Diablo Watch SPRING/SUMMER 2020 | No. 69

Trail Ride Association HELP US PROTECT MOUNT DIABLO’S MISSING MILE

YEARS EARTH DAY 2020 5CAN THE EARTH BE SAVED? Diablo Watch • Spring/Summer 2020 1 Letter from the Executive Director Stephen Joseph

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 50th Anniversary Earth Day For example, just review the United Jim Felton, President Salutations to You, Our Supporters! Nations’ 2019 Global Assessment Report Burt Bassler, Treasurer on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, Liz Harvey Roberts, Secretary Keith Alley When the Grateful Dead, arguably America’s which shows we are in the midst of a John Gallagher most creative, influential, and enduring mass extinction where up to 1 million Joe Garaventa rock band, celebrated their 50th anniversary species are on the brink of disappearing Garrett Girvan in 2015, there was a huge outpouring of forever because of the climate crisis, the Claudia Hein loss of natural lands to development, and Scott Hein support. The Dead started in 1965 in the San Giselle Jurkanin Francisco Bay Area and went on to help lead other factors. We continue to see studies Margaret Kruse and inspire the counterculture movement documenting a growing disconnection Carol Lane questioning America’s values and direction. between people and nature. For example, see Frank Martens the Children and Nature Network website. Bob Marx Robert Phelps A central counterculture tenet was the Malcolm Sproul need to move nature to the center of our Thankfully, you are helping us deliver Jeff Stone cultural value system, as captured in Joni in growing, transformative, and lasting ways. For example, our donor base size STAFF Mitchell’s 1969 anthem song, “Woodstock,” Ted Clement “And we’ve got to get ourselves back to the has grown significantly the last few years, Executive Director garden.” That growing awareness helped providing more momentum for our time- Seth Adams sensitive land conservation mission. Mount Land Conservation Director set the stage for the creation of the first Sean Burke Earth Day on April 22, 1970 and the start Diablo’s connection to its larger 150-mile- Land Programs Director of various environmental organizations long Diablo Range has become even more Karen Ferriere important in this time of the climate crisis. Development Director like Save Mount Diablo on December 7, Monica Oei 1971. This April we will celebrate the 50th Recognizing this, we have expanded our area Finance & Administration Director anniversary of Earth Day, and next year on of interest to include the relevant parts of the Megan Shockro northern three counties of the 12 counties Director of Major Gifts & Planned Giving December 7, 2021 we will begin a year-long Denise Castro celebration of SMD’s 50th anniversary. that the Diablo Range runs through (i.e., Education & Outreach Associate including parts of Contra Costa, Alameda, Hidemi Crosse and San Joaquin Counties). We recognize Senior Accountant The 50th anniversary of Earth Day is a Juan Pablo Galván natural time to reflect on our progress and the critical need for nature to be at the Senior Land Use Manager consider our path forward. As we reflect, we center of our cultural value system, so we Shannon Grover are investing in more educational programs Sr. Development Associate & Events Manager see numerous examples of battles won for Dana Halpin nature. When SMD was formed in 1971, our and initiatives to get people, especially our General Office Manager mountain was home to just one 6,788-acre young wired generations, meaningfully Katie Lopez connected to nature. Without a deep and Accounting & Administration Associate park. Today, as a result of SMD and our great Roxana Lucero partners and supporters, there are more than direct connection with nature, the key Land Stewardship Associate ingredient for good stewardship of the Earth Joanne McCluhan 50 parks and preserves around the mountain Executive Assistant totaling over 120,000 conserved acres. is missing: love. Another example is the new Ian Smith land acquisition projects we are working Development Associate & Database Manager However, there are numerous signs we on to permanently protect strategic open Peter Townley space lands in the heart of the Mount Diablo Land Stewardship Manager are losing the war to protect our natural world—and that nature has not yet moved area, like our Concord Mt. Diablo Trail Ride to the center of our cultural value system. Association and Smith Canyon projects.

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Diablo Watch is published twice yearly for friends of Save Mount Diablo, Cover: Cooper Ogden a nationally accredited land trust and 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization. 2 2 Diablo Diablo Watch Watch • Spring/Summer • Spring/Summer 2020 2020 SAVESAVE MOUNT MOUNT DIABLO DIABLO WORKS WORKS TO TO PROTECTPROTECT SMITH SMITH CANYON CANYON RECREATIONALRECREATIONAL GATEWAY GATEWAY Stephen Joseph Stephen Joseph TOTO CURRY CURRY CANYON CANYON

SaveSave Mount Mount Diablo Diablo has has successfully successfully entered entered into into a purchasea purchase agreement agreement to to buy buy and and protect protect the the beautiful beautiful and and strategicstrategic 28.73-acre 28.73-acre Smith Smith Canyon, Canyon, east east of of Clayton, Clayton, for for $650,000. $650,000. It Itcould could be be a recreationala recreational gateway gateway to to Curry Curry CanyonCanyon from from Morgan Morgan Territory Territory Road Road if theif the purchase purchase is iscompleted. completed. We We are are working working quickly quickly to to raise raise the the necessary necessary funds.funds. The The land land is isone one of of several several properties properties Save Save Mount Mount Diablo Diablo hopes hopes to to protect protect with with the the final final $2 $2 millionmillion in in fundraisingfundraising of of its its $15 $15 million million Forever Forever Wild Wild Capital Capital Campaign. Campaign.

ProtectionProtection of of28.73-acre 28.73-acre Smith Smith CanyonCanyon will will provide provide legal legal and and practicalpractical access access from from a publica public road road to toSave Save Mount Mount Diablo’s Diablo’s conserved conserved 1,080.53-acre1,080.53-acre Curry Curry Canyon Canyon Ranch. Ranch. NarrowNarrow Curry Curry Canyon Canyon and and Curry Curry CanyonCanyon Road Road have have been been contemplated contemplated as asan an eastside eastside entrance entrance to toMount Mount DiabloDiablo for for more more than than 110 110 years, years, but but complicatedcomplicated legal legal access access issues issues have have mademade public public access access difficult. difficult. SmithSmith CanyonCanyon would would provide provide a second,a second, alternatealternate access access route route into into Curry Curry CanyonCanyon with with clear clear legal legal access access rights. rights.

“The“The Smith Smith Canyon Canyon property property is isan an incredibleincredible recreational recreational gateway gateway to tothe the magicalmagical Curry Curry Canyon Canyon on on the the east east side side of ofMount Mount Diablo,” Diablo,” said said Ted Ted Clement, Clement, SMD’sSMD’s Executive Executive Director. Director. “But “But what what alsoalso strikes strikes me me about about the the property property is is MapMap of ofthe the Smith Smith Canyon Canyon acquisition acquisition and and Concord Concord Mt. Mt. Diablo Diablo Trail Trail Ride Ride Association Association planned planned conservationconservation easement easement showing showing their their adjacency adjacency to toother other protected protected lands lands as aswell well as aslands lands still still thatthat it hasit has great great potential potential as asa beautifula beautiful potentiallypotentially threatened threatened with with development. development. stand-alonestand-alone preserve preserve by by itself. itself. trailstrails up up to tothe the stunning stunning view view spots spots “How“How often often do doyou you get get to tosave save an an “You“You can can imagine imagine groups groups of ofschool school wherewhere they they can can sit sit to toappreciate appreciate and and entireentire canyon,” canyon,” said said Seth Seth Adams, Adams, childrenchildren experiencing experiencing it, it,working working with with connectconnect with with nature. nature. I didn’t I didn’t expect expect SMD’sSMD’s Land Land Conservation Conservation Director. Director. volunteersvolunteers to toreplant replant trees trees to torestore restore thethe beautiful beautiful vistas vistas of ofNorth North Peak Peak and and “Smith“Smith Canyon Canyon is islovely. lovely. It’s It’s one one main main formerformer building building pads, pads, taking taking care care MountMount Diablo Diablo that that we we discovered discovered on on lushlylushly wooded wooded stream stream canyon canyon with with of ofthe the land land together, together, and and hiking hiking its its thethe high high points points of ofthe the land.” land.” (continues(continues on pageon page 11) 11)

