Spring greetings from the mountain! The flowers are blooming in Mitchell Canyon, and so is our vision for the Mitchell Canyon Education Center—we're excited to share the design is coming to life in inspiring ways. 

MDIA and Mount Diablo State Park have been collaborating closely with architects, lighting consultants, landscape architects, fire suppression engineers, structural engineers, and other specialists. From sunlight angles and shade structures to bird-safe glass and sustainable lighting, every detail is being thoughtfully planned to make this an outstanding educational destination.

Key milestones reached:

1. Ware Associates has completed the design of the Education Center. It is now under final review by the State Fire Marshal and then it will go to the Department of Parks and Recreation to initiate the public bidding process.

2. In partnership with Mount Diablo State Park, MDIA has released a Request for Proposal to professional exhibit designers to plan the interpretive exhibits for the new center.

While these milestones are exciting, we are mindful of challenges ahead. 

Our construction budget is extremely tight, and we’re closely watching the potential impact of tariffs on materials like structural wood, steel, and exterior panels. The building will feature a wood frame, metal roof, steel-framed windows, and cementitious exterior panels. Though current estimates are based on today’s prices, we know unexpected increases could arise.

Looking ahead, we may have to raise additional money for final construction costs in addition to the exhibits and sustainable enhancements such as solar panels and the shade structure. We will keep you informed every step of the way as we work together to make this shared vision a reality.

What keeps us going is the impact this space will have. One volunteer docent recently reflected on a moment with a group of kindergartners who visited our tiny 400-square-foot trailer:

"They squeezed in with their parents, bursting with excitement—touching pelts, marveling at the tarantula, hefting pinecones, and admiring blooming flower photos. I can only imagine how much richer their experience will be in the new Education Center!" 

Thank you for believing in this dream with us. If you have any questions—or fundraising ideas—we’d love to hear from you. 

Contact us at: mcec4Me@gmail.com