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Wildflower Mount Diablo Valley Tassels, Narrow Leaved Owl's Clover Scientific Name: Castilleja attenuata Family: Orobanchaceae (Broomrape Family) Blooms: Mar - May Color: White Annual herb Native Jump to Blooming Now Blue / Purple Red / Pink White Yellow / Orange Invasive Plants Steven Beatty

Quicksilver at Mount Diablo Mining and Scientific Press, Vol. 10, No. 18, p. 280 (May 6, 1865) May 6, 2018 Smelter at New Almaden 1862 One of the most promising mineral locations in Contra Costa is the quicksilver mine near the eastern base of the main summit of Mount Diablo. This mine has been known to the Tribal Communities from time immemorial. A very aged native, who has given up the roving habits of his race, and "located" in the vicinity of this mine, says that from the time of his boyhood all the natives in that region have been in the habit of resorting to that place for obtaining the red paint (sulphate of mercury) with which they were accustomed to bedaub themselves on all occasions of great festivity or when preparing for battle. The same use, it will be recollected, was made of the same substance at the New Almaden mine. So little attention was paid to mining matters about Mount Diablo, that it is only quite recently that the value of this mine has been brought to the notice of capitalists. It was first located by Mr. Welch, who, in connection with several of his friends, took it up a year or two ago. They ran a short cut into the face of the hill, and sunk a shaft some thirty-five feet in depth on the ledge, at which point they cut through-'the vein, which was thus proven to be continuous and about ten feet in thickness. This shaft was partially filled up at the time of our visit to the mine. The ore is very rich, the quicksilver being brought freely to the surface whenever the ore is exposed for a short time in a fire. Repeated assays of average rock have uniformly yielded most satisfactory results. The vein rock proper is accompanied with a large amount of earthy matter, known by the Mexicans as "tiros," precisely as it is found at the New Almaden mine, near San Jose. A large amount of free quicksilver can be washed from this earth by the ordinary pan process, securing, at the same time, large quantities of pure sulphuret of mercury, in the form of fine crystals, like sand. It is said that a man can make fair wages by merely panning out the native quicksilver. It may not be out of place in this connection to state that the party of Mexicans who were employed to do the work of the New Almaden Company, proposed to take the mine and open it thoroughly by tunnels and shafts for extensive working, and take merely the ore which they might raise for their pay--thus making the mine pay for its own development. The proprietors did not see fit to accept their offer, but preferred to associate themselves with capitalists and develop it on their own account. As a further evidence of the richness of this mine, it may be noticed that a small stream of water, which runs down the mountain, the most of the year, across the vein, has been taken up as a quicksilver placer; the locators intending to sluice out the bed of the stream for the free quicksilver, and the large deposit of rich boulders of ore and finely divided sulphuret sands which abound in the same. A handsome prospect of quicksilver can be obtained from a panfull of earth taken up at random, almost anywhere in this stream, for two or three thousand feet from the mine. The holders think they have got a "good thing" of it, and will commence operations as soon as the next rainy season sets in. The original owners of the mine, which is called after its locator, the "Welch Claim," have made an arrangement with Mr. Ogilsby, a capitalist, well known as the owner of the Ogilsby road over a portion of the Sierra, to put up furnaces and the necessary machinery for working the mine. The work of putting up this machinery has already commenced, and we understand the retorts will be ready for work in about two or three months. Experts and persons who have long been connected with the working of the ores of the New Almaden mine, say that this is quite as promising as that was at the start. The millions of profit which have been derived from the Almaden make the proprietors of the Welch claim almost fancy themselves millionaires also. We trust they may become so in reality. Three extension locations have been made upon the north and one upon the south of the original location, known as the Union Company, which presents quite as well defined a vein as that of the original Welch Company, and much more favorably located for working ; beyond which there is no appearance of the vein, and, indeed, such is the formation of the mountain, that there is scarcely a possibility of its being found any further. Some work has been done on the southern extension--a short cut run, in which the vein is exposed, and a location made for a tunnel, at a point which presents a most favorable opportunity for a thorough opening of the vein at a very moderate cost. The location of this vein is very favorable for profitable and economical working. It is situated within three or four hours' ride from San Francisco, and within eleven miles of good water communication, over nine miles of which there already exists an excellent and almost perfectly level county road. The other two miles are now being constructed by Mr. Ogilsby, who, by the way, is famous for building good roads. We shall not be surprised to see Mount Diablo, before long, presenting a formidable rival to the Old and New Almaden mines, which have for so many years controlled the quicksilver market of the world. This discovery, should it prove as valuable as it now promises to become, will be most opportune for the present increasing demand for this prime necessity for working ores of the precious metals is calling loudly for a new and additional source of supply, without which, the mining public may well fear a monopoly which may, at no distant day, exert a disastrous influence on the world's supply of gold and silver. BACK TO LIST

