Rock City.
April Hikes and Events
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map by Jeffrey Johnson
April 21-Saturday, 9:00am (or April 28, if raining the week before); California Trail Day (MDIA & Heritage Trails Association. Leaders: Jeannie Harmon, 934-4548, or George Cardinet, 672-5072. Have a fun day working on trails. Bring water and lunch, tools will be supplied. Meet at (2) the Mitchell Canyon parking lot.
April 21-Saturday, 10:00am; Circle the Mountain (California Native Plant Society). Leader: Susan D'Akamo, 528-1912. We'll hike through many plant communities and beautiful wildflowers with wide vistas before us and an opportunity to learn about each community. About 6 miles beginning on the Deer F1at Trail across both Gaps to Devil's Elbow and the summit, fairly slippery and strenuous. Bring liquids, lunch, Layers, and wear boots. Meet at (10) Juniper Campground.
April 21-Saturday; Wildflower Photography Outing (Mt. Diablo Regional Group, Sierra Oub). Leader: Joe Fragapane, 689-2423 for details. Join Joe on his annual photography outing. Photograph the wild flowers in Mitchell Canyon. Oose up equipment recommended, but not mandatory.
April 21-Saturday, 8pm; Jewels in the Night Sky (Mt. Diablo Observatory Association). Leader: Jerry Hudson, 837-2525. Meet at (4) the Summit parking lot for this informative slide program and a peek at your favorite April stars and planets. Telescopes will be set up, bring your own if you wish. Dress warmly.
April 22-Sunday, 6:25am; Earth Day Sunrise Gathering-Stories of the Indians of Mount Diablo. (Save Mount Diablo) Organizer: Seth Adams, 549-2821. EBRPD Naturalist Bev Ortiz will tell stories at the summit about the Indians of the Diablo area, talk about their history and the Indian creation accounts and non-Indian legends of the mountain, including how the mountain got its present name. Allow 40 minutes to reach (4) the summit lower Lot. Dress warmly, bring breakfast.
April 22-Sunday, 11:00am; Earth Day Festival (East Bay Regional Park District and Contra Costa County) Corne join the Environmental fair at the Martinez Regional Shoreline. Many exhibits, programs, speakers and people. Have fun and protect the environment. Cross the railroad tracks on Ferry St. and into the park. We'll all be there!
April 22-Sunday, 8:30am; Wall Point Bird Stroll (Ohlone Audubon and Mount Diablo Interpretive Association). Leader: Elsie Richey, 357-2477. This Wall Point walk will find early spring birds and late winterers, possible nesting activity and varied habitat. Meet at (5) the Arroyo picnic area. Passing migrants and residents such as California thrashers, wrentits, Bewick's wren and rufouscrowned sparrows. A level 3 miles, bring binoculars, lunch, liquids, and layers.
Aprll 2 2-Si.mday, 9:0 0am; Ride with a Ranger ( Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association) Leader: Ranger Barbara Torres, 837-2525. Saddle up for a ride through Pine Canyon and Bar-B--Que Terrace. Grassland, Oak woodland and Pond communities will be discussed. Bring your horse, a lunch, light jacket, halter and lead rope to (8) the Macedo Ranch staging area. Rain today or yesterday cancels.
April 22-Sunday, 9:00am; Donner and Back Canyon Hike (Save Mount Diablo) Leader: Bob Doyle, 937-3744 for reservations. A five mile canyon exploration on the north side of the mountain. Meet at (3) the end of Regency Dr. Bring lunch and liquids.
April 25-Wednesday, 8:45am; Riggs Canyon (Mt. Diablo Regional Group, Sierra Club) Leader: Don de Fremery, 937-5646. Riggs, in the extreme southeastern comer of the State Park, is a beauty. View fantastic rock formations and the possible route of the Mount Diablo-Morgan Territory trail. Meet at (6) Curry Point or earlier at 8:00am to carpool fromSE comer Emporium-Capwell parking lot, Newell and S. Broadway, Walnut Creek.
