“I thought Mount Diablo could use more attention.” ―Art Bonwell
On April 28, we celebrate Save Mount Diablo co-founder Art Bonwell’s birthday!
Art Bonwell co-founded Save Mount Diablo with Dr. Mary Bowerman in 1971 and served on our Board of Directors until he passed away in 2012.
Dr. Mary Bowerman and Art Bonwell. Photo by Sandra Hoover and Saul Bromberger
“She [Dr. Mary Bowerman] knew a lot about the mountain that we didn’t know, and I just happened to know a lot of conservationists,” said Art Bonwell, as he recounted Save Mount Diablo’s history in 2011.
Art Bonwell was an extremely capable organizer, and together they worked for decades to protect the open spaces that we know and love today.
As someone who was deeply involved in his community for decades, Art’s influence extends to the heart of Save Mount Diablo’s work, and beyond.
Vasco Caves (Art Bonwell on right). Photo by Scott Hein
He was an active community member who left a significant local legacy.
The same year he founded Save Mount Diablo, he created Diablo Wheelmen, a bicycle club that organized trips through northern California and Oregon. Art was also a part of the Concord Historical Society, serving on its Board of Directors from 1996 until 2009.
Art also served as the Chairman of the Central Contra Costa County Conservation Committee of the Sierra Club’s San Francisco Bay Chapter.
Art Bonwell (left), John Kiefer (middle), and Allison Hill (right) in 2004. Photo by Liede-Marie Haitsma
One of his favorite ways to enjoy the mountain was to ride his bike; he would ride his bike up Northgate Road, as so many people continue to do every day on Mount Diablo.
We are endlessly grateful to Art for co-founding Save Mount Diablo and for his commitment to protecting the open space we cherish today.
Every day, we are inspired by Art’s legacy of conservation on Mount Diablo.
Happy Birthday, Art!