Wildflower Mount Diablo Heermann's Tarweed Scientific Name: Holocarpha heermannii Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family) Blooms: Jun - Oct Color: Yellow-Orange Annual herb Native, endemic to California Jump to Blooming Now Blue / Purple Red / Pink White Yellow / Orange Invasive Plants Michael Marchiano

Wildflower Mount Diablo Hartweg's Tauschia, Umbrellawort Scientific Name: Tauschia hartwegii Family: Apiaceae (Parsley-Carrot Family) Blooms: Apr - Jun Color: Yellow-Orange Perennial herb Native, endemic to California Jump to Blooming Now Blue / Purple Red / Pink White Yellow / Orange Invasive Plants Mike Woodring

Edith's Checkerspot Euphydryas editha Nymphalidae Brushfoots Flies March to July Host Plant Figwort Nectar Plant Kevin Hinsta D. L. Rawlinson Underwing

Wildflower Mount Diablo California Rose Scientific Name: Rosa californica Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family) Blooms: May - Jun Color: Red-Pink Shrub Native Jump to Blooming Now Blue / Purple Red / Pink White Yellow / Orange Invasive Plants Kevin Hintsa

Welcome to Mount Diablo A Message from Steve Smith, MDIA President You have picked a perfect day to come, and we want to help make your visit the best experience. Perhaps you’re here for the first time, or are you a regular? Have you brought family and friends or are you looking for some solo contemplation? Is your destination the Summit to sightsee, or have you come to explore some of our 20,000 acres? Regardless of why you have arrived, you are no doubt here to enjoy what nature and the outdoors have to offer you. Whether you are exploring the backcountry or just sharing a meal at a picnic spot, the flora and fauna you will experience are wonderful distractions from the bustling metropolis surrounding us. Human beings have been enjoying this area for thousands of years and those of us who get to know it hold it in high regard. It truly is a special place. I am proud to lead the park’s non-profit cooperative association, the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association. Our mission is simple, Preservation through Education. Our website offers you more information in the form of interesting articles that are more specific to the reason you may be visiting the park. Thanks for coming and have a wonderful time! News and Park Alerts Select Category Apr 30, 2025 A Blooming Vision: Your Education Center Update 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 that 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. More Apr 20, 2025 Park Information For the latest information on Park closure, road conditions, or fire danger, call 925-837-2525 or check the Mount Diablo State Park Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=517 More Jan 27, 2025 Seasonal Peregrine Nesting Area Closure now includes Knobcone Point For 2024: Two Peregrine Nesting Closures From February 1st through July 31st, Mount Diablo State Park will close two small areas to all visitors to accommodate nesting peregrine falcons, a protected species in California. The closure zone in the Castle Rock cliffs of Pine Canyon was established in 2015. The second zone, Knobcone Point, established in 2022, lies in the remote cliffs of the Black Hills. MDIA Peregrine Team members monitor both sites and provide education to park visitors about these apex predators. All roads and trails within both areas are closed for the nesting season. To view the full closure notice, please visit mdia.org. Closure Map for Knobcone Point area Pine Canyon and Knobcone Point Area Closure Effective February 1st every year. More Aug 29, 2024 Mount Diablo receives $2.6 million for building new Education Center Mount Diablo Interpretive Association is pleased to announce that, on August 22, the California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) awarded a grant of $2.6 million to help build the Mitchell Canyon Education Center in Mount Diablo State Park. “On behalf of MDIA, I want to express how thrilled we are. We are immensely grateful to the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) for this grant and to all the donors and community organizations who believed in the value of this project and generously provided the initial funding for it,” said Steve Smith, President of the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association (MDIA). MDIA is an all-volunteer association and the official support organization for Mount Diablo State Park. The organization has worked closely with California State Parks and the staff at Mount Diablo to pursue funding for a new education and visitor center. The grant provides critical funding that moves the project forward toward construction phases. The new facility will replace an aging trailer that is not ADA-compliant. The new facility will be fully accessible, able to accommodate school groups on the mountain, expand the natural and cultural