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Rare wildflowers Mount Diablo Rare Plants on Mount Diablo Only plants with photos are shown. See full list (PDF) Prev 1 2 1 ... 1 2 ... 2 Next Brewer's Calandrinia Calandrinia breweri Brewer's Western Flax Hesperolinon breweri Chaparral Harebell Ravenella exigua Contra Costa Manzanita Arctostaphylos manzanita ssp. laevigata Hairy Bird’s Beak Cordylanthus pilosus ssp. pilosus Hospital Canyon Larkspur Delphinium californicum ssp. interius Jepson's Woolly Sunflower Eriophyllum jepsonii Michael's Rein Orchid Piperia michaelii Most Beautiful Jewelflower Streptanthus glandulosus ssp. glandulosus Mount Diablo Bird's-beak Cordylanthus nidularius Mount Diablo Buckwheat Eriogonum truncatum Mount Diablo Globe Lily, Mount Diablo Fairy Lantern Calochortus pulchellus Prev 1 2 1 ... 1 2 ... 2 Next Up Jump to Wildflower Guide

Red Larkspur by Dan Sandri A Splash of Scarlet! 2025-04-01 Dan Sandri Red Larkspur (Delphinium nudicaule ) is out on Mount Diablo, and its presence, whether on a rocky slope above a creek or in the green grass, can be shockingly beautiful, a blaze of brilliant scarlet! A member of the Buttercup Family (Ranunculaceae), Red Larkspur is found in the foothills and mountains of California, with its range just reaching into southern Oregon. It is showy and bright, and can be found all around Mount Diablo State Park (look for it especially along Mary Bowerman, Falls, North Peak, Bald Ridge, Twin Peaks and Mitchell Canyon Trails – it’s all around, actually!). Plants are usually about a foot tall, and flowers are mostly bright red, although they can be red-orange. The leaves are located low on the stem and are often hidden in surrounding grasses. After blooming, the above-ground part of the plant disappears. And these flowers aren’t just attractive to us. They are attractive to hummingbirds too – their pollinators (many red flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds)! Red Larkspur (Delphinium nudicaule) by Dan Sandri BACK TO LIST

Weird and Wonderful: Galls By Staci Hobbet 2024-06-01 Steve Smith As we wrap up autumn, there has been a bounty of wonderful things Fall-ing all around us. In addition to some brightly colored leaves, you may have also noticed something underneath our Oak trees. In addition to the acorns scattered about you may also spy some bizarre and colorful little shapes littering the ground…galls! They come in a wide variety of shapes, colors, textures, and sizes. Little kisses, witch’s hats, flying saucers, puff balls, urchins, etc. Each of those tiny vessels is a larval nursery of a tiny cynipid wasp. Early last spring, the mother wasp laid her eggs on a blue oak in the western foothills of Mount Diablo and flew away, never to return. The oak took over from there. It built this gall for the larva of the wasp, supplying it, free of charge, with food, water, shelter, and protection until it matures and flies away. The tree, minus the mother’s DNA, is the parent of the wasp larva inside. The gall itself is made of oak. Stranger still, blue oaks make unique nurseries for more than 40 species of these tiny native wasps. They obtain their architectural plans from the wasp mom, who tells them the specifications of her species either through her egg laying or the hatching and munching of her larva. The oak then makes up the order from scratch at its own expense. How wasp galls manage this free ride isn't yet explained in full by researchers, but it’s fair to say that the oak is reprogrammed by the wasp. Maybe the wasp triggers an autoimmune disorder, making the tree unable to tell the difference between wasp cells and its own. Maybe the egg or the larvae irritate the oak like a grain of sand in an oyster, and the gall structure is the oak’s defense: a gall as a pearl. Highly unlikely, I know. It seems certain, however, that galls do no damage to trees in most cases, though long-term droughts could change that. gall5.jpg gall4.jpg gall2.jpg gall3.jpg BACK TO LIST

Birding on Mount Diablo By Kevin Hintsa, December 1999 An Introduction to Birding on Mount Diablo 1998-04-01 Daniel Fitzgerald Introduction Mount Diablo (here defined as Mount Diablo State Park and Diablo Foothills Regional Park) is located in Central Contra Costa County and provides birders with a large public area in which to explore birds of several habitats (including chaparral, oak woodlands, grassland, and rock outcrops). Over two hundred bird species have been sighted on the mountain, and it is well known to birders for its superb examples of chaparral birds, spring migrants, numerous raptors, and such locally elusive species as Prairie Falcon, Hermit Warbler, Hammond's Flycatcher, Calliope Hummingbird, Sage Sparrow, and Black-chinned Sparrow. Mount Diablo is also known for its spectacular views, odd rock formations, fascinating geology, over seven hundred plant species (including several endemics), about seventy butterfly species, and interesting wildlife (including Bobcats and Coyotes). Preparing for your visit Before venturing on the mountain, a few words of caution. Dress for erratic weather: the park is well known for its bitter cold in winter. Fog is prevalent in winter and often persists into June. Windy weather can occur anytime and extreme heat is present in summer. Keep in mind that the summit is over 3800 feet in elevation and often has totally different weather than halfway up the mountain. Much of the area is wilderness (often with steep trails), so bring sunscreen, water, and food. The roads are narrow, often rough in spots and winding. Shoulders are often uneven and the pullouts on the lower half of the mountain should be avoided in rainy weather. Watch out for bad drivers and bicyclists. Avoid all days where there is snow on the top and try to avoid early spring weekends (unless you like crowds). Avoid climbing on rock formations. Watch for loose rocks, ticks (especially around chaparral), yellow jackets and rattlesnakes. Poison Oak is one of the most common and widespread plants in the park, so avoid going off trails. Consult a map of the mountain and read up on park rules (and leave your pets at home). Birding locations In general, the majority of good birding is in the canyons and the lower half of the mountain. Probably the three finest areas of birding are Pine Canyon, Mitchell Canyon, and the Rock City area . The best examples of chaparral birds can be found in the area from just below Toyon Picnic area to Pioneer Horse Camp and also around Muir Picnic Area . The canyon areas such as Dan Cook Canyon and Curry Canyon can provide some shade in the heat of summer but avoid these two sites in winter. The area from Curry Point to Knobcone Point has the driest trail in rainy weather (and one of the hottest temperatures in summer). All of the canyons can be terribly muddy during the rainy season. Mitchell and White Canyon can be very exciting in April and May and is perhaps one of the least demanding of the trails. Donner Canyon can be equally exciting during this same time, but it is very rugged as are most of the areas around the peaks (such as Eagle and North Peaks). The Summit area is generally very poor birding, although I have seen some good birds here (mostly during spring migration) like Black-chinned Sparrow, Hermit Warbler (sometimes common), Calliope Hummingbird, Lawrence's Goldfinch (probably regular here in late spring) and once a Cassin's Finch. Blue Oak and Oak Knoll picnic areas can be superb in May, especially for warbler flocks. If on a short driving tour of the mountain in spring, start at South Gate Road and check the areas of Rock City, Curry Point area, Junction Campground area, Wildcat Group Camp, and Blue Oak-Oak Knoll picnic areas and, if time permits, a few pullouts along North Gate Road (especially for Lark Sparrow, Rufous-Crowned Sparrow, Rock Wren, and Golden Eagle). Black-chinned Sparrow The most sought after bird in the park by visiting birders is probably the Black-chinned Sparrow. It is best found by looking for singing males in the morning from mid-May to mid-June, probably peaking soon after Memorial Day weekend. Its preferred habitat is burned-over areas of chaparral (or stunted chaparral with large gaps) that are dominated by chamise that is more than two years, but less than twenty years old. In some years the species is fairly common and in other years it is nearly absent. In recent years, the best sites have been along Fossil Ridge (hike out of Uplands Picnic Area through the gap in the grassland), South Gate Road at about two-tenths of a mile below South Gate kiosk (also park at Uplands Picnic Area and hike back down the road as there is no parking below Rock City), the area around Pioneer Horse Camp to Blue Oak Picnic Area, and Muir Picnic Area. I've also had birds (mostly far from the trail) at Wall Ridge (excellent habitat at present), Mitchell Canyon, the south side of the Fire Interpretive Trail, Prospector's Gap Road, Juniper Campground, and at various burn sites along lower South Gate Road. Pine Canyon Pine Canyon is located on the southwestern side of Mount Diablo. It has numerous access points, each having its own merit. My two favorite access points are Macedo Ranch parking lot (at the very north end of Green Valley Road out of Danville, self-registration parking here for two dollars) and the Castle Rock Road parking area for Diablo Foothills Regional Park and the private Castle Rock Park (free public parking just outside the kiosk for Castle Rock Park out of Walnut Creek. The public trail goes around the edge of Castle Rock Park, access through Castle Rock Park is uncertain but usually permitted if you don't linger here). It is also possible to access this area from Burma Road (at North Gate Road 3 miles up from the kiosk, this is rather short but steep and has virtually no shade) or from the Barbeque Terrace-Wildcat Group Camp area of South Gate Road (a longer hike and furthest from the best birding sections). No matter what direction you access Pine Canyon from, the best birding is the Pine Pond area and much of the lower half of the canyon. This canyon can have miserable footing from December through at least March in rainy weather (note numerous stream crossings, plus much of the soil here is clay). At present Pine Creek flows down the main fire road near Pine Pond during the winter, creating a real mess (plus the overflow from Pine Pond bisects the trail). Also a word of warning, rattlesnakes are regular in this canyon, especially by Pine Pond. The canyon can be crowded on weekends. Regular birds in the general area include Golden Eagle, Canyon Wren (difficult to actually see), Rock Wren (especially by Sulphur Spring area, the rocky area above Macedo Ranch called "China Wall", and a rocky area in the upper part of the canyon), Brown Creeper, Lawrence's Goldfinch (I've found the nest twice here), Red-shouldered Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Willow Flycatcher (mainly mid-August through September at Pine Pond), Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Varied Thrush, White-throated Swift (mainly morning and evening), White-tailed Kite (mainly near Barbeque Terrace), Cassin's Vireo, Chipping Sparrow, Lazuli Bunting, Hairy Woodpecker, Hammond's