(continued(continued from from page page 2) 2) SuchSuch major major steps steps are are appropriate appropriate ways ways muchmuch for for your your outpouring outpouring of ofsupport support to tocelebrate celebrate the the 50th 50th anniversary anniversary of of at atthis this historic historic and and critical critical time. time. EarthEarth Day Day and and move move forward forward even even WithWith Gratitude, Gratitude, amidstamidst the the coronavirus coronavirus pandemic. pandemic. NatureNature is isthe the ultimate ultimate foundation foundation forfor our our long-term long-term health, health, well- well- EdwardEdward Sortwell Sortwell Clement, Clement, Jr. Jr. being,being, and and survival. survival. Thank Thank you you so so ExecutiveExecutive Director, Director, Save Save Mount Mount Diablo Diablo Scott Hein Scott Hein

DiabloDiablo Watch Watch • Spring/Summer • Spring/Summer 2020 2020 3 3 Seth Adams Seth Adams

TrailTrail Ride Ride AssociationAssociation MOUNTMOUNT DIABLO’S DIABLO’S MISSING MISSING MILEMILE OfficialsOfficials of ofConcord Concord Mt. Mt. Diablo Diablo Trail Trail Ride Ride Association Association and and Save Save Mount Mount Diablo Diablo on on the the land land working working out out the the details details of ofthe the deal deal in 2018.in 2018.

InIn December, December, two two local local nonprofits, nonprofits, Save Save MountMount Diablo Diablo and and the the Concord Concord Mt.Mt. Diablo Diablo Trail Trail Ride Ride Association Association (CMDTRA),(CMDTRA), signed signed an an option option agreement, agreement, 15 15 years years in in the the making, making, to to work work to to permanently permanently protect protect about about 154154 acres acres of of one one of of the the most most strategic strategic and and important important properties properties remaining remaining on on Mount Mount Diablo’s Diablo’s main main peaks. peaks.

TheThe property, property, east east of ofClayton, Clayton, stretches stretches closingclosing occurs, occurs, Save Save Mount Mount Diablo Diablo usus raise raise the the necessary necessary funds funds to toprotect protect acrossacross the the north north face face of ofNorth North Peak Peak willwill own own a perpetuala perpetual conservation conservation thisthis land.” land.” fromfrom the the pastoral pastoral Three Three Springs Springs area area easementeasement on on the the 154 154 acres, acres, while while almostalmost to tothe the spectacular spectacular Falls Falls Trail, Trail, CMDTRACMDTRA will will retain retain ownership ownership of of “We“We at atCMDTRA CMDTRA are are thrilled thrilled to to includingincluding beautiful beautiful Cardinet Cardinet Oaks Oaks and and thethe land land and and continue continue to tomanage manage and and finallyfinally move move forward forward with with making making upperupper Young Young Canyon. Canyon. The The CMDTRA CMDTRA enjoyenjoy it. it.A Aconservation conservation easement easement is isa a thethe conservation conservation easement easement into into a a landland is ispart part of ofthe the “Missing “Missing Mile” Mile” on on legallegal agreement agreement in inwhich which a landownera landowner reality,reality, preserving preserving our our treasured treasured open open MountMount Diablo, Diablo, stretching stretching north north from from transferstransfers a partiala partial property property interest interest spacespace for for future future generations. generations. We We are are thethe boundary boundary of ofMount Mount Diablo Diablo State State to toa conservationa conservation organization organization or or soso thankful thankful that that Save Save Mount Mount Diablo Diablo ParkPark to toMarsh Marsh Creek Creek Road. Road. It’s It’s adjacent adjacent governmentgovernment agency agency to topermanently permanently hashas created created this this unique unique opportunity opportunity to totwo two properties properties owned owned in inpart part or or in in limitlimit a property’sa property’s uses uses and and extinguish extinguish to tonot not only only protect protect the the land, land, but but also also fullfull by by Save Save Mount Mount Diablo, Diablo, North North Peak Peak thethe land’s land’s development development rights. rights. It It creatingcreating funding funding to topreserve preserve the the RanchRanch and and Young Young Canyon. Canyon. protectsprotects the the property’s property’s conservation conservation equestrianequestrian culture culture in inthe the Bay Bay Area,” Area,” valuesvalues for for the the public’s public’s benefit. benefit. saidsaid CMDTRA CMDTRA President President Elaine Elaine Baker. Baker. SaveSave Mount Mount Diablo Diablo paid paid a $50,000a $50,000 optionoption payment payment that that will will give give us us two two ExecutiveExecutive Director Director Ted Ted Clement Clement stated, stated, OverOver the the years, years, a numbera number of ofhouses houses yearsyears to toraise raise over over $1.04 $1.04 million million so so “This“This property property has has been been a higha high priority priority andand other other structures structures have have been been thatthat we we can can then then purchase purchase a perpetuala perpetual forfor us us since since 1971. 1971. We We give give a standinga standing builtbuilt near near the the land land to tobe be conserved, conserved, conservationconservation easement easement on on these these ovationovation to tothe the Concord Concord Mt. Mt. Diablo Diablo highlightinghighlighting the the importance importance of of 154154 critical critical open open space space acres. acres. The The TrailTrail Ride Ride Association Association for for giving giving us us an an protectingprotecting it whileit while there there is isa willinga willing CMDTRACMDTRA will will keep keep a separatea separate 47 47 opportunityopportunity to topermanently permanently protect protect landownerlandowner and and a willinga willing conservation conservation acres,acres, where where the the association’s association’s buildings buildings anotheranother important important section section of ofMount Mount organization.organization. areare located, located, out out of ofthe the proposed proposed Diablo.Diablo. Mount Mount Diablo Diablo has has been been a a conservationconservation easement easement area. area. veryvery special special and and sacred sacred mountain mountain for for TheThe proposed proposed conservation conservation easement easement peoplespeoples of ofthis this area area for for eons, eons, so so we we are are hashas numerous numerous conservation conservation values values that that OnceOnce the the funds funds are are raised raised and and the the hopefulhopeful that that our our communities communities will will help help benefitbenefit the the public. public. TheThe land land is ispart part of of

4 Diablo4 Diablo Watch Watch • Spring/Summer • Spring/Summer 2020 2020 MOUNT DIABLO’S MISSING MILE Clement Ted Aerial view showing Save Mount Diablo's Concord Mt. Diablo Trail Ride Association, North Peak Ranch, and Young Canyon conservation easement and acquisition projects.