history content, and enhance the visitor experience overall. Construction may begin as early as Fall 2025. The project has attracted wide community support, including from California Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (District 16), who secured a $1 million State allocation for the project, based in part on the new opportunity to serve all the school districts in Contra Costa. A wide variety of community leaders, foundations and organizations have also contributed to and endorsed the project. WCB is a California State Board whose primary purpose is to approve funding for wildlife habitat protection, restoration and wildlife-oriented public access projects. https://wcb.ca.gov 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. In 2022, MDIA initiated a campaign to build a new education center in Mitchell Canyon, on Mount Diablo’s northeast side to better serve visitors and open new opportunities for students. For more information contact: Steve Smith at president@mdia.org or Mike Brandy at brandymike@gmail.com Ryen Goering (CSP), Mike Brandy (MDIA), Clint Elsholz (CSP), Linda Kwong (MDIA), Alyssa Benedetti (WCB), Steve Smith (MDIA), Julie Martin (MDIA), and Dan Sandri (MDIA) MDIA Press Release - August 2024 More Mar 12, 2024 Education Center Visioning Workshop with Sibbett Group Since we last wrote to you to share the success of passing the $2 million mark, there have been some wonderful developments in our quest to build the new Education Center: We received a unanimous endorsement from the Contra Costa County Mayor’s conference – the mayors from every city in the county. These mayors represent over 980,000 residents. We are excited to start bringing the educational program of the new center into focus. We have entered into a contract with The Sibbett Group, a professional exhibit design firm to help us create a vision for the internal and external exhibits. This Bay Area firm is nationally recognized, with extensive work at National Parks, State Parks, and museums. To help us develop the best educational content, we are working with a variety of leaders. Tracy McManus, the County Office of Education Science Coordinator, and Sharon Peterson, the Interpreter for Mount Diablo State Park, are helping to craft our interpretive design for the new Education Center and ensure that it aligns with State curriculum standards. In addition we are working with local tribal leadership to reflect Indigenous perspectives in the exhibits at the new Education Center. You can help us achieve the vision for the Education Center by donating today: https://www.mdia.org/donate Our visioning workshop brought together officials from Indigenous Leadership, CA State Parks, MDIA and Sibbett Group. Pictured (l-r) are: Julie Braun-Martin, MDIA Board; Dan Sandri, MDIA Secretary; Brianna Cutts, Sibbett Consulting; Mark Brauer, MDIA Board; Christina McLain, CSP Biologist; Zack Moskowitz, CSP Archeologist; Steve Smith, MDIA President; Kanyon Sayers-Roods, Kanyon Konsulting, Indian Canyon Mutsun Band of Costanoan-Ohlone People; Sharon Peterson, CSP Interpreter; Mike Brandy, MDIA Vice President; Don Sibbett, Sibbett Consulting and Dick Nicoll, MDIA Board (not pictured). By Steve Smith More Mar 11, 2024 Protecting Mount Diablo's Peregrines Shooting through the sky at speeds reaching over 200 miles per hour, peregrine falcons, the fastest animals on earth, descend upon their prey in the blink of an eye. These extraordinary raptors nest at two locations within Mount Diablo State Park: Castle Rock and Knobcone Point. Though they may be mighty hunters, they need our help to complete a successful nesting season. Peregrine in flight by Wally De Young Courtesy of Mary Nagle, Save Mount Diablo More Jan 30, 2024 Together, We Did it! We are thrilled to announce that our community stepped up and pushed us over the $2 million milestone at the close of 2023! Thanks to all of you for helping the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association raise $1 million in private donations for the new Mitchell Canyon Education Center, matching the $1 million grant from the State of California. We are grateful for the enthusiastic support of the project and financial support from a wide range of individuals, companies, organizations, community leaders, and elected officials. A total of 116 local donors contributed to the campaign. They included current and former MDIA Board members, Cemex Corporation, the Kerr Foundation, Clayton Business & Community Association, PG&E, and numerous individuals. An anonymous donor made a major contribution that enabled us to achieve our goal. Mount Diablo Interpretive Association now has sufficient funds to start construction on at least one part of the project later this year, and we hope to be awarded a large grant to be able to complete the entire project. The new Mitchell Canyon Education Center will inspire thousands of