Meet Joshu DeLeon
How long has he lived in the Bay Area?
Off and on for about 18 years. Came back for schools and great outdoors!
How did he learn about Save Mount Diablo?
Joshu is a beekeeper with Brit Hutchinson and they hit it off over their shared background in nonprofit work helping developmentally disadvantaged individuals.
He was around when she was first hired with Save Mount Diablo. Brit increasingly shared about the impactful work that Save Mount Diablo has done, such as with the condor program, native wildflowers, and restoration of riparian spaces.
Having a 13-year background in nonprofit work, he knows a good nonprofit when he sees one and is continually impressed by the work that Save Mount Diablo is doing.
When did he start volunteering with us, and why did he get involved?
He started volunteering two years ago for Moonlight on the Mountain.
Which Save Mount Diablo programs are you involved in?
Moonlight on the Mountain
What does he enjoy about the volunteer work he does?
Volunteering with Save Mount Diablo gives him a chance to get up into places he might not otherwise see in his favorite mountain range (among many favorites) with like-minded people.
What is the most challenging project he’s worked on as a Save Mount Diablo volunteer?
No, nothing challenging, so far, it’s just been a joy!
Is there a memorable experience he’s had as a Save Mount Diablo volunteer?
When preparing the area at China Wall for Moonlight on the Mountain this year with Brit, they had to move a bunch of cow patties.
While picking up and throwing the cow patties to the side, they had a hiking group come up looking quizzically at them.
Once Brit explained that she was with Save Mount Diablo and that they were preparing for Moonlight on the Mountain, a man in the group shared that he had just updated his will to leave Save Mount Diablo a large donation upon his passing.
After that, the whole group put the pieces together and had a lively chat with them about Save Mount Diablo’s work.
How does he spend his time beyond his volunteer work with us?
Joshu is a professional fine gardener, and a futurist neotraditional beekeeper.
After leaving nonprofit work, he founded a small bespoke fine gardening company, Olorín Gardens.
Additionally, as head of beekeeping at Arcosanti, AZ, he has had the opportunity to work in collaboration with UC Berkeley’s school of Environmental Design to construct a series of new style tree hives that emulate the conditions in which honeybees evolved to live, in harmony with nature and specifically native California bees.
Join Our Volunteer Crew! We Depend on You
Given limited staff, resources, and time, Save Mount Diablo depends on volunteers to take organizational effectiveness from excellent to exceptional. Save Mount Diablo seeks to connect a passionate community to our mission, cultivating a sense of ownership and proficiency in every volunteer position offered.
Whether you want to help with restoration and stewardship, build and maintain trails, help with events, assist in the office, lead hikes, or advocate for us, there’s a place for you. For more information, check out Save Mount Diablo’s volunteer opportunities.