under increased pressure from humans a substantial wildlife habitat corridor. Mount Diablo has Further, the property, which rises and climate change but is also a critical been a very special from 1,100’ to 2,010’ on the face of part of the solution to climate change. 3,557’ North Peak, provides stunning Land conservation mitigates against and sacred mountain scenery to people passing by on public climate change in lasting ways. For for peoples of this roads, and to the public recreating at example, undeveloped lands absorb area for eons, so Mount Diablo State Park—with views greenhouse gases, thereby acting as we are hopeful that stretching from Carquinez Strait and carbon sinks, keeping those gases out our communities of the atmosphere. Suisun Bay to Lassen Peak and the will help us raise the Sierra Nevada Range. The money that Save Mount necessary funds to Much of the property is steep and Diablo will raise for this proposed protect this land. conservation easement project will be rugged. Its biodiversity is very high — Executive Director because it includes the complicated part of the organization’s Forever Wild Ted Clement geology of Mount Diablo’s main Capital Campaign. This campaign has peaks, which support dozens of rare an ambitious $15 million goal to help plant species like the Mount Diablo Save Mount Diablo expedite its land globe lily (Calochortus pulchellus) acquisition efforts while also giving the and rare wildlife such as the Alameda organization the resources to steward whipsnake (Masticophis lateralis and defend its conserved lands in euryxanthus). CMDTRA members perpetuity. To date, $12,963,485 has sometimes see mountain lions, been raised against the $15 million

bobcats, and coyotes. goal. These funds have enabled Save Seth Adams Mount Diablo to do strategic land Further, the oak woodlands and acquisition projects, like its Curry To make a contribution towards the conservation grasslands on the property act as a Canyon Ranch and North Peak Ranch easement on Concord carbon sink. In August 2019, the UN projects, while also building a sizable Mt. Diablo Trail Ride Association’s permanent Stewardship Endowment Intergovernmental Panel on Climate critical 154 open space acres, Fund for the ongoing care of the Change issued a new report, Climate call (925) 949-4513 or email organization’s protected lands. Change and Land, that noted land is [email protected].

Diablo Watch • Spring/Summer 2020 5 Stephen Joseph

THE DIABLO RANGE: CALIFORNIA’S NEXT GREAT CONSERVATION STORY

Threats to the Diablo Range include energy development (both alternative and fossil-fuel based) and suburban sprawl and development. Pictured here: the Panoche Hills. In nearby Panoche Valley, large solar farms are beginning to pop up.

By Seth Adams As it has done every few years, as its capacity has grown, in 2019 Save Mount Diablo expanded its geographic area, this time in the critical habitat linkage through Altamont Pass south to the Santa Clara County line.

In addition to Contra Costa County corridors from Mount Diablo to the to Black Diamond Mines. After between Highway 680 and the Byron rest of the northern Diablo Range are thousands of acres were protected Highway, our new area of interest protected, the mountain will lose much at San Ramon’s Dougherty Valley, in includes the remainder of the East Bay of its distinctiveness. 1998 we began seeking to connect Regional Park District's jurisdiction from Riggs Canyon south through the in southeastern Alameda County, and Contra Loma, the first regional park Tassajara Valley. a southwestern corner of San Joaquin east of Highway 680, was also created County including Corral Hollow. in 1971, and several city open spaces We were already involved at Cowell soon after. Pine Canyon was a first Ranch (now Marsh Creek State Park), When Save Mount Diablo was formed multi-agency wildlife and recreational but our work in 2000 tightening in 1971, there was just one small park corridor extending from Shell Ridge the county Urban Limit Line, and on Mount Diablo, 10 square miles Open Space to Diablo Foothills recreational planning at Los Vaqueros, halfway up the mountain. The founders Regional Park, to Mount Diablo State extended our geographic focus were focused on Diablo’s two main Park. east to Brentwood and the Byron peaks and their rich plant diversity. Highway—to the Central Valley. In The focus was protecting the “island By 1988, six regional parks and several each case, we led with responses to mountain,” which was threatened by open spaces surrounded the mountain. land use projects in new areas, while development on all sides. Wildlife corridors were an increasing encouraging agencies to make strategic focus. A corridor from the State Park land acquisitions, as we expanded Conservation biology quickly made through Morgan Territory Regional our organizational capacity. Each clear that protecting the peaks wouldn’t Preserve, the route of the proposed expansion has resulted in preservation be enough. Mount Diablo is the Diablo Trail, was pieced together to the of thousands of acres and creation of namesake peak of the 150-mile Diablo new Los Vaqueros watershed. new parks. Range, a little-known landscape feature between Highway 5 and Highway 101. In 1992, Save Mount Diablo crossed Altamont Pass is one of the most Unless a much larger area and habitat Marsh Creek Road north to connect constrained and critical wildlife

6 Diablo Watch • Spring/Summer 2020 THE DIABLO RANGE: CALIFORNIA’S NEXT GREAT CONSERVATION STORY SAVE MOUNT DIABLO EXPANDS ITS GEOGRAPHIC AREA

corridor linkages in the state, just 10 Three years ago, we began planning for Save Mount Diablo Executive Director Ted Clement and Land Conservation Director miles wide and crossed by Highway the next step. We created a protected Seth Adams wave from the top of San Benito 580. We had talked about connections and public lands map for the entire Mountain, the highest point in the Diablo Range. south for years, to Del Valle Regional 150-mile Diablo Range, the work of Park, Corral Hollow, and Henry then–Board member Heath Bartosh. Coe State Park. In 2007, we defined It was eye opening. a more detailed geographic extent, adding Las Positas/Springtown north Conservation has been making of Dublin and Livermore. Further progress in Corral Hollow in San east, we finally made clear our intent Joaquin County, but southeastern to connect to the rest of the Diablo Alameda—Mines Road and Cedar Al Johnson Range by adding Altamont-Dyer and Mountain—are vulnerable pieces of Brushy Creek north of Altamont Pass, the map. Once you reach Santa Clara and Patterson Pass to the south. We County, the Nature Conservancy and began encouraging connections under Santa Clara Open Space Authority Highway 580. have preserved large areas.

Although millions of people live next door to the Diablo Range, a huge mountain range between Highways 5 and 101, with numerous peaks that are taller than Mount Diablo, almost no one knows about it.

Diablo Watch • Spring/Summer 2020 7 Al Johnson Stephen Joseph

THE DIABLO RANGE: CALIFORNIA’S NEXT GREAT CONSERVATION STORY (CONTINUED)

In the southern Diablo Range is a huge area of serpentine geology and associated soils. These soils are toxic to most plants, but home to many rare plant species that have evolved to handle the toxicity. Some of these plants are “serpentine endemics”—they can live nowhere else. Pictured here: the serpentine barrens at San Benito Mountain.

In tandem with a continued To paraphrase Bay Nature: The commitment to protecting the 150-mile Diablo Range, the spine remaining properties on Diablo’s of California, is California’s terra main peaks, in 2019 we extended our incognita, a chain of mountains geographic area south to the Santa separating the Bay Area from the Clara County line. Our initial emphasis Central Valley, the most rugged, south of Highway 580 is on advocacy. plant-rich stretch of California you’ve never heard of. We’re also popularizing the entire 150-mile Diablo Range with We think it’s also California’s next decisionmakers and agencies and great conservation story. We and educating the public about the our partners have collectively range’s spectacular resources. We’ve protected more than 120,000 sponsored a 12-page supplement in acres north of Highway 580, 75 the spring 2020 Bay Nature magazine, percent of what we consider the the first article ever about the entire most ecologically important. Diablo Range. Look for a copy in your In the entire Diablo Range, just mailbox soon. And we're working on This spring’s issue of Bay Nature features a 24 percent has been protected. 12-page article about the 150-mile Diablo Range, a new page about the Diablo Range on California’s next great conservation story. our website. With your help, we’re going to change that.