April 27-Friday, 9:00am; Moses Rock-Summit Ascent (Save Mount Diablo) Leader: Craig Tranby, 933-4267. Cross the private Ginochio Ranch, up Long Ridge to Moses Rock past Deer F1at. Park at the North Gate entrance. Bring water and lunch. Meet at (9) the North Gate entrance. Strenuous hike with steep cross country.
April 28-Saturday, 10:00am; Mitchell-Donner Canyon Mountain Bike Ride (Bicycle Trails Council of the East Bay) RSVPs by April 22, to reserve ride leaders: Greg Gardiner, 256-9252. This 3-4 hour ride will loop through both canyons starting at (2) the Mitchell Cyn parking lot, over through Deer F1at and Juniper camp ground. Groups will be staggered in 10person sections to avoid interfering with hikers. Bring your bike, rrlandatory helmet. snacks and liquids.
April 28-Saturday, 11:00am; Mt. Diablo Geology (Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association) Leader: Ranger Teresa Cortez, 837-2525. Explore the geological make-up of the area and enjoy the view in a one hour walk. Meet at (4) the lower summit parking Lot.
April 28-Saturday, 9:00am; California Trail Day (see April 21.)
April 29-Sunday; Underground at Somersville (East Bay Regional Park District). Explore a mine. Phone Traci Parent or Joan Dougherty; 757-2620, for information.
April 29-Sunday, 9:00am; Mount Diab lo South Side (Mt. Diablo Regional Group, Sierra Oub) Leader: Ralph Wright, 682-3006. A strenuous exploration of the mountain's south side, rain or shin e. Some cross-country. Meet at Walnut Creek BART .
May 5-Saturday, 9:00am; Ginochio RanchLime Ridge Loop (Save Mount Diablo) Leader: Craig Tranby, 933-4267. Hike through Lime Ridge Open Space and the Ginochio Ranch, one of the largest working ranches in' the county, then S,MD's Soto Ranch a.cqulsit(o1, and back via Arroyo 0el Cerro and Walker Canyon. Meet at (1) Boundn:ry Oaks fixst lot at the en d of Valley Vista Rd. Bring water and lunch.
May 5-Saturday; Mitchell Canyon Wild£lowcrs (Mt. Diablo Aud,ubon Society). For info, 283 -8266 (a tape recording with cuuent information). This will be an easy walk. Bring binoculars, field guides, lunch and liquids. 4
May 5-6, Saturday & Sunday, 5:00pm; Third Annual Family Campout & Bar-B-QueMitchell Canyon (Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association and Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society). Contact: Jeanne Harmon, 934-4548.
May 5-Meet at (2) Mitchell Canyon picnic area for dinner and free camping. After dinner at 6:00pm (bring your own meat, potluck and utensils) there will be an MDIA Annual meeting and Docent Award ceremony; a spectacular stellar slide show by Roger Griggs, with night-sky viewing; and Owl Walk; and campfire singing On May 6, Elsie Richey will lead a 7:00am bird walk and Jeanne Harmon will lead a hike at 9:30am.
May to-Thursday; Diablo Bird Trip (Mt. Diablo Audubon Society). For info 283-8266 (a tape recording with current information). This trail walk passes South Gate road to Blue Oak and Juniper campgrounds. Bring binoculars, field guides, lunch and liquids.
May 12-Saturday; Evening Concert 'Out of the Rain' (East Bay Regional Park District). Phone Traci Parent or Joan Dougherty; 7572620, for information.
May 19-Saturday; 8:15pm; Native Americans and the Stars (Mt. Diablo Observatory Association) 837-2525 for info. Visitors must be in the park before dark. Prior to viewing, guest speaker Bev Ortiz will talk about native Americans and the stars. Telescopes will be set up, bring your own if you wish. Dress warmly and meet at (4) the summit.
