Interviewed by Haley Sutton, Land Stewardship Associate
Meet Rosemary
How long have you lived in the Bay Area?
Thirty years. I grew up in Sacramento, left the state for college and work, and made my way back to California in 1992.
How did you learn about Save Mount Diablo?
During an MDIA tarantula hike, a hiker recommended the fourth Saturday family hikes and Discover Diablo events. My first Save Mount Diablo hike was a Saturday stroll through Big Bend, right after Thanksgiving. Later on, I learned about Save Mount Diablo’s role in the creation of urban limit lines within our county and became a donor.
When did you start volunteering with us, and why did you get involved?
June 2021—invasive grass removal. I became a peripatetic volunteer after COVID restrictions curtailed most of my scheduled activities. When Save Mount Diablo posted the Caminemos hikes and DiRT activities this past summer, it was time to volunteer.
Which Save Mount Diablo programs are you involved in?
Discover Diablo hikes, Diablo Restoration Team, Coastal Cleanup, and I recently joined the Wednesday watering crew, just before the atmospheric river storm in late October!
About Rosemary’s Work
What do you enjoy about the volunteer work you do?
I enjoy the personal interactions while restoring our beautiful open space and observing the visible changes over time.
What is the most challenging project you’ve worked on as a volunteer?
Trash collection! I’ve participated in the annual Coastal Cleanup Day for the past 15 years. Although the debris composition has changed, the volume collected is still enormous.
Is there a memorable experience you’ve had as a Save Mount Diablo volunteer?
Every Save Mount Diablo activity has been memorable and educational, especially learning about the history of each distinctive property.
How do you spend your time beyond your volunteer work with us, and what did you do before you started volunteering with us?
You might find me hiking, backpacking, camping, skiing, doing trail maintenance, or recipe browsing if I’m not visiting my 100-year-old father in Sacramento. I’m also enrolled in language courses through Acalanes Adult School. Before retiring in 2015, I had a diverse career within the energy sector.
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.
