About Mount Diablo Interpretive Association

 


WHO ARE WE?

Mount Diablo Interpretive Association (MDIA) is a non-profit volunteer organization which assists the California Department of Parks and Recreation in maintaining and interpreting Mt. Diablo State Park for its 700,000 visitors each year. Through a continuing program of education, sponsored activities and publications, MDIA fosters appreciation and the enlightened use of Mount Diablo State Park. MDIA is proud to have played a major part in raising funds for the construction of the Museum atop the summit of Mt. Diablo. MDIA has created and now manages the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center.

See "A dark and stormy night" - Origins of MDIA on our On-line Publications page.


MDIA PROGRAMS AND PUBLICATIONS

MDIA has a number of Programs that are designed to enhance the publics appreciation of the mountain. They range from various educational programs to our trail signage program and is the leading partner in an ambitious plan to create a geology interpretive trail from near the Blackhawk community to the summit of Mt. Diablo. This Trail Through Time allows hikers to walk back through 150 million years of geologic history.

The Association publications include the popular Trail Map of Mt. Diablo State Park and various natural history brochures. MDIA prints Mountain News, a newsletter for its members and the Mt. 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.


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, administrative and educational activities are encouraged to contact MDIA for information, or visit our Membership Page. Also See letter on volunteering from our president.

EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY

Through a continuing program of education, MDIA fosters appreciation and the enlightened use of Mount Diablo State Park. MDIA is proud to have played a major part in raising funds for the construction of the Museum atop the summit of Mt. Diablo. MDIA is responsible for the creation and staffing of the Visitor Center at Mitchell Canyon.

MDIA volunteers offer nature hikes and assist with trail maintenance. The Association publishes the popular Trail Map of Mt. Diablo State Park and various natural history brochures. MDIA prints Mountain News, a newsletter for its members and the Mt. Diablo Review for free distribution to park visitors. The Association's first major book, Plants of the East Bay Parks and new Guide to Mt. Diablo is widely available.

MDIA is a major partner in an ambitious plan to create a world class interpretive trail from near the Blackhawk community to the summit of Mt. Diablo. With the help of carefully placed interpretive panels, hikers will walk back through 150 million years of geologic history to learn about ancient landscapes, prehistoric animal life, evolving plant forms, and also about the massive tectonic forces that formed the mountain that we know today.



MDIA ORGANIZATION

Board of Directors
Rich McDrew - President
Jim Mitchell - Vice President
Tom Nootbaar - Secretary
Steve Elliott - Treasurer
Burt Bogardus
Harvey Brosler

Leslie Contreras
Leslie Dawson
Sue Donecker
Ken Lavin

Mike Nelson
Roi Peers
Maria Tice
Nancy Topp
Verne Van Vlear
Ralph Wright

    

Committee Chairs
Contracts - Steve Elliott
Fundraising - Jim Mitchell
Hikes - Leslie Contreras
Interpretive Displays - Ken Lavin
Investments in Park - Steve Elliott
Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center - Steve Elliott
Membership - Nancy Topp
Merchandising - Craig Lyon
Nominating - Leslie Dawson
Outreach/Publicity - Ralph Wright
Publications - Mike Nelson
Telescope - Burt Bogardus
Trail Adoption - Jim Mitchell
Trail Map - Warren Tighe
Trail Signage - Rich McDrew
Trash Removal - Burt Bogardus
Administration
MDIA Voice Mail - (925) 927-7222        Fax - (877) 349-5016
P.O Box 346 - Walnut Creek, CA  94597-0346
Email Address:   mdiamail@aol.com         Website:   www.mdia.org

 


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MOUNT DIABLO INTERPRETIVE ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 346 - Walnut Creek, CA 94597-0346
(925) 927-7222 / FAX: (877) 349-5016