Regional Parks September-October 2019
Valley
Look inside
t 2019
The
Sentinel
for:
Look inside for the latest Regional in Nature Activity Guide!
ture
ide Ac tivity Gu
Na Regional in Mendez
July – Augus
SEPTEMBE
Photo: Allan
Alamo • Danville • Blackhawk • Diablo • San Ramon
BER R – OCTO
2019
year! end of the through the s, and boat Friday, now horse trailer rsary every ent days. , dog entry, on non-ev our 85th annive ing, fishing Celebrate Historic Farm g, swimm use parkin to Ardenwood • FREE day entrance including launching, fees. include state • Does not
Inside:
11 Parks • page erts in the FREE Conc • page 11 Fish Festival Crab Cove • page 4 ams for Youth 5 Summer Progr rtunities • page Kayaking Oppo ies • page 14 rtunit Volunteer Oppo
200 Miles See page 2
Inside: of Region
page 2 85 Years • to Celebrate Fun Events 2 ors • page 3 Wildlife Warri res • page for Wildfi y • page 3 Staying Ready ful Park Histor – A Power Concord Hills s • page 14 tunitie Oppor Volunteer
al Trails
Above: Regional Park. Concord Hills 3. See story page
always for the community VOL 24 NO 8
Fun Events to Celebrate 85 Years Wildlife Warriors Staying Ready for Wildfires Concord Hills – A Powerful Park History Volunteer Opportunities
August 2019
www.valleysentinel.com
Plus many more fun activities for kids and families!
SPOTLIGHT
Kenneth Eugene Behring June 13, 1928 – June 25, 2019 Resident of Blackhawk
Kenneth E. Behring passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on June 25, 2019. He was born on June 13, 1928 to Elmer and Mae Behring and was raised in Monroe, Wisconsin, and attended Monroe High School followed by one semester at the University of Wisconsin.
ECRWSS
Postmaster: Dated Material
PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID DANVILLE, CA PERMIT NO. 70
See BEHRING page 5
Peregrine Falcons at Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area at the base of Mt. Diablo. For more about Castle Rock and about Diablo Foothills Regional Park.please see article on page 6.
Meet the Sagebrush Lizard By James M. Hale
The Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus graciosus) is a fairly common species throughout its range in the western United States. Its geographic distribution is centered in the sagebrush ecosystem of Nevada, Utah, and adjoining and nearby states of California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, South Dakota, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico. Isolated populations are found in North Dakota and Nebraska. These isolated populations most likely became separated due to a geologic or catastrophic event. In the San Francisco Bay Area, the Sagebrush Lizard has isolated, disjunct populations on the peaks of Mount Diablo, Mount Hamilton, Mount Umunhum, Loma Prieta, and Mount Hamilton, all Sacred Peaks of the indigenous local Native Americans. Inland seas at the end of the Pleistocene Epoch extirpated the lowland populations of the
Sagebrush Lizard in the San Francisco Bay Area, leaving their peak-top distribution. Three regional races or subspecies are recognized living at elevations ranging from 500 to 10,500 feet throughout their range. The Sagebrush Lizard is commonly observed in shrub-lands with rock outcrops. It may also be found in coniferous forests, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and other habitats. The total population of Sagebrush Lizards is unknown, however as of 2016, it is estimated to exceed 100,000 individuals. The Sagebrush Lizard, at first glance, appears to look very similar to the Western Fence Lizard, our backyard, bluebelly lizard. Sagebrush Lizards are smaller with finer scales. Adults are brown, gray, or olivecolored on their backs, with a
whitish belly and underside. Their dorsal (back) scales are small, keeled, and spiny. A palecolored dorso-lateral stripe runs down each side. Adult males have a blue patch on each side of the belly, and a blue, gular (throat) patch. Females have smaller, more lightly colored blue patches. Gravid (pregnant) females, breeding males, and some individuals may develop orangish, rusty, or reddish colors
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on their armpits, sides and belly. The Sagebrush Lizard is easily frightened and will immediately seek refuge when alarmed. Rock crevices, rodent burrows, brush piles, and trees are used for escape cover. On rare occasions it will stay still and “play dead”. The Sagebrush See LIZARD page 8
Kids & Teens–Back to School pages 8-9
Senior Services
pages 10-11