Flycatcher (mainly in April and early May), Bullock's Oriole, Black-headed Grosbeak, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, etc. Pine Pond and the adjacent forest is often a magnet to birds. In about 11 years we've seen nearly 150 species within a half-mile of the pond. Pine Pond has been slowly filling in over the years and seems to have fewer rarities every year, but here is often the only chance of finding waterbirds in the park. Some of the birds I've seen by Pine Pond include Wild Turkey, Spotted Sandpiper, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Green Heron, Virginia Rail, Sora, Pied-billed Grebe, Buffiehead, Ring-necked Duck, Wood Duck, Cinnamon Teal, Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon, White-throated Sparrow, Barn owl, Lincoln's Sparrow, Yellow-breasted Chat, MacGillivray's Warbler, Sage Sparrow (out of their normal habitat here - probably post-breeding birds), Lewis's Woodpecker, etc. Many of these birds are quite rare here. Mitchell and White Canyon Mitchell and White Canyon are mainly accessed from Mitchell Canyon Road in Clayton. This canyon is by far the easiest canyon to bird by foot. The trail can be muddy in winter and is heavily used on weekends (watch out for speeding bicyclists, ticks, and rattlesnakes). Mitchell Canyon generally lacks the water birds of Pine Canyon (though there is a small pond between Mitchell and Donner Canyon) but has more chaparral birds. In late April to mid-May, these canyons can sometimes have a massive warbler fallout (including MacGillivray's and Hermit). Hammond's Flycatcher seems to be a regular (often common) migrant here in spring. White Canyon (and sometimes middle to upper Mitchell Canyon) is by far the best site in the park for Calliope Hummingbird, mainly from late April to mid-May. Black-chinned Sparrow is sometimes seen here, and Sage Sparrow is regular here. Phainopepla has been seen at Deer Flat and elsewhere in the canyon (also check just outside of the park along Mitchell Canyon Road in winter and spring). Lawrence's Goldfinch is regular here in spring in some years. For further information on chaparral birds, check out Chaparral Birds . Also, much of the park (except Pine Canyon) is covered in Jean Richmond's book Birding Northern California published by Mount Diablo Audubon Society. A bird checklist is available for Mount Diablo from Mount Diablo Interpretive Association or the State Park. Phainopepla, Male | Dave Furseth Great Horned Owl | Brian Murphy Wild Turkey | Michael Marchiano Peregrine Falcon | Dave Furseth Bullock's Oriole | Dave Furseth Western Tanager | Dave Furseth Cedar Waxwing | Joe Oliver BACK TO LIST

Grasslands by Glenn Keator, Ph. D. (excerpted from MDIA's book, Plants of the East Bay Parks) Plant Communities of Mount Diablo State Park 1999-01-01 Mike Woodring Few of California's grasslands and open places have been untouched by humans. Many were, before settlement, quite different communities that were altered deliberately or accidentally, in many cases by removal of shrubs and trees. The most altered open places are where western "civilization" has deliberately created agricultural lands for grazing, production of hay, and nonnative vegetables and fruits, and also for housing tracts. Although few such altered lands are directly considered, many parklands have areas whose past histories often reflect such treatment. Many of these are in the process of being reclaimed by native species yet retain an unnatural appearance. Such open places are what we call "disturbed", meaning there is little natural vegetation. Plowing, tilling, grazing, and burning have so altered the original vegetation that few native plants have survived. Instead these areas are home to plants we call weeds, escapes, and aliens. Weeds are natural here because they're designed to be opportunists, waiting for the chance to move in when land has been cleared. Our original grassland communities were dominated by perennial, native bunchgrasses -- clumped grasses that go dormant in summer but do not die. Hundreds of different kinds of annual, perennial, and bulb-bearing wildflowers occur between bunchgrasses, providing a magic carpet of ever-changing color from March through early June. Today, only a few such areas remain to remind us of the original splendor of these grasslands. The changes that most grasslands have undergone are dramatic. Whether grazed or ungrazed, managed or unmanaged, the majority of grasslands show the effects of the introduction of weedy, nonnative grasses and forbs. Some of these alien grasses and flowers were brought in by design, and others were introduced by accident -- often as contaminants of crop seeds (wild oats with cultivated oats, for example); as useful hay crops (alfalfa; sweet clover; red clover), as possible food plants (cardoon, chicory, fennel), or in ballast or bricks. Native bunchgrasses were generally more palatable than nonnative grasses; so as overgrazing progressed, the demise of these bunchgrasses was inevitable. Bunchgrasses were quickly replaced by annual European and Mid-Eastern grasses, including wild oats (Avena spp. ), foxtails (Hordeum spp. ), Italian rye (Lolium perenne ), bromes (bromus spp. ), and fescue (Festuca spp. ). Meanwhile, flowers with weedy characteristics and long-range dispersal strategies began to fill the spaces between grasses. The greater the grazing pressure, the more the "armed" weeds such as cardoons and thistles took over. Today, much rangeland has been degraded by pernicious, spiny plants like star thistle (Cantaurea solstialis ) and milk thistle (Silybum marianum ) or by poisonous plants like Klamath weed (Hypericum perforatum ). Most grasslands in our parks are at some stage between the extremes of weedlots and natural meadow; many are recovering to bunchgrasses and native wildflowers. But few will ever be completely free of the interlopers. New evidence suggests that light grazing may actually promote better wildflower displays by removing overshadowing grasses at the time of year when wildflowers are actively growing. Much remains to be discovered. One exception to our grassland story is grasslands on serpentine soils. Serpentine rock -- California's slick, soft, shiny bluish-green rock of metamorphic origin -- is notorious for its barren, nutrient-poor soils. Serpentine soils are low in essential calcium, high in toxic heavy metals such as molybdenum and nickel, and overly rich in magnesium, a needed nutrient that is nonetheless toxic in large quantities. Consequently, only certain specialized native flowers and grasses evolving over the eons, have managed to adapt to serpentine soils. Alien weeds and grasses are unable to grow here, so serpentine grasslands give us fine examples of bunchgrasslands in their near-original state. Meanwhile myriad species of wildflowers, including annuals, summer-dormant perennials, and bulbs, light up our grasslands in spring. Following abundant winter rains and the long, warm days of spring, floral displays explode upon the scene,wherever wildflowers can find a space between grasses. Some years the nonnative grasses get a head start, and wildflowers end up stunted; other years, wildflowers begin growth with or before the grasses and appear in vividly colored masses. Annuals adapt to California's summer-dry regime by dying when soils dry. Before this, however, they leave behind thousands of summer-dormant seeds. Perennials and bulbs use another ploy; they simply put their extra food and water into safe, underground roots or bulbs until the rains return. Since these subterranean structures are often several inches below the soil surface, they remain cool even during the hottest summers. Wildflowers belong to numerous families and come in many shapes and sizes, but most are white, blue, purple, or yellow: "bee" colors. (Bee eyes do not perceive orange and red.). Bees are our most abundant, prolific pollinators of open space. BACK TO LIST

Geologic Guide to Mount Diablo State Park A must have for all those interested in geology. 1998-07-01 The need for a simplified geological guide to Mount Diablo to accompany Memoir 217 was recognized by the Northern California Geological Society, Mount Diablo Interpretive Association, and California State Parks. A folded two-sided guide, edited by Greg Bartow, is now available, that consists of an updated geologic map with roads and trails on one side, and a description of the geology on the other side. The updated geologic map, by Russell Graymer and Victoria Langenheim of the U.S. Geological Survey, also appears in Chapter 1 of GSA Memoir 217. The guide includes a map showing the epicenters of 7,200 earthquakes that have occurred in the vicinity of Mount Diablo over the last 36 years. These earthquakes illustrate the active nature of the fault systems that continue to form Mount Diablo. Stephen Smith, President of Mount Diablo Interpretive Association, said, “This geologic guide will provide a new resource for visitors to appreciate the unique nature of the park.” Mount Diablo State Park draws more than 600,000 visitors each year to explore the park and take in the spectacular view. 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. Through education, sponsored activities, and publications, MDIA fosters appreciation and the enlightened use of Mount Diablo State Park. Save Mount Diablo is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of Mount Diablo peaks, surrounding foothills and watersheds through land acquisitions. Copies of the geologic map can be purchased online at the MDIA Store for $7.00 (shipping included), or for $6.00 at the Visitor Centers at Mount Diablo State Park Summit and Mitchell Canyon. Geology Map Cover.png Geology Map text side photo.JPG Geology Map map side photo.JPG BACK TO LIST

Red-tailed Hawk by Dan Sandri 2024-01-01 Dan Sandri Keep an eye out and an ear open! The Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is probably the most common hawk across the country, and is often seen above and around Mount Diablo State Park. Our Red-tailed Hawks are most numerous across California in Winter, when many hawks return from northern lands. These are large, broad-winged hawks that usually (but not always!) exhibit an orange-red tail. Along with the tail, the best indicator that the hawk you are looking at is a Red-tailed Hawk is a brown-streaked “belly-band” (sometimes dark, sometimes more finely-streaked) across the tummy, and dark patagial lines on the front edge of the underside of the wing when seen from below. See the photos for examples of the belly band and patagial lines. Identification can get tricky if the bird is dark Harlan’s subspecies or a dark-morph adult or juvenile. Their preferred food is mammals, such as voles, gophers, ground squirrels, rabbits and the like, but they will also eat lizards, snakes, birds and other animals. Because they have hollow bones, these large hawks are quite light in weight - an adult female might weigh in at only 3 pounds. Their classic, recorded scream can be heard in many a Western movie, even when the bird shown is an eagle or a kite! Bird Guide: https://www.mdia.org/birds-1-1/red-tailed-hawk red-tailed hawk1 DSandri.jpg red-tailed hawk2 DSandri.jpg BACK TO LIST

