Stewardship Update
Written by Roxana Lucero Keshmiry, Land Stewardship Manager and Kendra Smith, Education & Outreach Coordinator
Dr. Mary Bowerman Science and Research Colloquium
Our Mary Bowerman Science and Research colloquium. Photo by Emily Sherwood
On Friday, December 5, we held our 12th annual Dr. Mary Bowerman Science and Research colloquium.
More than 100 attendees joined us at the David Brower Center in Berkeley to learn about the fascinating work happening throughout the Diablo Range and beyond from our incredible lineup of speakers.
Numerous attendees shared that they continue to be impressed by this event and the excellent presentations!
Please see the list of speakers and topics in the graphic below.
Giant Reed No More!
A giant reed (Arundo donax) plant at Big Bend. Photo by Roxana Lucero Keshmiry
Earlier this year we were approved by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to remove invasive Arundo donax from one of our properties and rehabilitate the area with native plantings!
At our Big Bend property, we’ve begun the meticulous process of digging and excavating every bit of the root system of the plants that have spread on the bank. The root system is extremely prolific and one bit left of the ground will surely resprout.
After this process was completed, the area was covered with jute netting and replanted with some native species that are already existing in the area including wild grapes, California roses, toyons, and buckeyes!
Winterizing Wright Canyon and Keeping Access Roads Clear
Winterizing the barn at our Wright Canyon property. Photo by Roxana Lucero Keshmiry
Winter is here and with it, all the preparation and action is taking place. It’s the time of year when trees have a higher chance of falling because of strong winds and cold and wet conditions.
To keep the roads clear for vehicle access, several trees have been trimmed up to allow a 14-foot clearance along Curry Canyon Road to the Balcerzak cabin.
The trimming has left a couple of piles that will need chipping soon. Some trees have still fallen into the road but were shortly cleared. Our teams will continue to keep an eye on the trails and respond accordingly.
Nesting Box Project
Gaston with the nesting box he installed at our Mangini Ranch Educational Preserve. Photo by Emily Sherwood
Gaston Habets, a dedicated Save Mount Diablo volunteer, has begun installing nesting boxes for bluebirds, chickadees, kestrels, and barn owls across various Save Mount Diablo properties.
After installing two boxes at his own home, one of which is an active bluebird box, Gaston was inspired to start building and ordering boxes to give to us.
He has already installed nesting boxes at Marsh Creek 7 and Mangini Ranch Educational Preserve and has numerous additional boxes waiting at home to be installed at Curry Canyon Ranch and other properties.
Gaston first got involved with nesting box projects by participating in our kestrel project with Sean Burke and others. Thank you, Gaston, for your generosity and enthusiasm for our California birds!
Planting at Mangini Ranch Educational Preserve. Photo by Kendra Smith
Planting in the Hills
It’s that time again!
We’ve got an array of plants that will be getting new homes in some of our restoration sites including our Mangini Ranch Educational Preserve and Wright Canyon properties.
It’s important to plant after the first big rain system and into winter to allow for the following rain systems to water the plants and help them settle for the year.
Some of the plants we are putting into the ground include California sage, datura, pearly everlasting, currant, silver bush lupine, and more!
Discover Diablo
Twin Ponds loop in winter hike. Photo by Jan Diepersloot
Pinnacles condor hike. Photo by Carolyn Balling
Winter’s Transformation in the Oak Savanna, December 7th.
Participants ventured through the somewhat muddy oak grasslands along the shoreline of Los Vaqueros Reservoir to see the unique winter adaptations of the varied plants and animals living there.
Though the weather was quite foggy, everyone enjoyed the outing and still got lots of pictures.
Pinnacles condor hike. Photo by Carolyn Balling
Pinnacles Condor Hike, December 12th.
Participants were invited to hike the High Peaks Trail at Pinnacles National Park to search for the magnificent California condors.
Wildlife biologist Joseph Belli guided the group and used radio-tracking equipment to detect and locate the condors in this rugged landscape, succeeding in spotting numerous individuals!
Pinnacles condor hike. Photo by Carolyn Balling
Twin Ponds Loop in Winter, December 14th.
Participants braved the cold to enjoy this last Discover Diablo hike of the year. Everyone was game to set out and enjoy the magic of the foggy weather among the oak trees.
Twin ponds loop in winter hike. Photo by Jan Diepersloot
Thank you to everyone who joined us for a Discover Diablo outing in 2025!
Welcome Frenchy!
Frenchy Hendryx doing one of her favorite hobbies. Photo by Sean Burke
We are excited to have Franchesca Hendryx join our team as our new Caretaker. She will be a huge help on the trail in patrolling the Curry Canyon area.
Wishing You a Happy New Year!
Thank you so much to all our volunteers and supporters who make the success of our land conservation efforts possible. Warmest wishes for a happy New Year!
Sincerely,
The Stewardship and Education Team