The Diablo Range covers 5,400 miles and portions of 12 different counties. Around Mount Diablo, the range’s namesake peak, 75 percent of the most ecologically important land has been protected. But across the entire range, only 24 percent has been protected. Al Johnson

8 Diablo Watch • Spring/Summer 2020 THETHE INNER INNER SOUTH SOUTH COAST COAST RANGES RANGES CALIFORNIA’SCALIFORNIA’S NEXT NEXT BIG BIG CONSERVATION CONSERVATION STORY STORY THETHE DIABLO DIABLO RANGE RANGE

In 2019,In 2019, Save Save Mount Mount Diablo Diablo expanded expanded thethe area area in whichin which it works it works down down to tothe the SantaSanta Clara Clara County County line. line. In additionIn addition to to ContraContra Costa Costa County County between between Highway Highway 680680 and and the the Byron Byron Highway, Highway, our our area area of ofinterest interest now now encompasses encompasses portions portions of ofsoutheastern southeastern Alameda Alameda County County and and southwesternsouthwestern San San Joaquin Joaquin County, County, includingincluding a critical a critical wildlife wildlife corridor corridor linkinglinking Mount Mount Diablo Diablo to tothe the rest rest of ofthe the DiabloDiablo Range Range and and a vulnerable a vulnerable region region of ofspectacular spectacular biodiversity biodiversity (Cedar (Cedar Mountain,Mountain, Corral Corral Hollow, Hollow, and and the the greatergreater Mines Mines Road Road area). area).

DiabloDiablo Watch Watch • Spring/Summer • Spring/Summer 2020 2020 9 9 REACHING THE FINISH LINE OF THE FOREVER WILD

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Scott Hein JOIN US IN THE FINAL STRETCH!

Save Mount Diablo’s historic Forever Wild Campaign continues to be successful because of our outstanding community of individuals, foundations, and agencies who have generously contributed their precious time and resources.

The critical funds raised during the located land before it’s lost forever to Further, as part of this campaign, $15 million Forever Wild Capital development. To date, we have raised we have doubled the size of our Campaign will allow us to expedite $9.4 million for land acquisition and Legal Defense Fund, which will help land acquisition efforts while also related operational costs. the organization legally defend its providing the resources to steward and conserved lands, including properties defend our conserved lands through Our generous supporters have we own and conservation easements generous donations to the Land also committed $2.4 million to the we hold. Acquisition Opportunity Fund and the Stewardship Endowment Fund to Stewardship & Defense Funds. help support the stewardship of our Looking ahead, the exciting news of conserved lands. At Save Mount the recent option agreement between Together, we can continue to protect Diablo, land stewardship is an Save Mount Diablo and the Concord the threatened areas of Mount Diablo important cornerstone of our mission, Mt. Diablo Trail Ride Association by building a robust Land Acquisition because it allows us to maintain the provides us with a two-year period to Opportunity Fund. Current acquisition conservation values of the nearly 20 raise a little more than $1.04 million projects include Smith Canyon (see properties and almost 2,000 acres to purchase a perpetual conservation article on pages 3 and 11) and a we currently own and manage. Land easement on about 154 open space perpetual conservation easement stewardship protects the quality of acres on the northeast slopes of Mount on a mile-wide property owned by water resources and wildlife habitat Diablo. This critical effort will connect the Concord Mt. Diablo Trail Ride and includes important ongoing already protected wildlife habitat Association (see article on pages 4 and efforts in plant management, habitat corridors and watershed lands. 5). Support of this fund allows Save preservation, and creek restoration, Mount Diablo the ability to make time- making a positive and lasting impact Through generous support of the sensitive purchases on strategically on surrounding ecosystems. Forever Wild Campaign, we have an

10 Diablo Watch • Spring/Summer 2020 Scott Hein Scott Hein Scott Hein Scott Hein Scott Hein Scott Hein

extraordinaryextraordinary opportunity opportunity to tomake make a a investmentinvestment in inSave Save Mount Mount Diablo Diablo If you’reIf you’re interested interested in in participating participating lastinglasting impact impact on on our our communities communities by by ensuresensures we we can can continue continue to toprotect protect inin the the Forever Forever Wild Wild Campaign Campaign or or maintainingmaintaining the the integrity integrity of ofour our open open thethe lands lands and and foothills foothills of ofMount Mount includingincluding us us in in your your estate estate plans, plans, spaces,spaces, keeping keeping our our watersheds watersheds healthy healthy Diablo.Diablo. With With just just over over $2 $2 million million andand our our lands lands habitable habitable for for wildlife. wildlife. remainingremaining towards towards the the $15 $15 million million pleaseplease contact contact Megan Megan Shockro Shockro at at goal,goal, we we are are thrilled thrilled to tobe be in inthe the [email protected]@savemountdiablo.org WeWe are are deeply deeply grateful grateful to toevery every one one finalfinal stretch—but stretch—but we westill still have have oror call call (925) (925) 949-4513. 949-4513. of ofour our campaign campaign supporters; supporters; your your muchmuch work work to todo. do.

SAVESAVE MOUNT MOUNT DIABLO DIABLO WORKS WORKS TO TO PROTECT PROTECT SMITH SMITH CANYON CANYON RECREATIONALRECREATIONAL GATEWAY GATEWAY TO TO CURRY CURRY CANYON CANYON (CONTINUED (CONTINUED FROM FROM PAGE PAGE 3) 3)

