Mount Diablo State Park Weather and Air Quality Weather Mount Diablo Summit Weather Mount Diablo Summit Rainfall (CA.gov) Summit Webcam (CalFire) Mitchell Canyon Weather (Wunderground) Junction Weather (Wunderground) Air Quality Mount Diablo Summit AQI Junction Ranger Station AQI Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center AQI

Additional Resources Browse the resources available from our community partners. 1 California State Parks- PORTS Learning materials from the State Parks https://ports.parks.ca.gov 2 California Environmental Literacy Initiative Parent Portal http:// https://partnerportal.ca-eli.org/site/contra-costa-county-office-of-education/browse/community-based-partners 3 East Bay Parks Educator resources including Ohlone 3rd Grader Program, animals and field trips https://www.ebparks.org/programs/educators 4 Lawrence Hall of Science Programs including Stem Day, Otto Initiative, workshops on matter, circuits, life science, engineering, science kits, and resources for teachers including GEM kits. https://lawrencehallofscience.org/educators/ 5 Lindsay Wildlife Museum Discovery Kits, Hikes and Programs https://lindsaywildlife.org/teachers-and-schools/ 6 Mount Diablo State Park Interpreter-Led Programs Please contact Park Interpreter Sharon Peterson via email (Sharon.Peterson@parks.ca.gov ) for information regarding School Group Programs and/or Education Tours. Presented by California State Parks. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=517 7 Save Mount Diablo About the Mangini Ranch Educational Preserve and how to reserve a field trip. https://savemountdiablo.org/what-we-do/educating-and-inspiring-people/mangini-ranch-educational-preserve/ Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Back to Learn Download the NGSS Fact Sheet

Live Oak Campground Map

Ways to support Mount Diablo Interpretive Association Ways to Support MDIA Mount Diablo Interpretive Association is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to supporting Mount Diablo State Park. We are a 501(c)(3) organization, and our Tax ID# is 23-7444529. Donate Today! Gift Giving Make a donation to support the general operations of MDIA. Tribute gifts are also a way to remember or honor a loved one. Gifts can be one-time, or recurring. Employer Matching Gifts You can make your donation accomplish twice as much when you request a matching gift! Check to see if your employer can match your generous donation. Donate a Vehicle Donate your vehicle through Cars2ndChance and designate MDIA as the charitable organization. Cars2ndChance are vehicle / car donation programs administered by the Clayton Valley Concord Sunrise Rotary Charitable Fund and staffed by all volunteers. Become a Member MDIA counts on your support to provide docents for the visitor centers, sponsor the Junior Ranger program, guide hikes, and provide interpretive material and publications to park visitors. Support the Mount Diablo Education Center in Mitchell Canyon MDIA has officially launched a campaign to build a new Education Center at the Mitchell Canyon entrance to Mount Diablo State Park. Please join us in inspiring new protectors and champions of Mount Diablo by making a generous tax-deductible contribution today. Your gift will leave a legacy of education, protection, and wonder for the present and future generations! Gift of Stock Gifting stock is a simple and powerful way to support MDIA and the new Education Center at Mitchell Canyon. Required Mandatory Distribution If you have investments in 401k’s or similar instruments, and must take a distribution, you can direct your broker to send it to MDIA as a donation and not have to report it as income on your tax forms. Become a Volunteer Volunteering allows members to commit to as little as a couple of hours a week and still provide vital assistance to the association and park.

Mount Diablo Dragonflies and Damselflies A Preliminary Survey by Douglas Vaughan Berkeley, California May 2003 - May 2004 I conducted a preliminary survey of adult dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) at Mount Diablo State Park between May 2003 and May 2004. During this period, I made 12 visits to the Park, surveying each of four different sites two to six times. I made no visits during April, September, or the period between mid-June and mid-July—nor during the winter months. Two tables summarize my findings. Several points underscore the preliminary nature of this survey: Unsurveyed sites, including Frog Pond on the south side of the mountain and Mitchell Canyon, might yield additional species. Pine Pond, the largest water feature in the Park and site of the greatest observed diversity, is surrounded by dense stands of emergent vegetation; a more aggressive survey that penetrated this vegetation and reached the main body of the pond might produce additional species there. During mid-season many dragonflies patrol meadows well away from water; I was unable to identify many of these insects. Great spreadwing, damselfly, Sulphur Springs Pond | Michael Marchiano Nonetheless, 25 of the 38 species currently known from Contra Costa County were found in the Park, including two observed only by others. I captured and examined in hand at least one individual of each of the 23 species I observed, except California Darner (Rhionaeschna [=Aeshna ] californica ), Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia ), and Black Saddlebags (Tramea lacerata ), which were confidently identified in flight. Several additional species known from Contra Costa County seem likely to be present in the Park, especially Pacific and Black-fronted Forktails (Ischnura cervula and I. denticollis ), Aztec Dancer (Argia nahuana ), Exclamation Damsel (Zoniagrion exclamationis ), Western Pondhawk (Erythemis collocata ), Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctosa ), and Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis ). Indeed, I briefly observed a probable male Widow Skimmer in Donner Canyon but was not able to identify it with certainty. In addition, several species not yet found in Contra Costa County might be expected in the Park. Prominent examples include California and Emma’s Dancers (Argia agrioides and A. emma ), Twelve-spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella ), Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens ), and Western Meadowhawk (Sympetrum occidentale ). The attached tables offer two presentations of the survey results. The annotated checklist indicates the dates on which the four sites were visited and the species found at each. The abundances indicated in the notes for each species should be taken as speculative. Species indicated as “uncommon,” in particular, might well be more common at other sites (or, say, within the perimeter of Pine Pond) or during periods I did not visit the Park. The second table provides a rough indication of seasonal distributions , though no conclusions should be drawn for species observed only once or twice. Note also that this table merges observations from March through mid-May 2004 with those of mid-May through October 2003. The dots in the four upper rows of the table indicate the approximate dates of visits to the four surveyed sites. In conclusion, Mt. Diablo supports a significant diversity of dragonfly and damselfly species, especially in light of the relatively few ponds and perennial streams within the Park. Particularly notable were the large numbers of patrolling darners (mostly Blue-eyed Darners) over the meadows well away from water during much of the spring and summer, and the striking abundance of Black Spreadwings during the first half of the season. Table I: Mount Diablo Odonata Annotated List Table II: Mount Diablo Odonata Seasonal Distribution * See Annotated List Source: Biologist/nature photographer David Liebman of Norfolk Below is a list of additional websites for information about dragonflies and damselflies: Virginia's Natural Heritage Program at http://www.vararespecies.org/ USGS Dragonflies and Damselflies of the United States: https://www.usgs.gov/science-explorer-results?es=dragonflies+and+damselflies Worldwide Dragonfly Association at https://worlddragonfly.org/ Digital Dragonflies at https://agrilife.org/dragonfly/ Odonata Information Network at http://www.dragonflies.org/ Catching and Preserving Dragonflies FAQ: http://dragonflywebsite.com/articles/collecting/morse2.html Dragonfly Biodiversity: https://www.pugetsound.edu/academics/academic-resources/slater- museum/biodiversityresources/dragonflies/

Peregrine Falcons of the Diablo Region Peregrine falcons live year-round in the Mount Diablo region. Most active during the annual nesting season (February through July), these apex predators can often be spotted in Pine Canyon , where they have nested for millennia. Photos by Wally De Young The nestin g are as in Pine Canyon and Knobcone Point are closed to visitors from February 1st through July 31st every year to protect the birds. View Closure Notice Las áreas de anidación en Pine Canyon y Knobcone Point están cerradas a los visitantes desde el 1 de febrero hasta el 31 de julio todos los años para proteger a las aves. About the Peregrines On the Brink of Extinction Recovery Efforts Today's Threats to Falcons About the Peregrines P eregrine falcons are the fastest animals on earth and can dive at speeds over 200 mph while hunting small to medium-sized birds in mid-air. Because their survival depends on this speed, even a small injury can be deadly. Only 20% of peregrines make it through the first year of life. On the Brink of Extinction Af ter World War II, extensive use of DDT devastated several bird species, peregrines among them. It interfered with calcium production, so the eggs could not withstand even the weight of an incubating parent. They cracked or collapsed, and the embryos died. As a result, by the early 1950s, peregrines had disappeared from Mount Diablo. By 1970, only two nesting pairs could be found in all of California. By 1975, peregrine numbers had dropped 80-90% in the western states and were extinct east of the Mississippi River. Recovery Efforts DDT was finally banned in 1972. Conservation groups, businesses, biologists, and dedicated volunteers came together locally and nationally to launch recovery projects, which were successful beyond all expectations. Peregrine falcons can now be found in almost all their old haunts, including Pine Canyon, where MDIA members helped the multi-year effort to recover the species. Today there are about 400 nesting pairs in California and 4,000 nationally, about the numbers before DDT. Two pairs live in the wilds of Mount Diablo itself, both monitored by MDIA's P-Team. Today's Threats to Falcons In 1999, peregrine populations had recovered enough to be removed from the Endangered Species List. Although the threat of DDT has waned, the steep increase in visitors to our parks poses another threat to the birds. Peregrines and humans both like cliffs; however, peregrines are highly territorial during their nesting season, and if disturbed, may become too distracted to pay attention to their eggs and young. In response, Mount Diablo State Park closes the Pine Canyon cliffs and Knobcone Point area annually during the nesting season, from February 1st through July 31st. Consequently, the P-Team monitors the area intensively during this six-month season. Team Training Day - by Dereck Love About the Peregrine Team MDIA's Peregrine Team, a natural history education group, was formed in 2015 to assist park rangers during the nesting closure season. P-Team volunteers tell visitors about the peregrines, their habitat, and the importance of respecting the closure zone. P-Teamers also monitor the status of the falcons throughout the nesting season. Its members hail from a wide variety of backgrounds and include birders, hikers, runners, bikers, and equestrians, all of them nature lovers dedicated to preserving the area for future generations of people, peregrines, and the land we all depend upon. For more information, contact: peregrine.team@mdia.org Photo by Dereck Love Quick Links FA Q's Peregrin e Nesting Timeline The Near-Extinction of Peregrine Falcons Halcones peregrinos de Pine Canyon Diablo Foothills Regional Park Get in touch with us First name Last name Email Phone Message Submit More about Peregrine Falcons MDIA Bird Guide-Peregrine Falcon Protecting Mount Diablo's Peregrines (SMD) Audubon Field Guide-Peregrine Falcon Return of the Pine Can yon Peregrine (YouTube) Wild Mount Diablo Peregrine Falcons (YouTube) More Resources Wildlife Photography Guidelines eBird: Find, Share and Track Bird Sightings The Peregrine Fu nd: Raptor Conservation Peregrines of the Diablo Region (Brochure-pdf)

Much of the rock that makes up Mount Diablo is sedimentary in origin. It was laid down millions of years ago on the floor of the ocean. Within the last one to two million years, a piece of hard, red 160-million-year-old Franciscan rock was pushed up through six to eight miles of overlying rock and soil, tilting and distorting the rock layers and in some places turning them completely upside down. As a result, the fossilized remains of many sea creatures, as well as those of mastodons, saber-toothed cats and three-toe horses have been discovered here ___ Mount Diablo State Park brochure Plants Geology Wildlife Astronomy Natural History of Mount Diablo State Park

Mount Diablo State Park - Native Plant Garden Learn, hands-on, about the plants that make Mount Diablo State Park a special place. The Native Plant Garden grows a selection of wildflowers, grasses, shrubs and trees found throughout the park. Many of the plants in the garden are labeled with both botanical and common names for easy identification. Stop by this little gem before or after a hike for a pleasant and informative stroll. Western Wallflower Coyote Mint California Wild Grape Western Wallflower 1/13 Photos courtesy of Jenn Roe About the Garden The Mount Diablo Native Plant Garden is located next to the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center at the south end of Mitchell Canyon Road in Clayton, CA. Entrance to the garden is free, but there is a parking fee. The garden is designed to help visitors learn about the native vegetation of Mount Diablo. Prolonged summer drought, and cool, rainy winters lead to a distinct seasonal variation in the garden’s appearance. Spring brings abundant growth and a large variety of wildflowers. In summer, spring wildflowers begin to fade, while a few late-blooming plants flourish. By fall, drought has caused most plants to dry and wither, but ripening fruits, berries, and seeds, as well as the garden's water features, bring many birds to visit. Winter rains mean a renewal of life and growth in the garden, and some early bloomers, such as manzanita and silktassel bushes, start their displays. The Mount Diablo Native Plant Garden broke ground on Earth Day in 2006, when a group of state park volunteers, led by veteran volunteer and designer Dave Caniglia, laid out the garden that volunteers continue to maintain and improve today. Roughly one acre in size, garden beds are divided into zones that reflect Mitchell Canyon's plant communities: riparian, chaparral, grassland, and oak woodland. The garden is populated primarily with plants that represent a microcosm of life along Mitchell Canyon. A garden map and a list of plants found in the garden are available to help orient visitors. Check out Wha t's Blooming Now on Mount Diablo for seasonal flowers that you might see during a visit to the Park. The Wildflower Identification Guide provides photos and information regarding many of Mount Diablo's plants that may not be in the garden. Plant and seed collection is prohibited within the garden and the Park. There are additional resources to learn more about California Native Plants and where to obtain them. Wavyleaf Silktassel Blue Witch More about the Native Plant Garden Location and Parking: Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center Garden m ap List of Plants Be a Volunteer at Native Plant Gar den Additional Resources about Native Plants Learn More About C alifornia Native Plants More About Mount Diablo Plants Plant communities What's Blooming Now on Mount Diablo Wildflower Identification Guide

Origins of Mount Diablo Interpretive Association On a Dark and Stormy Night . . . