Stewardship Update
Written by Haley Sutton, Land Stewardship Associate
We’ve Reached 3,000 Trees and Plants!
During a break in the rain in early January, the Save Mount Diablo staff gathered at our Marsh Creek 1 and 7 properties to plant the final 130 plants needed to surpass 3,000 plants towards our 10,000 Trees and Plants project.
To achieve this goal, we aim to protect and plant 1,000 plants each year over 10 years. The best time of the year to plant is during the winter when the soil is soft and saturated with water, and nature continues to water the plants for us.
We can give the plants the best chance of survival by putting them in the ground when environmental conditions are prime to support their growth. It was a fun team bonding experience to be outside and work towards this project together!
Balcerzak Beautification
Volunteers at the Balcerzak property after filling up the CASS container. Photo by Haley Sutton
We held a Diablo Restoration Team (DiRT) Day on another clear day this month to continue beautifying one of Save Mount Diablo’s newer acquisitions, the Balcerzak inholding in Curry Canyon.
During our sixth workday on the property, a dedicated team of volunteers helped us fill another large CASS, Inc. container with metal debris.
We also recently purchased a dump trailer that will allow us to begin removing other general debris from the property in the coming months. Thank you to our hard-working volunteers for all your help!
Volunteers clean up the Balcerzak inholding. Photo by Haley Sutton
Stewards in the Field
Our property stewards continue to support our team by hiking trails, identifying projects, and recording wildlife observations across our properties.
With winter rains, it’s important to keep an eye out for erosion, trail and road conditions, and obstructions. We are grateful for our crew of stewards who help us keep an eye on all properties!
Discover Diablo Program
Participants on the Dr. Mary Bowerman 116th Birthday Hike. Photo by Roxana Lucero
Twin Ponds Loop in Winter, Sunday, January 7th. Canceled because of muddy trail conditions.
Dr. Mary Bowerman 116th Birthday Hike, January 27th. Participants enjoyed 360-degree views near the summit of Mount Diablo with hike leader Roxana Lucero, Save Mount Diablo Land Stewardship Manager.
Participants learned about Save Mount Diablo’s co-founder, Dr. Mary Bowerman, and how her vision for protecting the mountain has evolved as Save Mount Diablo continues to grow.
See our 2024 Discover Diablo schedule and register for events!
White sage at Mangini Ranch Educational Preserve! Photo by Haley Sutton
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