severalseveral smaller smaller drainages drainages rising rising to to beautifulbeautiful scenic scenic vistas vistas to topassersby passersby on on CampaignCampaign (see (see article article on on page page 10). 10). ridgesridges on on either either side side and and toward toward a a thethe public public Morgan Morgan Territory Territory Road. Road. ThisThis campaign campaign has has an anambitious ambitious smallsmall peak peak on on our our neighboring neighboring Curry Curry $15$15 million million goal goal to tohelp help Save Save Mount Mount CanyonCanyon Ranch. Ranch. Further,Further, the the oak oak woodland, woodland, oak oak DiabloDiablo expedite expedite its its land land acquisition acquisition savanna,savanna, and and grasslands grasslands on on effortsefforts while while also also giving giving the the “Despite“Despite limited limited rain rain over over the the past past thethe property property serve serve as asa carbona carbon organizationorganization the the resources resources to tosteward steward month,month, it’s it’s bright bright green green and and spring spring sink.sink. In In August August 2019, 2019, the the UN UN andand defend defend its its conserved conserved lands lands in in wildflowerswildflowers are are appearing appearing everywhere. everywhere. IntergovernmentalIntergovernmental Panel Panel on on Climate Climate perpetuity.perpetuity. ThereThere were were several several approved approved ChangeChange issued issued a newa new report, report, Climate Climate subdivisionssubdivisions on on the the property property that that ChangeChange and and Land, Land, that that focused focused on on SaveSave Mount Mount Diablo’s Diablo’s 2013 2013 purchase purchase luckilyluckily never never took took place, place, but but the the large large howhow land land is isunder under increased increased pressure pressure of ofCurry Curry Canyon Canyon Ranch Ranch included included buildingbuilding pads pads show show how how threatened threatened fromfrom humans humans and and climate climate change change but but thethe partly partly improved improved and and unrestricted unrestricted it hasit has been. been. Its Its purchase purchase would would be be alsoalso noted noted land land is isa criticala critical part part of ofthe the accessaccess easement easement up up Smith Smith Canyon. Canyon. anotheranother piece piece in inour our Curry Curry Canyon Canyon solutionsolution to toclimate climate change. change. PurchasePurchase of ofSmith Smith Canyon Canyon would would puzzlepuzzle and and end end that that threat threat forever.” forever.” eliminateeliminate the the threat threat of ofhouses houses and and LandLand conservation conservation mitigates mitigates against against furtherfurther subdivision subdivision and and avoid avoid InIn addition addition to toits its value value for for recreational recreational climateclimate change change in inlasting lasting ways. ways. potentialpotential conflicts conflicts with with access access and and andand other other access, access, Smith Smith Canyon Canyon ForFor example, example, forests forests and and other other recreationalrecreational use. use. is isimportant important from from a conservationa conservation undevelopedundeveloped lands lands absorb absorb greenhouse greenhouse perspective.perspective. The The land land has has blue blue oak oak gases,gases, thereby thereby acting acting as ascarbon carbon woodlandwoodland and and a livea live oak-bay oak-bay riparian riparian sinks,sinks, keeping keeping those those gases gases out out of ofthe the corridor.corridor. California California red-legged red-legged frog frog atmosphere.atmosphere. andand Alameda Alameda whipsnake whipsnake are are special special statusstatus species species likely likely to tobe be present present on on “We’re“We’re looking looking for for angels,” angels,” said said thethe property. property. KarenKaren Ferriere, Ferriere, SMD’s SMD’s Development Development Director,Director, about about the the immediate immediate need need Further,Further, the the land land is iscontiguous contiguous with with to toraise raise $650,000, $650,000, “and “and talking talking to to SaveSave Mount Mount Diablo’s Diablo’s conserved conserved Curry Curry everyoneeveryone we we can.” can.” CanyonCanyon Ranch, Ranch, so so its its protection protection will will addadd to tothe the important important corridor corridor of of TheThe money money that that Save Save MountMount conservedconserved lands lands in inthe the Mount Mount Diablo Diablo DiabloDiablo must must raise raise for for this this proposed proposed Scott Hein Scott Hein SaveSave Mount Mount Diablo Diablo staff staff and and others others gather gather in in area,area, which which is iscritical critical for for wildlife wildlife and and acquisitionacquisition project project will will be be part part of ofthe the SmithSmith Canyon, Canyon, a natural a natural recreational recreational gateway gateway waterwater resources. resources. The The land land also also affords affords organization’sorganization’s Forever Forever Wild Wild Capital Capital to toMount Mount Diablo Diablo State State Park. Park.

DiabloDiablo Watch Watch • Spring/Summer • Spring/Summer 2020 2020 11 11 Joaquin Moraga Intermediate Al Johnson School students, Bedell Frazier employees, and Save Mount Diablo volunteers at our conserved Big Bend property on March 6, 2020. OUT WITH THE WEEDS, IN WITH THE

Al Johnson NATIVE BUNCHGRASSES THANKS TO OUR COMMUNITY FOR MAKING RESTORATION AT BIG BEND A BIG SUCCESS

By Denise Castro

Over the last 49 years, Save Mount Diablo (SMD) has actively worked on countless ecological restoration projects throughout the Mount Diablo region. None of these projects would have been possible without the help of all our wonderful volunteers. Roxana Lucero Roxana The goal of our restoration efforts and milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is not to return the land back into that were reducing habitat biodiversity exactly what it was historically. Nature and increasing fuel for fire. is always changing. There is no one definition of what a property has and The manual removal of the milk thistle should look like. patches in the floodplain is our latest success story. We started removing Our goal is to help restore the the large invasive populations (five Al Johnson interrupted ecological systems and separate patches at least 50 feet in communities that have degraded or diameter each) in early 2019 with the day, students from Joaquin Moraga have been damaged over time because help of our public Diablo Restoration Intermediate School; employees from of human impacts in a climate-smart Team workdays, corporate workdays, Bedell Frazier Investment Counselling, way. For example, our latest restoration and Conservation Collaboration LLC (our program sponsor); and project involves one of SMD’s Marsh Agreement (CCA) program. veteran Save Mount Diablo volunteers Creek properties: Big Bend. In the gathered at Big Bend to plant the 1960s, Big Bend was a golf course; it Families, students, and businesses California state grass: purple needle was bought by a couple in the 1980s looking to give back to the community grass (Stipa pulchra). This grass is and turned into a horse-boarding came out to help us rebuild wildlife drought-tolerant, provides food and business. habitat. Over the course of more than a shelter for wildlife, and reduces the year, the project took about 30 hours and spread of fire. After SMD acquired the land in 2013, hundreds of volunteers to complete. much of the property had been heavily The next step is to maintain the disturbed. It was full of trash and Thanks to all the volunteers’ hard bunchgrasses until they can survive on invasive plants that had taken over the work, we are now on the next phase of their own. Our volunteers and staff will floodplain and large sections of Marsh our restoration effort: planting native carefully weed around and water the Creek. It was up to SMD to clean bunchgrasses. native grasses until they can get their up the area and tackle the massive roots down to the water table. Slowly but bunches of giant reed (Arundo donax) On the March 6, 2020 CCA field surely, we’re helping the landscape heal.

12 Diablo Watch • Spring/Summer 2020 Al Johnson Al Johnson

The beauty of the trees, the softness of the air, the fragrance of the grass, speaks to me.

— Chief Dan George, Tsleil-Waututh (1899–1981) BUILDING THE ESSENTIAL CONNECTION BETWEEN KIDS AND NATURE By Denise Castro There are kids in the Bay Area who have never been on a hike before, never held a shovel or trowel before, never seen a frog in real life before. There are kids who hardly ever stop to listen to the birds, watch the clouds lazily passing by, look closely at nature’s Van Gogh of lichen and moss on rocks, feel the soil in their hands, or search for creepy crawlers in between logs and plants.

There are kids who haven’t had the The absence of nature in one’s heart used to do, contemplating nature and chance to go into the wild, walk among and mind creates all sorts of issues. It noting down whatever comes into their the ancients, and listen to the wind increases the risk of depression, high head or heart in their journal. rustling through the leaves of hundred- anxiety, eating disorders, and obesity year-old oaks and climb down the in kids. It also promotes apathy. Our Conservation Collaboration banks of thousand-year-old creeks. Agreements provide students with the Save Mount Diablo is working time and space to appreciate nature There are kids who don’t know that to build the connection between and gain awareness of their impacts on there is a powerful, sacred mountain kids and nature by reshaping their the land. These students can become a just a few miles away full of stories idea of where learning can take voice for the sacred mountain. Because far older than any living thing, full of place—through our Conservation to save Mount Diablo, we must think million-year-old fossils of sea creatures Collaboration Agreement program. about how our actions today will shape and mastodons and saber-toothed cats. Now in its fifth year, it partners with the world we see tomorrow. A place where people have lived for local schools and businesses to bring thousands of years in harmony with students out onto a Save Mount Diablo nature. The mountain in our backyard. property. At the property, students Mount Diablo. can explore, unwind, and learn about environmental science in the foothills Instead, kids stay inside, glued to of the sacred mountain itself. their screens, making less of an effort to channel their inner Indiana Jones The program includes a hands- and explore the world beyond society on ecological restoration project, and technology. They have become a naturalist-lead hike, and a solo completely engrossed in a virtual world contemplation period. During the solo, where people need to look and act a each student finds a spot beneath an certain way in order to fit in, and it has oak tree to sit, and they spend the next led to a disconnection from nature. 45 minutes in silence, like John Muir