visitors each year to explore the mountain, deepen their understanding of its rich history and biodiversity, wonder at its beauty, and ensure its protection. We are so grateful for your ongoing support and appreciate your commitment to our mission of Preservation Through Education. We could not do this important work without your help. Thank you for your ongoing generosity and congratulations on our success! Sincerely, Steve Smith Thanks from Leslie, Tere, Mark, Dan, Steve, Julie, Mike & Dick and the entire Board of Directors MDIA Press Release - January 2024 More Jan 6, 2024 Dan Sandri's Renaissance Career Dan Sandri, one of MDIA’s core volunteers, is a big hiker, but he doesn't usually leg it because he's looking for insects. His backstory is inspiring: He retired a handful of years ago after a career with the State, but he had earned a Bachelor's degree in entomology at UC Berkeley and his bug-love had stayed alive but dormant. Though he thought he'd forgotten most of what he'd learned way back then, he was soon out combing the mountain to recall and re-learn. He hooked up with old ento buddies, one of whom is a research professor in the field, and look at this: a scientific paper with his name on it and using his fine photos! The moral of the story: Never call retirement "retirement." Instead, it is your renaissance career. Congrats to Dan! Dan Sandri (middle) with two other insect-loving MDIA volunteers, Dan Fitzgerald (left) and Michael Marchiano (right). Photo by Daniel Fitzgerald Volunteer Highlights More Sep 30, 2023 East Bay Leadership Council Welcomes MDIA to its Membership Please welcome Mount Diablo Interpretive Association to EBLC! MDIA's team of volunteers are preserving the nature and history of Mount Diablo State Park through the development of interpretive and educational resources. Their dedication to this mission is an important component of improving the quality of life of East Bay residents. Last week Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan, California State Parks, and MDIA announced $1 million in State Funding for Mitchell Canyon Education Center to be built at Mount Diablo State Park. Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan and MDIA Board of Directors East Bay Leadership Council, LinkedIn More Sep 29, 2023 State writes big check to boost construction efforts for Mount Diablo education center The state of California gave the future Mitchell Canyon Education Center on Mount Diablo a check for $1 million to boost its construction efforts, the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association this week said. Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, D-Orinda, presented the check at the site on Sept. 20. The money will help fund the construction of a cutting-edge Education Center at the Mitchell Canyon entrance to the park. Rebecca Bauer-Kahan with Cameron Morrison and Stephen Smith by Tony Hicks, Bay City News Foundation More Sep 28, 2023 Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association gets $1 million from state for Mitchell Canyon Education Center Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) recently presented a check for $1 million from the state to the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association. This funding will enable the construction of a cutting-edge Education Center at the Mitchell Canyon entrance to Mount Diablo State Park. Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan and MDIA Board of Directors The Press More Sep 20, 2023 Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan, California State Parks and Mount Diablo Interpretive Association Announce $1,000,000 in State Funding for Mitchell Canyon Education Center Clayton, Calif.— Wednesday, September 20, Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) will visit the site of the future Mitchell Canyon Education Center to present a check for $1 million from the State of California to the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association. This funding will enable the construction of a cutting-edge Education Center at the Mitchell Canyon entrance to Mount Diablo State Park. “I’m thrilled to be presenting this funding which will mark a pivotal step toward enhancing educational opportunities, facilitating better access, and enriching the visitor experience at Mount Diablo,” said Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan. “As Chair of the Assembly’s Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee, I understand how crucial open space and nature are for our quality of life here in California, and I am proud of how this partnership will draw more visitors to Mount Diablo.” Rebecca Bauer-Kahan with Cameron Morrison and Steve Smith Joint Press Release by Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan, California State Parks and Mount Diablo Interpretive Association More Top Article Peregrine Closure Notice

Wildflower Mount Diablo Hop Clover Scientific Name: trifolia campestre Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family) Blooms: Apr-Jun Color: Yellow-Orange Annual herb Introduced Jump to Blooming Now Blue / Purple Red / Pink White Yellow / Orange Invasive Plants

Living With California Coyotes Reproduced from the California Department of Fish and Game publication January 1, 1999 Coyotes in California Observing wild animals is one of the many benefits of living in or near wildlife habitat. The experience can turn unpleasant or even dangerous, however, when well-meaning people feed wildlife. When fed by people, coyotes can become unnaturally bold and the result is conflict between coyotes and people, which too often ends in serious harm, or even death, to people or the coyotes. The coyote (Canis latrans ), a member of the dog family, is native to California (and Mount Diablo). It closely resembles a small German shepherd dog with the exception of the long snout and bushy, black-tipped tail. The coyote's high-pitched, yodel-like yapping can frequently be heard at night. Coyotes are extremely adaptable and can survive on whatever food is available. They hunt rabbits, mice, birds and other small animals, as well as young deer and sheep. They will also fee on the carcasses of dead animals and will accept "hand-outs" from people in the form of table scraps, pet food and garbage. Coyotes are found throughout California, from desert and mountain habitats to urban areas. Problems occur when people begin feeding coyotes, either deliberately or inadvertently. Coyotes will quickly lose their natural fear of people and become bold,even aggressive. Pets are often attacked, injured or killed by coyotes. In a few tragic cases, coyotes have attacked small children, causing serious injuries and death. Help Keep Coyotes Wild We can reduce conflicts with coyotes by ensuring that they remain cautious of humans. Practice these safety guidelines and encourage your neighbors to do the same. Never Feed a Coyote Deliberately feeding coyotes puts you, your pets and your neighbors at risk. Some communities have ordinances that ban feeding of coyotes or other wildlife. You may be inadvertently feeding coyotes by leaving pet food or garbage where they can get to it. Feed pets indoors or promptly remove outdoor dishes when pets finish their meals. Store bags of pet food indoors. Use trash cans with lids that clamp shut, which will prevent spilling if the cans are tipped over. If you leave garbage outside, don't use trash bags as garbage containers" coyotes can easily rip them open and scatter the contents. Put trash containers out the morning of the scheduled pick-up, rather than the night before. This will give the coyote less time to scavenge. Clear brush and dense weeds from around dwellings to reduce protective cover for coyotes and make the area less attractive to rodents. Coyotes and other predators may be attracted to areas where rodents are concentrated, such as wood and brush piles and seed storage areas. Protect Children Although rare, coyote attacks have seriously injured young children. Never leave small children unattended in areas known to be frequented by coyotes, even in your yard. Protect Pets and Livestock Keep small pets, such as cats, rabbits and small dogs, indoors. Don't allow them to run free at any time. They are easy, favored prey. Some coyotes seek cats in residential areas. Large dogs should be brought inside after dark, and never be allowed to run loose. Rabbit hutches should have a solid bottom. A hutch standing above ground, with only a wire bottom, makes your rabbit an easy mark. When building a chicken coop, dig a one-foot trench around its perimeter. Extend the chicken wire fence well into the trench, then bury it. Use Negative Reinforcement If coyotes begin frequenting your neighborhbood, let them know they're not welcome. Make loud noises, throw rocks, or spray them with a garden hose. For everyone's safety, it is essential that coyotes retain their natural wariness of humans. If coyote problems persist, contact your local city government or county agricultural commissioner for assistance. Report Threats and Attacks Immediately If you see a coyote behaving aggressively or attacking people, contact the nearest office of the California Department of Fish and Game during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If an encounter or attack occurs after business hours, call the Department of Fish and Game's 24-hour dispatch center at (916) 445-0045. The Department will take appropriate action. Northern California California Department of Fish & Game Office 530-225-2300 Coyote | Carl Nielson BACK TO LIST

Wildflower Mount Diablo Chaparral Broomrape, Tuberous Broomrape Scientific Name: Aphyllon tuberosum Family: Orobanchaceae (Broomrape Family) Blooms: Mar - Jun Color: Blue-Purple Perennial herb (parasitic) Native, endemic to California Jump to Blooming Now Blue / Purple Red / Pink White Yellow / Orange Invasive Plants Stephen Smith Mike Woodring

Wildflower Mount Diablo Naked Ladies Toxic characteristics to animals and humans Scientific Name: Amaryllis belladonna Family: Amaryllidaceae (Amaryllis Family) Blooms: June - October Color: Red-Pink Perennial (Bulb) Introduced Jump to Blooming Now Blue / Purple Red / Pink White Yellow / Orange Invasive Plants Steven Beatty

Wildflower Mount Diablo Perennial Pepperweed Invasive, Cal-IPC rating: high Scientific Name: Lepidium latifolium Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family) Blooms: May-Jul Color: White Perennial herb Introduced Jump to Blooming Now Blue / Purple Red / Pink White Yellow / Orange Invasive Plants