Mixed Evergreen Forest Excerpted from MDIA's book Plants of the East Bay Parks, by Glenn Keator, Ph. D. Plant Communities of Mount Diablo State Park 1999-01-01 Madrone, Arbutus menziesii Where oak canopies overlap, conditions favor a variety of other usually evergreen trees: California bay laurel, madrone, Douglas fir, tanbark oak (not a true oak but a lithocarpus), and California nutmeg. The Douglas fir and California nutmeg are not met with in our own region, while the other trees are. These mixed forests represent habitats intermediate in winter rainfall and summer drought between redwood forests, where summer fogs and heavy winter rains rule, and oak woodlands , where we've already seen the the severity of summer drought. Often there will be no absolute line and mixed-evergreen forest nudges the borders. Generally mixed-evergreen forests occur on north-facing slopes where south slopes are home to oak woodland. However, mixed evergreen forests may carpet a canyon bottom alongside the narrow riparian corridor but give way to oak woodland or chaparral on adjacent slopes. Often, too, the mixture of trees in these forests varies from locale to locale. Close to the coast, expect to see Douglas fir (Pseudotsunga menziesii ) and California nutmeg (Torreya californica ) in the forest; inland, expect to encounter canyon live oak. California black oak, California bay laurel, and madrone. The complex interactions of different trees from site to site are still not fully understood, for they also change with the age of the forest and its fire history. With the exception of a few deciduous trees -- California black and Garry oaks, California buckeye, and occasionally bigleaf maple -- mixed evergreen forests have the leathery, tough evergreen leaves so characteristic of chaparral shrubs. Unlike those, however, mixed-evergreen forest tree leaves tend to be broader and -- at least on lower branches -- horizontally oriented, for purposes of more efficient light absorption for photosynthesis. Only near the tree tops and only in some species (such as madrones) are leaves obliquely inclined, with pale undersides held skyward to reflect away intense summer sun. Although in mixed-evergreen forests as elsewhere wind pollination is used for the conifers and oaks, both madrone and bay laurel differ sharply, having insect-pollination strategies. Madrone produces abundant, nectar-rich white bells in mid-spring (bee favorites); bay laurel makes long lasting sets of small, pale yellow, saucer shaped flowers from mid-winter to early spring. Bay laurel is thus especially important in sustaining insects active at at time of year when most life is dormant. It joins ranks with the manzanitas in fulfilling this important role. As to seed dispersal, strategies resemble those of oak woodlands; again with many nutrient rich stored foods in extra large seeds. Only the madrone makes bright red-orange berries, attractive to large numbers of birds. Where Douglas fir occurs, its seeds are winged and wind distributed. This makes good sense, for Douglas fir is taller than the other trees, and winds easily reach its tall branches laden with seed cones. Not only do the roots of these trees extend outward for great distances to pick up as much of the winter rains as possible, but the competing understory plants -- shrubs, bunch grasses, bulbs, and perennial herbs -- seek water for later use. This intense competition for water means that the drier areas with least winter rainfall, where mixed-evergreen forest is marginal at best, have poorly developed understory vegetation. At the opposite pole, along the edge of redwood forests, the understory may be rich and varied. Most smaller plants are perennial; the annual life cycle is not favored by the relatively low light intensities. Many of these smaller plants extend into adjacent communities. The moisture-loving kinds extend into redwood forests and the droughty kinds -- especially the few bunchgrasses, such as melicas and California fescue --into oak woodlands. California bay laurel | Glenn-Keator Bay Laurel Trees near Juniper Campground | Dereck Love BACK TO LIST

The Amphitheater by Frank Valle-Riestra Reprinted from Mountain News, Spring/Summer 2009 Frank's Favorite Hikes 1998-07-01 All of us who enjoy walking in Mount Diablo State Park have our own favorite destination, perhaps a secret spot which we visit now and then, where we find peace of mind and nature at its best. The topographic complexity of Mount Diablo shelters quite an array of such spots—possibly a hidden cascade on the Falls Trail, a favorite formation on China Wall, or the perennial display of JohnnyJump-Ups on the Bruce Lee Road. My own favorite secret spot is “The Amphitheater”. “The Amphitheater” is a unique phenomenon in Mount Diablo State Park. It is a large bowl formed by the vertical cliffs of Highland Ridge, with sides of enveloping sandstone strata tilted and eroded into picturesque outcrops, not unlike those in Rock City. The bowl bottom is a level area of deep soil supporting a growth of lush grasses and magnificent, centuries-old oak trees, scattered like isolated giant sentinels across the green sward. It is a pastoral scene of unmatched beauty, and on a quiet sunny day you can imagine ghostly images of dancing nymphs in the mottled shade of the huge overhanging limbs, a vision from Greek mythology. The magic of this secret spot is enhanced by its location, in the southeastern-most part of the Park bordering Morgan Territory Regional Preserve, an area much less often visited than the main peak. Chances are you will have “The Amphitheater” all to yourself. A