Al Johnson Diablo Watch • Spring/Summer 2020 13 OUR DEEPEST THANKS TO MALCOLM SPROUL, AND A WARM WELCOME TO JIM FELTON

At the end He specializes in working on projects with In 1976, Jim was recruited by Lawrence of March, special status wildlife and wetlands issues. Livermore National Laboratory to Malcolm Sproul study and research mammalian genetic completed his In 2014, he was the recipient of the mutations. He led a team in cancer second stint as Conservation Legacy Award from the research for 30 years and served as Board President John Muir Association. Deputy Associate Director for Biology of Save Mount and Biotechnology, and Associate He is an experienced field naturalist who Diablo (SMD). Director for Cancer Prevention and has spent most of his life exploring the Malcolm has served on SMD’s Board of Control at the UC Davis Cancer Center. parks and open spaces of the East Bay. Directors since 1992. He first served as Since retiring, he has taught numerous Board President from 1998 to 2012. This We thank Malcolm for his outstanding courses on cancer and biotechnology at past time he served from April 1, 2019 to service to SMD! Malcolm continues to CSU East Bay’s Osher Lifelong Learning March 31, 2020. serve on our Board of Directors. Institute and volunteered in the science He is a lifelong resident of Contra We are excited classroom at Del Amigo High School in Costa County. He and his wife Casey to announce that Danville. He also grows and produces raised three sons; all are now married starting on April award-winning wines. and have families. Malcolm and Casey 1st, James S. Jim is a long-time hiker and camper have seven grandchildren. Felton, PhD became and participated in Four Days Diablo as SMD’s new Board Malcolm is a graduate of the University his introduction to SMD. He has been a President. Jim of California, Berkeley; he earned volunteer steward of SMD’s conserved was born in San undergraduate (AB) and graduate lands for more than 10 years. He chaired Francisco and grew up running and hiking (MLA) degrees with an emphasis on SMD’s Development Committee and in city and state parks and beaches. He environmental planning and wildlife has served on the SMD Board for three received his AB in zoology at UC Berkeley management. years. Jim’s interests are in preserving and his PhD in molecular biology at the open space and connecting our next State University of New York, Buffalo. He He is a Principal with LSA Associates, generations to Mount Diablo. a natural resource management and did postdoctoral training from 1973 to environmental planning consulting firm. 1976 at the National Institutes of Health.

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST BOARD MEMBERS!

Keith Alley Garrett Girvan Development, Finance Mary Bowerman Committee Science & Research Committees

Keith joined Save Mount Diablo’s Board of Directors in Garrett joined Save Mount Diablo’s Board of Directors 2019 and serves on its Development Committee (as in 2019 and serves on its Finance Committee. He the Chair) and Mary Bowerman Science and Research graduated from LaSalle University in Philadelphia with Committee. Keith is an alumnus of the University of Illinois a BS in accounting and from New York University with and served as a Professor at Case Western Reserve an MBA in finance and international business. He also University and Ohio State University. He is currently an was a Certified Public Accountant in New York State. emeritus Professor of Cell Biology at the University of Garrett’s professional career included positions as Chief California, Merced, where he served as a founding faculty Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer in a variety member and in a variety of administrative roles during of companies, both public and private. He previously the initial development of the new campus. Keith was served on the boards of the Cancer Support Community instrumental in establishing the relationship between the (formerly The Wellness Community) and Hospice of the new campus and Yosemite National Park while serving as East Bay. Garrett and his family moved to California in an advocate for the protection of the park through service 1978 and fondly remember driving through the Caldecott on the Yosemite Association Board. As an avid hiker, Keith Tunnel and seeing the majesty of Mount Diablo for the first has relished the beauty of Mount Diablo since he and his time (they were all overwhelmed). Garrett lives in Danville. wife, Jill, moved to Rossmoor seven years ago.

14 Diablo Watch • Spring/Summer 2020 MEET OUR NEW STAFF MEMBERS

Megan Shockro Peter Townley Ian Smith Director of Major Land Stewardship Development Gifts & Planned Manager Associate & Giving Database Manager

We are very happy to welcome We’re excited to announce A big welcome to Ian Smith! Ian Megan to our team! After receiving Peter Townley as our new Land was hired in 2019. He brings more her BA in interdisciplinary studies Stewardship Manager! Peter has a than nine years of experience from the University of San Diego, diverse background that includes in database management and Megan lived in north San Diego natural resources conservation, administration to Save Mount County for many years. In her last performing arts, fitness, and Diablo. He has lived in the East Bay position with Mount Saint Mary’s agriculture. He’s worked for for most of his life—he loves the University, Los Angeles, Megan California State Parks, the Natural outdoors, Save Mount Diablo’s and her team helped raise over Resources Conservation Service, mission, and its people. He is a $100 million during a six-year and Resource Conservation huge basketball fan and also likes comprehensive campaign. Megan Districts. He’s also worked as a to go hiking and dancing in his has also helped fundraise for the farmer and rancher and as an actor, spare time. Salk Institute for Biological Studies, writer, and host. Peter is originally Sage Hill School, and the San from Siskiyou County, where he Diego Museum of Art. Megan is grew up on a cattle ranch that is passionate about protecting our now protected with a conservation natural lands and looks forward easement. He is interested in to spending time with you on our creating healthy connections beautiful mountain. between communities and the natural world.

LAND PROGRAMS DIRECTOR UPDATES: HELLO SEAN BURKE, GOODBYE MEREDITH HENDRICKS

Sean Burke, Incoming Land Programs Director Sean was a Park Ranger for East Bay Regional Park District, in maintenance and skilled trades, at Point Pinole, Diablo Foothills, and Castle Rock and for the stewardship department in water quality. He focused on infrastructure, resource management, wildlife projects, and the opening of new properties; he served as a public education steward leading volunteer groups in renovation projects. Sean is an active member of the Diablo climbing community and member of the Peregrine Team in Pine Canyon, American Alpine Club, and Bay Area Climbers Coalition. He volunteers with Sacred Rok, which leads outdoor trips for at-risk young people. A member of the Cherokee tribe and the Intertribal Friendship House, Sean has a strong connection to wild lands stewardship. He attended the University of California, Santa Cruz, which solidified his desire to be an advocate for nature. In his free time, he travels with his family in pursuit of their next alpine adventures.

