Blog

Keeping out invasive species is important, but it can be hard. Many species are very expensive to manage or can damage local ecosystems and biodiversity. Emily King, a PhD candidate…

Each year, Save Mount Diablo gives small grants as part of its Mary Bowerman Science and Research Program to researchers who study the ecology and geography of Mount Diablo and…

In 2019, Save Mount Diablo’s Annual BioBlitz was held from Friday, May 3 to Saturday, May 4 at Save Mount Diablo’s own Mangini Ranch and the City of Walnut Creek’s Lime Ridge Open Space. There were 36 scientists and researchers at the event. In total, 349 species were found: two amphibian species, five arachnid species, 76 bird species, one chilopoda species, two fungal species, 156 insect species, six mammal species, 96 plant species, and five reptile species.

Dr. Jennifer E. Smith and her students received a grant from Save Mount Diablo’s Mary Bowerman Science and Research Program in 2018. The grant, “An integrated approach to understanding behavioral…

Brandt Weary, Entomologist, received a 2018 grant from Save Mount Diablo’s Mary Bowerman Science and Research Program and presented his research at Save Mount Diablo’s 5th Annual Mary Bowerman Science…

This year’s Bioblitz was the most highly attended SMD Bioblitz since 2007, with seventy-five biologists and expert naturalists compared to the usual thirty to forty naturalists of years past. Participants came from LSA, Nomad Ecology, Swaim Biological, UC Davis, UC Berkeley, the California Academy of Sciences, and the California Native Plant Society, among others, and donated their time over the weekend.

Arroyo Del Cerro is home to the federally listed California red-legged frog and “has the potential for California tiger salamander,” said Malcolm Sproul. Other species were spotted as well, including the endemic Contra Costa manzanita. (Endemic means this species of manzanita only occurs in the area.) In total, 419 species were found, a high number that reflects the diverse habitat on the land.

Summary –
Save Mount Diablo’s 2017 BioBlitz brought together 35 scientists to catalog species during a 24-hour survey on Marsh Creek State Historic Park and Marsh Creek Reservoir. With their collective expertise, the group provided an ecological snapshot of the Marsh Creek State Historic Park and Marsh Creek Reservoir for CA State Parks and Contra Costa County Flood Control District staff. Participants explored rolling grasslands, creek channels, and the perimeter of the reservoir,  logging plants and wildlife from the insect to the avian.  Save Mount Diablo hosts annual Bioblitz events to better understand and protect the biodiversity of the Diablo Range.

Thanks to a team of botanists contracted by the East Bay Regional Park District (EPRPD), the endangered Mount Diablo Buckwheat was identified as thriving at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve…

Thanks in part to a team of renowned botanists contracted by the East Bay Regional Park District
to survey wildland vegetation in Eastern Contra Costa County, the endangered wildflower Mount Diablo
Buckwheat was identified as thriving at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch, California.