relatively easy way to reach “The Amphitheater” is from the Red Corral trailhead. Red Corral is on Morgan Territory Road, just one half mile beyond the twin narrow bridges, in the direction of Morgan Territory Regional Preserve, or south. You cannot miss the corral on your left, as it is indeed painted red. There is very limited parking at the edge of the road; be sure not to block access to the two gates across the road from the corral. Start your walk at the left of the two gates, and follow the road straight ahead; posted “Morgan Creek Road”. The route takes you upward through a mature stream-side deciduous forest. Soon you penetrate a more open oak savanna where the road veers to the left. Here be on the lookout for a single-track trail on your right, Jeremiah Creek Trail. It is a delightful path that wends its way at the side of Jeremiah Creek, through an open forest typical of our coastal ranges. The gently rising route ends in a saddle of Highland Ridge, on the Old Finley Road. Take a left on Old Finley Road, and after a few steps, at another junction, follow the road as it veers off to the right and downhill. You will be treated to fine views of the Jackass Canyon wilderness below you and imposing Oyster Point beyond. After just a few minutes of easy walking, you will reach the first single-track trail on your left, the beginning of the posted Amphitheatre Trail. A short jaunt will deposit you in the middle of “The Amphitheater”, such a welcoming environment, to let you rest from your exertions so far. Find a sheltered spot for a picnic lunch, and afterward do a bit of exploring to discover any number of surprises. You might even scramble up one of the gentler sandstone formations for a bird’s-eye overlook. Photographic opportunities abound—if you find those nymphs, bring me a picture! The easiest way to return to your car is by retracing your steps. Should you prefer to see new things on the way back, however, why not complete a loop that will not take you all that much longer? Continue on the Amphitheatre Trail to its end at Crestview Road. This trail meanders below Highland Ridge, and its final climb to meet Crestview Road is quite steep, but not long. At Crestview Road turn left. Notice the spectacular views of Mount Diablo in profile and the distant delta region. Shortly you will reach the Highland Ridge Trail. Here make a sharp left and continue until you reach the posted “Morgan Creek Road” on your right, which you descend back to Red Corral. The loop is less than five miles, and your total climb is just under 1,000 feet. Figure on two-and-one-half hours of walking plus an hour in “The Amphitheater”. BACK TO LIST

California Red Legged Frog by Michael Marchiano 1998-04-01 Michael Marchiano The Calaveras Jumping Frog is a story written by Mark Twain in the 19th century. Contrary to popular belief, the frog in that story was NOT an American Bullfrog but rather California’s largest native, the California Red Legged Frog. The Bull frog (a non-native species) was not introduced to California until the turn of the 20th Century. The Red legged frog, is a species in decline at this time due to habitat destruction (75 % of its historical range altered), fragmentation of its environment, water pollution, pesticides, mining, fertilizers, and the introduction of the bullfrog which eats red legged frogs and tadpoles as well as its food sources. The Red legged frog can grow up to five plus inches (half the size of a bullfrog) and lives up to 8-10 years. The frogs are reddish brown, olive, or gray with black spots. The legs have a dark banding and a dark mask like steak runs from the shoulder to the front of the upper jaw. Normally found near water it will often sit on the bank blending in to its surroundings. It will use its powerful hind legs to leap into the water when threatened or attacked by a predator.It takes two to three years to reach breeding age. Breeding takes place from December to March in seasonal ponds, streams, stock pools, and reservoirs. The female can lay up to 2000 eggs but only about one percent will metamorphosis into frogs. Tadpoles mature into frogs in three to seven months, often depending on the availability of water. Water sources with shore line growth of willows or cattails are ideal breeding locations, providing hiding place. In drought years many ponds that start out with breeding populations will dry up before metamorphosis is completed. Although a riparian frog, it is capable of traveling several miles overland in rainy weather. During dry spells it often seeks refuge in leaf litter, animal burrows (especially ground squirrels and gophers) and under fallen trees. They must stay cool or wet enough so as not to dry out. Predators consist of the afore mention introduced American bullfrog, cats, garter snakes, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, egrets, bass, and introduced mosquito fish eat their eggs and newly hatched larva. Their food consists primarily of insects and other invertebrates but they have been known to eat tree frogs and small mice when available. This very attractive amphibian is now protected under both State and federal law as a threatened species. Several populations of red legged frogs breed in Mount Diablo State Park but with our current drought situation many of their breeding sites are drying up before the frogs reach maturity thus causing a decline in their population. by Michael Marchiano by Michael Marchiano BACK TO LIST

Springtime on the North Peak Trail by Frank Valle-Riestra Reproduced from Mountain News, Spring/Summer 2011 2011-05-01 Five Peaks; View of Summit • Paul Salemme Of the many attractions of Mount Diablo, perhaps the most eagerly anticipated is the annual return of the mountain’s spectacular wildflower display. There are those trails along which a particular species predominates— globe lilies along the Globe Lily and Perkins trails. Johnny-jump-ups along the Coulter Pine and Bruce Lee Spring trails. California poppies on the slopes of Long Ridge. Bird’s eye gilias on the Bald Ridge trail. But there is one trail that has just about all of them, growing together in astounding profusion: the North Peak Trail, passing through the sun-drenched meadows just below the summit, the park’s Elysian Fields. If you have never been there at the time of blooming, you owe it to yourself to go. Start your exploration at the lower summit parking lot; here you will find restrooms, water, picnic tables—and incomparable views, another attractive feature of this hike. As you leave your vehicle, you will be drawn to the unobstructed panorama to the east; a broad, sweeping vista of apparent wilderness stretching from the Central Valley, across to the distant Mount Hamilton, and out toward Mount Umunhum in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It is a beautiful and impressive sight in all kinds of weather. (1) Now look for your trailhead, the beginning of a steadily descending section of the Summit trail, easily spotted near the vehicle entrance to the parking lot. This wide, well-maintained trail passes through a forest of mature buckbrush and bay trees, with occasional openings to reveal the ever-shifting views. Here you do have a dominant flowering species—the trailside buckbrush itself, a wild lilac, which bears clusters of white flowers in abundance. On warm, sunny days, the air is filled with their heady, sweet perfume. Look out also for trailside stands of yerba santa, with profuse trumpet-shaped white blooms, slightly tinged with purple. The plant, named “Sacred Herb” by early Spanish settlers, was used by Bay Miwoks as a remedy for respiratory problems. (2) The trail section ends at Devil’s Elbow, the sharpest Summit Road curve; a trail sign points out the beginning of the North Peak trail, heading toward Prospectors Gap. Here you must stop to admire the extraordinary assembly of Franciscan chert cliffs, pinnacles, and rocks spilling down from the summit, crowned by towering Devils Pulpit to the north. Particularly when highlighted by rays of the sun, these splendid 140-million-year-old formations, the color of congealed blood, constitute one of the most amazing Bay Area natural sights. Turn left (east) onto the North Peak trail; it begins with a short but very steep section, which requires careful attention to your footing. At first the flowers are not as profuse as promised, but you will spot examples of blue witch, wallflower, and naked buckwheat, among others. There are some fine specimens of juniper along the way, loaded with berry clusters thick as grapes. The farther you go, the more colorful becomes the massed wildflower display, with the climax growth just below Devils Pulpit (3), at the point where the trail veers leftward toward the north. Here, in meadows sprinkled with picturesque boulders, perhaps two dozen species form a broad carpet of happy cohabitation. Take a moment to rest on a boulder, to admire the scene around you and the now visible distant Sierra Nevada, stretching across the length of California. But more pleasures await you as you proceed along the intimate single-track trail, perched above the steep canyons far below. Even though the area has not been fire-ravaged since 1977, the fire-induced wind poppy may still be found occasionally—a rare find, indeed. On the other hand, the sloping meadows farther along toward Prospectors Gap abound with broad swaths of goldfields, a joy to the eye. The only thing to mar your pleasure is the evidence of pig damage, from animals descended from pigs released by early ranchers for hunting purposes. They are a problem all over the mountain, bulldozing the moist earth to dig up wildflower bulbs. (4) Just before Prospectors Gap, the trail begins a long, steep descent with rather treacherous footing. Unless you wish to reach the gap for some reason, stop before attempting the descent and note a little unmarked path on your left. A few steps take you to a spot that opens up new vistas to the west, as well as great views of the Ransom Point monolith above, and Summit Visitor Center—our own modest mountain-top castle. The total round-trip hike to this end point and back is about 2¼ miles, and your climb is 620 feet, mostly on the way back. Allow 2½ hours. Of course, you can extend your hike past Prospectors Gap to include the length of the incomparable Bald Ridge trail, with its wonderful carpets of bird’s eye gilia. Be aware that this will increase your hike by another 3 miles, with an additional climb of 650 feet, allow two more hours. And say hello to the melodious California thrashers, which favor that particular environment. A word of caution; it is impossible to foretell the best time for the wildflower display—it usually occurs between March and May—or whether the display will be a decent one. But the North Peak trail offers ample rewards even if flowers happen to be skimpy. Check out more Spring Wildflower Hikes: Globe Lily Trail Black Point Trail Mary Bowerman Hike North Peak Trail Map BACK TO LIST

Rattlesnake Research by Linda Orchard-Hays Mount Diablo Review, January 1999 Rattlesnake Research Program at the Lindsay Wildlife Museum 1999-01-01 Northern Pacific Rattlesnake, North Gate Road | Clayton Worsdel Rattlesnakes. Most people are afraid of them and yet many of us have never seen one in the wild. These shy creatures prefer to remain out of sight, and do us the courtesy of giving a warning when we get too close. Although rattlesnakes can hear very low frequencies and vibrations, their rattles exist for the benefit of the predator. Rattlesnakes’ primary predator is man, who kill them out of fear and ignorance. However, they are also killed by hawks, eagles, roadrunners, coyotes, bobcats and kings snakes. There are 29 species of rattlesnake within North and South America. The one most common to California is the western rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis ); it ranges from south-western Canada to Chihuahua, Mexico and as far east as western Iowa. There are nine sub-species of this snake; the most common one in the Bay Area is the northern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis oreganus ). Although rattlesnakes can be aggressive when hungry or threatened, they do not often bite humans. A bite with venom (venom is not always injected) can cause swelling, necrosis, fever, and nausea. The only way to treat a bite is to get to a hospital within four hours and receive anti-shock and anti-venom treatment. The northern Pacific rattlesnake, according to Carl Ernst’s description, is dark gray, olive, yellowish brown, brown or black and has dark hexagonal or circular blotches with light borders (from Venomous Reptiles of North America). The average length ranges from 1.5 feet to 2.5 feet with the maximum length being just over 5 feet. They eat small rodents, birds and lizards and live for 16-20 years. The females generally give birth every 2 years although it can vary from every year to every third year. The gestation period is 110 days and they give birth to an average of 10 live young. Generally, the females will live in maternity colonies throughout the year and not migrate to the summer feeding ground. The western rattlesnake can be found in a variety of habitats such as woodlands, scrub areas, grasslands, desert margins or sand dunes. Its main requirement is having adequate hiding spots, such as ground squirrel burrows or rocky outcroppings, within migratory distance. These snakes have a summer feeding area, a winter hibernation site and a migration corridor between the two, and they are highly tenacious to their territory. If, for example, a house is built on their migration route, those homeowners may find rattlesnakes in their yard each year. The territories of western Pacific rattlesnakes are about .05 to .025 square miles. They emerge from hibernation in the early spring and shortly thereafter migrate to the summer feeding area. They then return to the hibernacula in October and hibernate through the winter. In this area, the snakes may briefly come out of hibernation on a warm winter day. The distance between the summer feeding ground and the winter hibernacula depends primarily on the climate. Cornell professor Dr. Harry Greene has found that in Arizona this species stays in the same territory year-round while in Wyoming it can migrate over five miles. It is not yet known how far they migrate in this area. That is one of the questions that we hope to find an answer with the wildlife research project at the Lindsay Museum. If we can determine the location of the territories and migration routes we can be better informed about our activities at certain times of the year. The Lindsay Wildlife Museum has a Wildlife Research Program consisting of five different projects. Through a series of classes, each project trains volunteers in scientific observation and data collection. The volunteers then collect data to answer a specific scientific question for a partner organization. The program therefore simultaneously provides an educational opportunity and scientific research. For each project there can be more than one partner organization. The rattlesnake project has four partners: Lindsay Wildlife Hospital, Ohlone-Sunol Wilderness, Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, and Mount Diablo State Park. The project is studying two questions: 1) What are the movements of a snake brought into the hospital after it has been rehabilitated and released? 2) Where are the migration routes and territories of rattlesnakes in this area? The first question will help us understand if a snake is able to orient back to its territory and/or be successful once it has been removed and released. A snake must be released within three miles of where it was found. However, since a western rattlesnake only moves a couple of meters each day, three miles may be too far away from its territory for it to be successful. The second question is more long-range and will require many studies; however, it can lead us to understand the habitat needs of this animal and help us minimize human impact. The snakes are studied by implanting them with a radio transmitter. Each snake can then be tracked using a receiver and an antennae. Currently, the project has one young adult male snake that has been implanted and released at Mount Diablo State Park. In the spring, when the snakes become more active, volunteers from the project will be assisting at Ohlone-Sunol Wilderness with a similar project already in place there. We hope that in the future more parks n space areas will do research on these animals to promote our understanding and preserve their habitat. If you are interested in learning more about these projects or becoming a volunteer please contact the Lindsay Wildlife Museum at 925-935-1978. Rattlesnake | Scott Hein Rattlesnake Blending BACK TO LIST