Meredith Hendricks, Outgoing Land Programs Director During Meredith’s six years at Save Mount Diablo, she played a senior role, devising and implementing land use policy, land acquisition, stewardship, and educational programs. As Executive Director of the San Francisco Neighborhood Parks Council, Meredith had advocated for safe parks within walking distance of everyone and championed progress on the Blue Greenway, a connected network of parks and trails along the city’s southeastern waterfront. Meredith is a star, supported SMD through important transitions, and helped preserve numerous acres and increased stewardship of our two dozen properties. Her management of Curry Canyon Ranch and renovation of the ranch house there into a field station and events facility stand out for their excellence. She will be greatly missed. We wish her well in her future efforts. She is now the new Executive Director for the Center for Creative Land Recycling. Diablo Watch • Spring/Summer 2020 15 Scott Hein

MOVING MOUNTAINS TO SAVE THE MOUNTAIN BOB AND CINDY BRITTAIN LEGACY CIRCLE MEMBERS

Cindy Brittain grew up in Greenville, to contribute to SMD because of Gary’s Cindy and Bob also feel the educational South Carolina near the beautiful frequent fundraising efforts for open programs at Save Mount Diablo are Blue Ridge mountains, and as a child space and parks. important, such as the annual BioBlitz, explored Paris Mountain State Park the Mary Bowerman Science and and Table Rock State Park on Girl Cindy explains, “After retirement, Research Program, and the many Scout outings and family picnics. we decided to include SMD in our efforts to involve youth in nature. estate plans to protect the mountain Bob lived in Alabama, North Carolina, we loved. Our volunteer work with “We know SMD will continue to Virginia, and Washington State SMD for the past several years has preserve and protect our most vital and spent time during the summer convinced us that it is one of the most natural resources in the Diablo months riding along with his father on sustainable and effective land advocacy Range for future generations to enjoy, business trips through rural Alabama organizations in the country. and we are proud that our legacy and the Pacific Northwest. He found investment will be a part of that,” say the completely different landscapes and “We admire their longtime emphasis Cindy and Bob. They appreciate the wildlife in those regions fascinating on volunteer stewards, their lasting impact of their legacy gift. and beautiful. cooperation with parks and other conservation partners, and their When Bob and Cindy moved to respect and support for landowners Walnut Creek in 1990, their first who want to see their lands stay Making an estate gift to Save Mount impressions of Save Mount Diablo natural. However, it is their continual Diablo is easy when working directly (SMD) were formed from reading defense of the Urban Limit Line with our friendly and knowledgeable Contra Costa Times articles detailing against urban sprawl, and their strong staff. You may include us in your will the organization’s efforts to stop involvement in developing land or designate us as a beneficiary of proposed housing development plans, use policies that achieve strategic your life insurance or retirement with pictures of Seth Adams amidst conservation gains that sets them apart fund. What will your legacy be? the stunning landscape with beautiful from most land advocacy groups and Please contact Megan Shockro at views. They also followed Gary Bogue’s makes them indispensable.” [email protected] or nature column and were first inspired call (925) 949-4513 for assistance.

16 Diablo Watch • Spring/Summer 2020 CaliforniaCalifornia landscape landscape photographer photographer Stephen Stephen Joseph, Joseph, knownknown for for his his signature signature panoramas panoramas that that capture capture California’sCalifornia’s distinctive distinctive geographic geographic regions regions and and rich, rich, naturalnatural beauty, beauty, has has published published his his new new book, book, Mount Mount Diablo,Diablo, A StoryA Story of ofPlace Place and and Inspiration. Inspiration. This This is isthe the most most beautifulbeautiful and and fascinating fascinating book book ever ever created created about about the the MountMount Diablo Diablo area. area. Stephen’sStephen’s new new book book features features more more than than 200 200 panoramic panoramic photographsphotographs that that celebrate celebrate the the wonderment wonderment of of Mount Mount Diablo’sDiablo’s extraordinary extraordinary lands. lands. Accompanying Accompanying these these photographsphotographs are are four four inspiring inspiring essays essays written written by by leaders leaders in inconservation conservation and and humankind’s humankind’s cultural cultural connections connections toto natural natural lands: lands: Seth Seth Adams, Adams, Land Land Conservation Conservation Director,Director, Save Save Mount Mount Diablo; Diablo; Edwin Edwin Bernbaum, Bernbaum, PhD, PhD, TheThe Mountain Mountain Institute; Institute; Edward Edward “Ted” “Ted” Sortwell Sortwell Clement, Clement, Jr.,Jr., Executive Executive Director, Director, Save Save Mount Mount Diablo; Diablo; and and Robert Robert Doyle,Doyle, General General Manager, Manager, East East Bay Bay Regional Regional Park Park District. District. Together,Together, these these thoughtful thoughtful voices voices explore explore the the diverse diverse waysways natural natural lands, lands, and and Mount Mount Diablo Diablo specifically, specifically, touch touch ourour lives lives and and inspire inspire us us to to care care about about our our environment environment andand each each other. other. MountMount Diablo, Diablo, A StoryA Story of ofPlace Place and and Inspiration, Inspiration, is Stephen’sis Stephen’s second second collaboration collaboration with with the the book’s book’s editor, editor, local local writer writer Linda Linda Rimac Rimac Colberg,Colberg, and and is sponsoredis sponsored by by Save Save Mount Mount Diablo, Diablo, East East Bay Bay Regional Regional Park Park District, District, J. J.Rockcliff Rockcliff Realtors, Realtors, Bishop Bishop Ranch, Ranch, and and Claudia Claudia andand Scott Scott Hein. Hein.

SignedSigned copies copies of of Stephen’s Stephen’s new new book book are are available available on on his his website website at at https://stephenjosephphoto.gallery/order-books. https://stephenjosephphoto.gallery/order-books.

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DiabloDiablo Watch Watch • Spring/Summer • Spring/Summer 2020 2020 17 17 TRTribute giftsI andB donationsUTE made in honorS or in memory of loved ones between July 1–December 31, 2019 are listed below.

Thank you to all of our supporters. Your generosity preserves, defends, and restores the mountain for all of us to enjoy! Steen oe