May 20-Sunday, 10:00am; Mitchell Canyon (Contra Costa Hills Club) Leader: Jim Hofmann, 848--2972. A strenuous loop hike through Deer Flat. Meet at Walnut Creek BART where CARS ARE NEEDED for the caravan to the Mitchell Canyon parking lot. Bring liquids.
Golden Eagle, photo by Hans Peeters
Message from the President
April On The Mountain is special every year. Every spring the mountain puts on its Easter clothes of renewed life with fields of waving grasses, flowery displays, returning birds, and a new generation of babies to all its furry, feathery, and scaly populations.
This year we mark the month with particular significance by celebrating Earth Day the day of John Muir's birthday, April 22nd.
Muir was a Martinez resident much of his later life, our neighbor. One of the most perceptive and enduring of his legacies is his appreciation for the inter dependence of all life-"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe."
Save Mount Diablo is not directing its energies toward "everything else in the universe" (thank goodness!), but we appreciate the fact that all the beauties of springtime on Mount Diablo depend upon the preservation of adequate habitat for its inhabitants. All go about their individual ways, but all create a great web of relationships.
Here is one of the basic reasons that Save Mount Diablo buys land for preservation. From mountain lions to white footed mice, from eagles to sparrows, from great oaks to tiny flowers, all living things require enough territory to survive and more to prosper.
All of us enjoy this grand spring symphony, if only to admire its beauty from afar, but its continued existence depends on our willingness to preserve and protect it. Please help Save Mount Diablo's work in guaranteeing that springtime on Mount Diablo will always be glorious and there for everyone to enjoy. Our lives are bound with it, too.
Now, to paraphrase John Muir, "Come to our Mountain and hear its glad tidings!"
Susan Watson
Special Thanks
The San Francisco Foundation
The Smith Companies
The Loveland Foundation
Jean Hauser
Diablo Donor institutions:
Summit Club donors give $1000 or more
Peak Guardians give $500 or more Mountain Savers give $100 or more Donors give up to $100
The Summit Club
California Department of Parks & Recreation
California Native Plant SocietyEast Bay Chapter
The Smith Companies
Walnut Creek Open Space Found.
Peak Guardians
The California Hawking Club
Sierra Club-S.F. Bay Chapter
Mountain Savers
California Garden Clubs-Diablo Foothills Chapter
Diablo Hiking Club
Diablo Road Runners
Ecology Club, Clayton Valley H. S.
Frontier Boys
Greenbelt Alliance
Moraga Garden Club
Mount Diablo Audubon Society
Mount Diablo Interpretive Assoc.
Donors
The Australian Connection
Concord Garden Club
Cowell Homeowners Association
Dana Farms Homeowners Assoc.
Hillside Gardeners of Montclair
Interior Plant Decor
Orinda Garden Club
Pine Hollow Neighborhood Assoc.
Pleasant Hill Democratic Club
Residents For a Better Contra Costa
Seven Oaks Homeowners Assoc.
Sierra Club-Diablo Regional Group
Sierra Club-N. California/Nevada Field Office
Tioga Publishing Co.
Trails Club of Rossmoor
Newsletter Editor Wanted
Save Mount Diablo is seeking a volunteer with strong graphic skills to help produce Diablo Watch 3-4 times yearly. We also need volunteers to mail the newsletter. Please call: Seth Adams, 549-2821.
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Clayton Valley, Marsh Creek Road and the Delta viewed from near the summit in the new Mount Diablo State Park (circa 1931) . Photographer unknown, courtesy of Mt. Diablo State Park.
Return Postage Guaranteed
Save 'Mount Diablo 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. April On The Mountain is co-sponsored by the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association, P.O. Box 250, Diablo CA 94528
Contributions ... are Tax Deductible to the full extent provided by law. Checks should be made to:
Save Mount Diab lo P.O. Box 25
Concord,CA 94522
Name
Address
Memorials
This gift is in memory of:
Please send an acknowledgement to: From:
Moses Rock Ridge viewed across the San Ramon Valley from Las Trampas. Photo by Bob Walker
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NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID Concord, Ca Perm~ No. 525
