NGTNE CONNECTION D
A pril On The Mo untain
Spring is one of the best times of year on Mount Diablo. Wildflowers are at their best, winter rains have turned the mountain its most brilliant green, and temperatures are at their most moderate. ln 1974 Save Mount Diablo decided to devote the month of April to an annual celebration of Mount Diablo"April On The Mountain". Every year since then dozens of hikes and interpretive events have provided opportunities for 'the public to get to know Contra Costa's outstanding landmarkMount Diablo.
Inside you'll find a small map of Mount Diablo with events shown around it, continued on page 4. Numbers on the map refer to the starting points for the hikes. At the end of the month, we'll be celebrating the addition of our latest acquisition to the State Park. If you're already on our mailing list, or if you donated to the Morgan campaign this year, you'll receive an invitation later this month. Reserve the evening of April 29th on your calendar. We'll see you on the mountain.
SMD's 631-acre Morgan property 'acquisition, on the east side of Mount Diablo, joins the State Park with Morgan Tcrritory Rcgional Preserve in a 25 mile trail corridor. The property includes the lower i half of this view, -.'with the main and north peaks of Diablo above.
MOUNT DNBLO o Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association
Save Mount Diablo...
was formed in 1971. At that time Mount Diablo State Park comprised 7,000 acres. Since then Save Mount Diablo (SMD) has been largely responsible for expanding the State Park to 18,600 acres. SMD works with local and state agencies to preserve lands, to protect the mountain during the planning process for Private lands, and to educate the public to Mount Diablo's ecological and recreational values. For more info, write: SMD P.O. Box 25, Concord, CA 94522 or call (415) 549-282'.1.
the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association...
was created in 1974 to increase the public's opportunities to learn about Mount Diablo's history and natural history. The Mount i Diablo Interpretive Association : (MDIA) oversees the State Park's j docent programs/ and produces , educational materials about j Mount Diablo. A current \ campaign is the renovation of the I Summit Interpretive Museum.
; For more info, write: MDIA, P.O. :" Box 250, Diablo, CA 94528, or call (415) 930-6829.
(y-
MAKING THE CONNECTION
March 18-10am; Lime Ridge Open Space - rCrystyl Ranch' ViewPoint (California Native Plant Society) Leader: O Naomi Giddings, 376-4095. Meet at Boundary Oaks Golf Course driving range, end of Valley Vista Rd. Bring a snack and liquids. Casual 3 hour walk on Lime Ridge overlooking stunning views of not 1, but 3 proposed devclopments on our beautiful green hills. Heavy rain cancels.
March 25-10am; Lime Ridge Open Space - 'Crystyl Ranch' ViewPoint (California Native Plant Society) Leader: call843-4247. See March 18. Heavy rain cancels.
March 21-Tuesday, 7pm; Annual Dinner and Presentation of John Muir Award (John Muir Memorial Association). Call Betsy Little, 685-4192 for reservations. Masonic Hall, Estudillo and Thompson Strcets, Martincz.
March 25-Saturday, 10am; Indigenous Cultures of California (Mt. Diablo State Park). Leader: Ranger Jose Rivera, 837-2525. This program surveys indigcnous cultures as an ecological culture, and disusses their environment, survival E) arts, similarities and differences. Meet at Livc Oak Campground.
April 1-Saturday, 10am; Bay Geography (Mt. Diablo State Park). Leader: Ranger Ray Torres, 837-2525. A 1 mile hike around the Fire Interpretive Trail. Enjoy the grcat visibility this time of year, and learn about thc geographic forccs, both cultural and physical, that have shaped the Bay area. Mect at E) the lower summit parking lot. Dress warm, bc prepared for wind.
April l-Saturday, 7:30am; Mt. Olympia and North Peak (Diablo Hiking Club) Leadcr: John Van Hccrtum, 672-723'1. Meet at the Old Pioneer Inn, Main St. in Clayton. The hikc will go up the Donner Canyon Rd., Zippe Trail and North Pcak Trail to Mt. Olympia and North Peak. If we havc a good rainfall this winter, we'll return on the Watcr Falls Trail. Bring lunch and water. This will be a strenuous hike.
April l-Saturday; Mount Diablo, especially for children (Lindsay Museum). Encourage your children to sample Mount Diablo the Lindsay way by enrolling them in activities E) appropriate to their ages. Meet at Live Oak campground on Mount Diablo. Pre-register at 935-1978 (lhe Lindsay Muscum) between 11am-5pm.
Mountain Meanders Age:24 plus parcnt. 10-10:45 am. Amble with your little one and discover natural wonders. We'll look up, around, ovcr and under, using our senses to explorc what's right outside the door. Limit 10 childern plus parent.
Native Americans Age:5-7 10-10:45 am. Age:7-10, 11-'12 noon. Learn the life and customs of Native Americans using artifacts, tools, toys and pictures. Meet where acorns were ground, baskets made and fishes found (Live Oak campground.) Limit 30 children, parents welcome.
Rocking and Rolling on Mount Diablo Age: 10-15) 12 noon2pm. Hike back through time to find out what was happening on the West Coast 10-15 million years ago! Sedimentary strata
laycrcd with rocks and fossils tell the story of inland seas, rolling hills and an ancient uplift that gave Mt. Diablo its height millions of years ago. Limit 13.
April 2-Sunday 10am; Lime Ridge Open Space - 'Crystyl Ranch' ViewPoint (Save Mount Diablo) Leader: Seth Adams, B 549-2827. Meet at Boundary Oaks Golf Coursc driving rangf end of Valley Vista Rd. Bring a snack and liquids. Casual 3\ hour walk on Lime Ridgg overlooking sttrnning views of not 1, but 3 proposed developments on our beautiful grecn hills.
April 8-saturday, 9am; Waterfalls Trail (Mt. Diablo Regional Group, Sicrra Club). Lcadcr: Karcn Jurasin. Lovcly, gcntlc wild flowers and rollicking watcrfalls combinc with relentless pace and clcvation gain to bccomc BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Come accompany Karcn on this cxtrcrncly long E) and difficult hike. Mcct at thc cnd of Rcgcncy Drivc in Clayton. Bring lots of food and liquids.
Ap Hikes ril
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TO }^AR'TINEZ A @ ALAF\O qOHCAD DANVILLE TON (&E( TO @ -IO DUSUN, SAN RAiloN PLEASA},TTON. }AOUNT D\ABLO STATE PN Ar\b orr--tER NEr oHBoRTNG l.-__-,,c-n BLACKI{ whu.luT CREEK map by Jef f rey Johnson
Dear Friends of Save Mount Diablo, March 1,1989
This year's'April On The Mountain' schedule is titled 'Making The Connection'; it's been redesigned for ssss in posting, and to better allow you to decide which hikes and events you'll want to attend. Mark April2gth on your calendars. That Saturday, Save Mount Diablo and the California Department of Parks and Recreation will host a summit dedication of our latest acguisition. We'd like to surprise you later with the program for the event, but we can promise to 'light' up Mount Diablo.
Last year we asked you to donate to our carnpaign to protect the Morgan property. Your gift, and those of hundreds of others helped pay the $30,000 option for the spectacular property, saving it frorn an approved subdivision. Proposition 70 bond funds secured by Save Mount Diablo have just purchased the property, a beautiful and rugged square mile on the eastern edge of Mt. Diablo State Park; it combines lovely oak groves and rolling hills with steep sandstone cliffs. The property forms the essential connection between the State Park and the East Bay Regional Park District's Morgan Territory Regional Preserve. This will soon allow a 25-mile trail between the two parks-a fifteen-year goal of Save Mount Diablo-from Walnut Creek, Concord or Danville to the eastern part of the county.
This acquisition is just the start. Protected lands have also been expanded by the addition of the Boy Scout Property, a 97 acre inholding surrounded by the State Park, as well as several hundred acres in other smaller parcels and in dedications frorn developments along the mountain's edge. The Park now comprises approxirnately 18,600 acres. Expansion of Diablo Foothills and Morgan Territory Regional Parks by the East Bay Regional Park District AA Bond funds will also further our goal of protecting the entire mountain and preserving the area's abundant wildlife.
Save Mount Diablo has undergone its own expansion. Last year we hired our first staff person after 17 years of all-volunteer efforts. Program Director Seth Adams assists Save Mount Diablo in keeping up with the increasing number of developrnent proposals around the mountain, extending our educational activities to reach a wider audience, and in increasing our fundraising efforts in order to protect more of Mt. Diablo. The position is funded by a generous two-year grant from The San Francisco Foundation; as always, community donations are used for land acquisition.
We've already begun the work to report just as much good news next April. Save Mount Diablo is beginning work on another important property, which we hope to soon acquire. We're not announcing the location yet, in order to avoid speculation on the price, but must move quickly to purchase another parcel of lovely land. Your tax-deductible donation this year is more important than ever.
Thanks for whatever gift you can afford; we've enclosed a return envelope for your convenience. With your generous contributions Save Mount Diablo pledges to continue land acquisition efforts that have rnore than doubled the size of Mt. Diablo State Park since 1971.
We hope you can attend some of our events. Whether or not you're interested in the 25 mile hike from Walnut Creek to Morgan Territory, or a flower walk in Mitchell Canyon, you'll undoubtedly find something in the schedule to fit your desires. See you on Mount Diablo!
Sincerely, 6-,i / ,. ;/\2: I .;. C.{ r._
Robert E. Doyle, President
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Save Mount Diablo ,,MOUNT D!AIJLO /5 A 1.14T1IiJAI NATI/RAI IAI.]D,\IAIiK" TELEPHONE (4151 685-5315 r POST OFFTCE 80X 25 r CONCORD, CALTFORNTA 94522
Hikes and Events continued
Knoll picnic area. Wear comfortablc gcar, bring binoculars, snacks and liquids, and curiosity. Heavy rain canccls, showcrs do not.
April 16, Sunday; Underground at Somersville (East Bay Regional Park District). Explorc a mine. Phone Traci Gibbons, Bev Ortiz orJoan Dougherty;757-2620, for information.
April 16-Sunday, 1:30pm; Walnut Creek Open Space (Mt. Diablo Rcgional Group, Sicrra Club). Lcadcr: Ralph L. Wright' Join Ralph on an afternoon walk on thc foothills of Mount Diablo. Bring a snack and water for this fairly hilly hike. Mcct at Walnut Creck BART.
April l7-Monday, 1ft00am; North Peak-Mt. Olympia Ascent (SMD) Leadcr: Scth Adams, 549-2821'. Mcct on Morgan Terr. Rd. first turnoff to thc right aftcr lcaving Marsh Creek Rd. Bring liquids! A challenging hill climb of about 3-4 hours on the spectacular northcast corncr of thc Statc Park' Vicws of the Dclta and San Joaquin.
April 21, Friday, 9:30am; Mitchell Canyon Wildflower Walk (Save Mount Diablo). Leader: Dann McCright, 689-8959. Celebrate John Muir's birthday with a walk of about 5 hours up the canyon. Wildflowers are abundant in April. Bring lunch E and watcr, meet at Mitchcll Canyon parking lot.
Apil 22, Saturday, 10:00am; Prospector's Gap-Murchio Gap (California Native Plant Socicty). Lcadcr: Susan EJ D'Alcamo,528-7912. We'll mcct at, and follow thc Dcvil's Elbow trail (near the summit) to Prospector's Gap, the fire road to Murchio Gap then back along Bald Ridge to Prospcctor's Gap. We may go cross-country dircctly to the summit (stccP!), possibly seeing Lewisia redivia, or back along the Dcvil's Pulpit trail. We should see many beautiful displays of wildflowers in many different habitats. If our timing is right, thcrc will bc hillsides of yellow daisics and blue luping and damp banks covered with red delphiniums. Wondcrful vistas to the south, east and north. This is a strenuous trip. Bring liquids, lunch, a wind breaker, and wear boots.
April 22-saturday, 10am; Indigenous Cultures of California (Mt. Diablo State Park). Leadcr: Rangcr Jose Rivera, 837-2525. This program discusscs California's carly Spanish period, to "Californio" Mexicano cra, uP to annexation by the United States. Topics includc thc mission systcm, Father Serra, land grants, Ranchos, sccularization, and thc E) Latino relationship with indigcnous Californians. Mcct at thc Summit building.
April 23, Sunday, 10:00am; Back Canyon-Donner Canyon Loop (Contra Costa Hills Club). Lcadcrs: Bob and Dorothy Headlcy, 284-5495. Mcct lcadcrs at Lafayctte BARI 9:30am (a train leaves S.F. at 9:00am, arrivcs Lafayctte 9:31am) then drivc G) to the end of Regency Drive in Clayton. We'lI hike thq Back Canyon-Donner Canyon loop (#5 MDIA Trail Map), 5 milc loop with 800 fcet of climb. A possiblc variation is thc Falls Trail loop at the end of Donner Canyob instcad of Back Canyon.
April 26,Wednesday, 8:45am; Riggs Canyon (Mt. Diablo Rcgional Group, Sierra Club). Leadcr: Don dc Frcmcry. Where is Riggs Canyon? On thc extrcme southcastcrn edge c the Statc Park. Join Don on a strcnuous long hike to vicw fantastic rock formations and to ovcrlook thc 631-acrc SMD
@ Morgan acquisition. Mcct at Curry Point at 8:45am (carpool from S.E. corner, Emporium-Capwcll parking lot, Ncu'cll and S. Broadway, Walnut Crcck, 8:00am) Bring lunch and liquids'
April 29-Saturday, 10arn; Fire Interpretive Trail (Mt. Diablo Statc Park). Lcadcr: Rangcr llich Lawton,837-2525. Enjoy thc 1 mile loop around the mountain's summit. Scc thc destruction and rcgrowth from thc 1977,6000 acrc firc and takc in the sccond best vicw of a land mass in thc entire world. Mcct at the Summit's lower lot restrooms.
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@ Save Mount Diablo's Morgan llanch Acquisition. Givc yoursclf at lcast an hour to rcach thc summit bcforc sunsct at 7:57pm, and bring a folding chair or blankct to sit on, be prcparcd for wind. SMD will high'light' thcir ncwcst acquisition. Call 549::1 :::T::l
.. . . c .
April 30, Sunday, 10r00am; Morgan Territory Rcgional Preserve (Save Mount Diablo). Lcadcr: Il,obcrt Doyle, 5316 SSOO x 2318. Mect at the Prescrvc parking lot, for a look at new additions to this bcautiful preservc.
May 6, Saturday; Mitchell Canyon Wildflowers (Mt. Diablo Audubon Society). For info, call Audubon at 283-8256 (a tape recording with current info). An easy walk with an emphasis on wildflowers. Bring binoculars, ficld guidcs, lunch and liquids.
May 6-7, Saturday & Sunday; Spring Family
Potluck/Campout-Mitchell Canyon (Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association and Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society). Contact: Ranger Tom Bernado, 837-2525. Open to the public, @ no charge. Sct up camp at Mitchell Canyon parking lot. Annual membership meeting: 4:00pm, Potluck dinner: 5:00pm, Liar's Contest: 5:30pm, Star Gazing: 8:30pm. On Sunday, Jeanne Harmon will lead a hike according to peoplc's interest.
May 11, Thursday; Mt. Diablo Bird Trip (Mt. Diablo Audubon Society). For info, call Audubon at 283-8266 (a tape rccording with current info). This trip will go up South Gatc Road to Blue Oak and Juniper campgrounds, on road and trail. Bring binoculars, field guides, lunch and liquids.
4 MancNG THE CoNNECTIoN
EFr
April On The Mountain
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April 8-Saturday, 8:00am; Mount Diablo Summit (Mt. Diablo Rcgional Group, Sicrra Club). Lcadcr: Don dc Frcmcry. Climb from basc to summit on this magnificcnt mountain. Return by a diffcrent route. This long, hard hike starts at @ 8:30am from Mitchell Canyon parking lot (qsrpsrl from Walnut Creck BARI 8:00am) Bring lunch and liquids.
'. _ .il g-Sunday, 10am; Reason for the Seasons (Mt. Diablo Statc Park). Lcadcr: Rangcr Mary Pass, 837-2525. Explorc thc intcr-relationships bctwecn thc seasons and thc wildlife of thc 6 mountain. Mcct at Elephant I{ock Picnic arca in Itock City.
Sunday, April 9, 11am; Morgan Territory (Savc Mount @ Diablo). Lcader: Bob Walkcr, 526-1385. Mcct at thc parking lot of Morgan Territory Rcgional Prcservc. Comc takc a look at this uniquc parkland, in the castcrn uplands of Mt. Diablo. We'll takc a 7 milc loop into uppcr Marsh Crcck and up to a rid ge for magnificcnt views of thc mountain, and thc Ccntral
and Eve nts
Valley. Bring lunch and liquids.
April 9-Sunday, 9:00am; Back and Donner Canyons (Bcrkclcy Hiking Club). Lcader: Frcd Johnson, 843-3829. 6J lleconvene at thc end of Rcgcncy Dr., Clayton. Enjoy Spring and glorious wildflowcrs in thc two canyons and along thc Falls trail. Moderatc pacc, somewhat strcnuous, about 1800 feet elevation gain. Il,ain canccls.
April l2-Wednesday, 9:00am; Donner Canyon (Mt. Diablo Regional Group, Sierra Club). Lcadcr: Don dc Frcmcry. Explorc this lovely canyon on thc ruggcd north sidc of Mount Diablo whcn wildflowers are at thcir pcak. This fairly strcnuous E tritc starts from the cnd of Rcgcncy Dr., Clayton (carpool frorn S.E. corncr, Emporium-Capwcll parking lot, Ncwcll and S. Broadway, Walnut Crcck, 8:30am) Bring lunch and liquids.
April l5-Saturday; Donner Canyon Bird Trip (Mt. Diablo Audubon Society). For info, phonc Audubon,283-8266 (a tapc rccording with currcnt information). This will bc a strcnuous hike up the canyon. Bring binoculars, field guidcs, lunch and liquids.
April l5-Saturday; Annual Heritage Trail Ride and Barbecue (Hcritage Trails Fund). Leadcr: Nancy Dupont, 934-4304. Enjoy the bcautiful rnountain on horscback, Thrce trail ridcs ranging in expericncc lcvcl. Your own horsc or horscs availablc to rent for thc evcnt.
April 1S-Saturday, 9am; Photography Hike (Mt. Diablo Regional Group, Sierra Club). Leader: Joe Fragapane,689-2423 for details and reservations. Photograph the wild flowers in Mitchell Canyon. Close up equipment requircd. Bring lunch and liquids.
April ls-Saturday, 9am; Twin Peaks Loop (Mt. Diablo State Park). Leader: Ranger Bob Justice, 837-2525. A 4 mile, 4 hour E} loop trip to Twin peaks, steep in placcs. Mect at Mitchell Canyon Parking lot. Wear boots, long pants and bring water.
April 15-Saturday, 8pm; Astronomy program: Spring Stars (Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society). Leader: Jcrry Hudson, rescrvations requested 837 -2525. Introduction to spring constellations, and closc-up viewing through mcmbcr's @ tclcscopcs. Gates closc at 7:45pm. Park in the lowcr Summit lot, mcct in the uppcr lot. 90 minutes; visitors not camping for thc night will be escortcd out North Gate afterwards. Dress warmly.
April 16-Sunday, 9:30am; Fire Ecology Walk-North Side (Save Mount Diablo). Leadcr: Robert Doyle,937-3744for reservations. Coulter Pines and Back Canyon tour. Hike will be E) 3 miles. Meet at Mitchell Canyon parking lot. Bring lunch and liquids.
April 16-Sunday, 8:30am; Oak Knoll to Green Ranch (Mount Diablo Interpretive Association and Ohlone Audubon) Leader: Elsie Richey, 357-2477. We'll be looking for birds nesting, for trees bursting into leaf, for wildflowcrs-all things that add to the fascinating outdoors. The Oak Knoll trail leads through oak woodland and grassland on the way to Green Ranch. There we'll seek birds attracted by the spring. Back past Pioneer campground and upslope chaparaal. Should find Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Western Bluebird and who knows what else! Slow paced walk for nature watching. Meet at Oak
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L\< S(,, \cqu\stTtoN ItoR.gAN SM.b, \ t, ( (DR r<E!-*c TO Hikes and Events continued on page 4
JARA
Morgan Acquisition Dedication SaturdaY, APtil 29th, Sunset
onApril2gthSaveMountDiabloplanstohigh.light,itsMorganProPcrty acquisition. The 531-acre Morgan ProPerty allows a 25 mile trail connection across VtJ"n, biuUto State Park and MorganTerritory Regional Prcserve east of the State p"it. n campaign by Contra Costi Times' columnist Gary Bogue convinccd more than 1100 donors to raise the $30,000 option Price to Protect the p-roperty from an approved ,uuai.,ririon. Proposition 70 Park ?undsi which save Mount Diablo hclpcd raise, will purchase the property in carly spring.
You'll receive an invitation if you're alrcady on sMD's mailing list, or if you made a donation to the Morgan campaign. The dedication ccrcmonies are underwritten by Thc Contra Losta Timesl RSVP's will bc requircd bccausc of limitcd ,pu.u ut the summit, whcre the dedication will bc hcld. Rcscrve the evening on your cllcndar, and plan to arrive at the summit by 7 pm (a 14m.ilc dri.vc from the cntrancc). Limited shuttle service will bc providcd from Nbrthgatc High School at a small cost, if substantial interQst is shown on tlsVP's. Othcrwisc, you sh<luld carpool with fricnds' bring a folding chair or blankct to sit on, and be prcpared for cool, windy wcathcr aftcr darkl For moie information, plcasc call (415) 549-2821"
Special Thanks
The San Francisco Foundation
The Strong Foundation
The Contra Costa Times
Diablo Donor institutions:
Summit CIab donors give $1000 or rnore
Peak Guardians give $500 or rnore
Mountain S aaerc give $100 or more
Donots give up to $100
The Summit Club
The City of Walnut Creek
California Native Plant SocietY, San Francisco BaY ChaPter
The Contra Costa Times
Diablo Chevron Service
Peak Guarilians
The City of Antioch
Diablo Tech
Lafayette Horseman's Association
Round Hill Gardcn Club
Mountain Saaers
Alamo Women's Club
Arydith Obedicnce School
Audubon Society, Mount Diablo Chapter
Beising Enginccring
Clayton Women's Club
Contra Costa Hills Club
Diablo Hiking Club
Diablo Road Runncrs
Edward Margason Gcotechniques Inc.
Ecology Club, Clayton Vallcy High School
Lafayette Women's Club
Modcrn Album of California
Walnut Crcck Cardcn Club
Donors
Berkeley Gardcn Club
Bcrkeley Hiking Club
Bicycle Trails Council of the East Bay
California Federation of Women's Clubs, Mount Diablo District
Chickering, Crist, Fritchi & Rowe, Inc.
Concord Garden Club
Dorris-Eaton School, Student Council
El Sobrante Boy Scout TrooP #146
Glengyle Kcnnels
Hillsidc Gardcncrs of Montclair
Interior Plant Dccor
Lafayctte Garden Club
Las Trampas Ilidgc Land Association
Nation Dcalcr Markcting SYstems
Oak Trcc Animal Hospital
Orinda Gardcn Club
Pleasant Hill Carden Study Club
San Ramon Womcn's Club
Sontag Hcrb I{cal Estate
Soroptimist Intcrnational of Diablo Sunrise
Steffi's Tropical Pct Gardcn
Trails Club of Ilossmoor
Women's Club of Walnut Creek Yogurt Etc.
April On The Mountain Schedule
Jeftrey Johnson-Diablo map
Bob Walker-Morgan propertY Photo Renate Woodbury-Graphic design
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NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID Concord. CA Permil No.525
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