Bette Felton Nancy Pelosi Brendon Armstrong Larry Fox Madge Burton Norman & David Ogden & Carol & Brad Hoy Shirley McPheeters Dave Hughes Janet Pease Sandy Biagi Gary Bogue Maureen Heiner Kass McMahon Peter Frazier Jane & Bud Rotermund Scott & Claudia Hein Fritschi Mary Streett Trudy & Bill Ausfahl Janine Senior Eugene Callahan Jim & Bette Felton R Kenji Yamada Charla Gabert Ron Smith Donald R. Giddens Marianne Callahan* Peggy Mahler Seth Adams Barbara Strack Richard & Louise Carson Matt Faber Barbara Mahler Cindy Spring & Rayna Ravitz Brian Gagnon Philip Angelides Charles Goldsmith Jeanne Thomas & Molly Marshall Moira McCabe Bonnie Goldsmith Marty & Jen Ambacher Karen Wetherell Earl Carson Daniel Prokosch Team Gumsaba Joseph & Betty Clyde & Lois Patricia Barker John Carson Kenny Mathews Spartan Goldstein Ambacher Ted Tramley Will Classen Barbara Michelle Brown & Janine Alden Sickenberger Mark Baker Chad Jenkins* Steve Weir Cameron DeCesare Ira Gottfried Mercedes Baker Mark & Margaret Hart Melody Howe John W. Gay David A. Gottfried Sally Scholl Bryan & Weintraub Marilou C. Gay Moonlight on the Mountain Gus & Isabel Haro John T. Gripp Sheri Horton Nancy & Scott Jacobson Elizabeth Imrie Charlie DeSchane Joe & Susan Ryan* Burt Bassler Sue & Dick Heron Walter & McMillen David F. Sroka Dana Weise Mabel Liang Dennis Harrison Elissa Bassler Larry Barclay To purchase tickets, call (925) 947-3535 or visit us online at www.bit.ly/MoonlightMtn Duylinh Nguyen e te Thomas & Gail Frost Anne Hill Adrienne Morrison Madge Burton & Christine Imrie Rhett Planas Burt Bassler & the John & Carson & Vicki Petty Alfred S. Harvey Barclay Steve Wilcox Joyce Klassen Victoria Harvey Janet Montes Queenie Peg Steunenberg Mike & Jean Wells Joanna Baldwin Malcolm Sproul Amanda Irish & Kristine Caratan Jean P. Hauser Terry & Alise & Julien & Janet G. Welter Mark Dosch Warren Coleman Glenn Gonzalez* Marilyn Hansen Ron Brown Roger Epperson Barbara Hauser John Bamforth Lisa & Kathy De Voe Marc & Karen Irish Mary & George Kevin Robert Nagle Check out the Steve Kaplan Richard Davis & Geraldine Stahl Ingalls Dr. Dan Reid Vivian Sweigart Barbara Hailey Laura Kindsvater Del Monte Keith Change Sandra Jones Richard Ingalls Diane E. Wren Cavett Robert Terry & Susan J. Watson, newest Audible Guide David Ogden & Tina Fletcher Ron & Rebecca Yee Timothy Malte Mary Israel Elizabeth Nichols Bob & Kevin Rezak Glenn Gonzalez* Past President of Sandy Biagi Nancy Labelle on Morgan Territory Val Fairman John Corlett & Howard Thomas Save Mount Diablo Lisa Cline & Leslie & Monte Kong Thomas M. Wood Robert & Jon Maienschein Karen Lochner Brooke Schwartz Patricia Rezak Sarah Watson Keller Regional Preserve at Mary Fairman Dr. Martin Henry Judy Canright Janine Senior Karen Nickell Andy Packard Mark Cline Betty Falck Jansen Dr. Gary Rogers Catherine Topp Stanley W. Watson, Jr. Margaret Kruse Benson Tongue Phoebe Dameron Rachel Tomlinson George J. Jansen May & Larry Ball Carolyn Smith Sandra J. Watson Sandra Woliver Peg Wilcox Pam Peacock Andi Fargeix Priya Khadalia Barbara Rosenberg Ernie Tovani Mary Ann Barry Langford Ethan S. Brookes Connors Watts Darrell Davidson Shirley Langlois Ann Marie Khadalia Alan & Marge Tovani Laurie & Betty Ann Pepper Sue Rosenberg Barbara J. Ageno Alex Russo John J. Farley, Lena Kolle Father Mathew Brian & Gina Pepper Ann Ryan Douglah Designs Jane & Michael Larkin Pearl Harbor Survivor T. Gordon & Vellankal Andrea Persinger Joe & Susan Ryan* Scott & Claudia Hein Scott & Claudia Hein Eileen M. Farley Donna Monroe Lynne Bennett Woodrow G. Phelps Marcia & Greg Eiler MMR Anna Louise Ferri Jane H. Peterson Betts Sanderson Cheryl A. to accurately spell names. If Dr. Stephen Lewis your name or donation has Robert Phelps & Carpenter-Emery Carol Gegner Ron & Rebecca Yee Larry Ferri* Brian Kruse Kim Tarman not been recorded correctly Meri Stratton-Phelps Joseph Deguzman or was mistakenly omitted, Jim & Bette Felton Kristen Noe Arlene Allen Bill Fortner Margaret Kruse* Hulet C. Hornbeck & Jean Portello Robert & Please contact us so that we John & Karen & Barbara Patricia Draper Donna Lucas Margaret Hornbeck Sickenberger Frances Coburn Teresita Helling can amend our records by Tena Gallagher Aurelien Ferriere Julie Aumock Steere sending an email to Ian Smith, Linda M. Andersson Lori Steere Courtney Uy Development Associate Nancy & Tom Patten Carlos J. Balladares & Database Manager, at Daniel Patten Bruce Fogel John & [email protected]. Donna Walton 18 Diablo Watch • Spring/Summer 2020 Diablo Watch • Spring/Summer 2020 19 Steen oe

Moonlight on the Mountain

To purchase tickets, call (925) 947-3535 or visit us online at www.bit.ly/MoonlightMtn e te

Queenie Peg Steunenberg Mike & Jean Wells Alise & Julien & Janet G. Welter John Bamforth Marilyn Hansen Lisa & Kathy De Voe Check out the Dr. Dan Reid Vivian Sweigart Barbara Hailey Cavett Robert Terry & Susan J. Watson, newest Audible Guide Bob & Kevin Rezak Glenn Gonzalez* Past President of on Morgan Territory Robert & Howard Thomas Save Mount Diablo Patricia Rezak Judy Canright Sarah Watson Keller Regional Preserve at Dr. Gary Rogers Catherine Topp Stanley W. Watson, Jr. May & Larry Ball Carolyn Smith Sandra J. Watson Barbara Rosenberg Ernie Tovani Mary Ann Connors Watts Alan & Marge Tovani Sue Rosenberg Barbara J. Ageno Father Mathew Ann Ryan Vellankal Joe & Susan Ryan* Lynne Bennett Betts Sanderson Cheryl A. to accurately spell names. If Carpenter-Emery your name or donation has Kim Tarman not been recorded correctly Joseph Deguzman or was mistakenly omitted, Hulet C. Hornbeck & Margaret Hornbeck Robert & Please contact us so that we Teresita Helling can amend our records by Steere sending an email to Ian Smith, Lori Steere Courtney Uy Development Associate & Database Manager, at John & [email protected]. Donna Walton Diablo Watch • Spring/Summer 2020 19 Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Walnut Creek, CA Permit No. 1553 1901 Olympic Blvd., Suite 320 Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Tel: (925) 947-3535 www.SaveMountDiablo.org

Thanks for being a friend. As a Friend of the Mountain, you help to preserve the Diablo wild lands for future generations. Whether you enjoy Mount Diablo when you are hiking, cycling, horseback riding, trail running, birding, painting, photographing, looking at it from your kitchen window, or taking in its breathtaking beauty at the end of a long commute home . . . This is your mountain. Become a member to protect it today.

Not a member yet? Enjoy a variety of perks! Join us! Based on your annual membership gift, you can receive • Members-only gear; Contact us for more information. • Recognition in our annual report; Call or visit us online at • Our biannual Diablo Watch newsletter, featuring (925) 947-3535 | SaveMountDiablo.org stories about protected lands, habitat restoration, volunteer projects, and recreation opportunities; • Invitations to exclusive members-only events, hikes, and tours of Mount Diablo Jennifer Jay Jennifer

“My dream is that the whole of Mount Diablo, including its foothills, will remain open space . . . that the visual and natural integrity will be sustained.” —Dr. Mary L. Bowerman

To preserve Mount Diablo’s Preserve natural lands through This is our home. Preserving natural land peaks, surrounding foothills, and acquisition and cooperative efforts. forever means safeguarding our quality watersheds through land acquisition of life, including our air, water, and views. and preservation strategies designed Defend Mount Diablo and its Thousands of open space acres on and to protect the mountain’s natural foothills from threats of development around Mount Diablo are privately owned beauty, biological diversity, and through land use planning. and still threatened by development. In historic and agricultural heritage; Restore habitat prior to transfer this time of the climate crisis, we also Our Mission enhance our area’s quality of Do What We to a public agency for permanent need to make sure Mount Diablo remains Why We Care We Why life; and provide recreational preservation and public use. connected to its 150-mile Diablo Range, of opportunities consistent with the Enjoy Diablo’s parks through events which only 24 percent has been protected. protection of natural resources. and recreational opportunities. At risk are wildlife corridors, ecosystems, and recreational opportunities.