About Mount Diablo Interpretive Association
Who We Are
Established in 1974, the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association (MDIA) is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization that assists the California Department of Parks and Recreation in maintaining and interpreting Mount Diablo State Park for its 700,000 visitors each year. Through education, sponsored activities, and publications, MDIA fosters appreciation and the enlightened use of Mount Diablo State Park. MDIA is proud to provide the resources necessary to keep the Summit Museum and Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center open throughout the year. In addition, one of MDIA’s key roles is providing funding to support the Volunteers in Parks Program, which trains and manages park docents, sponsors guided hikes, and helps maintain trails.
From left, Front: Leslie Contreras, Tere Dixon, Linda Kwong, Dan Fitzgerald, Carol Lane, Mark Brauer. Back: Mike Brandy, Steve Smith, Dick Nicoll, Julie Braun Martin, Dan Sandri.
MDIA is proud to have played a major part in raising funds for the construction of the Museum atop the summit of Mount Diablo. MDIA manages the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center and is currently raising funds to build a new Education Center at the current site.
MDIA Programs and Publications
MDIA has a number of programs that are designed to enhance the public's appreciation of the mountain. They range from various educational programs to our trail signage program and the adoption of trails for ongoing maintenance. We sponsor numerous nature hikes throughout the year to aid in visitors' appreciation of the varied features and history of the mountain. The Association publications include the popular Trail Map of Mt. Diablo State Park and various natural history brochures. MDIA offers an e-newsletter providing updates about park events and opportunities to get involved, and prints the Mount Diablo Review for free distribution to park visitors. The Association's first major book was Plants of the East Bay Parks. MDIA's Mount Diablo Guide, published in 2002 by Berkeley Press, is widely available. Mount Diablo: The Extraordinary Life and Landscapes of a California Treasure is a major pictorial publication of the mountain published by MDIA in 2010. Shop Publications
Volunteer Opportunities and Membership
There are many opportunities for volunteer involvement in MDIA. Anyone interested in volunteering time in support of mountain events, publications, promotional events, or administrative and educational activities is encouraged to contact MDIA for information or visit the Membership page.
Education and Advocacy
Through its publications and programs, MDIA fosters appreciation for the natural and cultural history of
Mount Diablo State Park.
MDIA was a major partner in an ambitious plan to create a world class interpretive trail from near the Blackhawk community to the summit of Mount Diablo. With the help of carefully placed interpretive panels, hikers can walk back through 150 million years of geologic history to learn about ancient landscapes, prehistoric animal life, evolving plant forms, and the massive tectonic forces that formed the mountain we know today.
Inspiring Future Generations
MDIA is leading a campaign to raise $6 million to build a new Education Center in Mitchell Canyon. The new education complex will have ADA-compliant facilities, accommodate school field trips, and provide outdoor education opportunities that are not currently available in the Park. The modern and welcoming education center is designed to inspire future generations to wander the mountain, explore Mount Diablo's biodiversity, wonder at its beauty, and ensure protection. How you can help
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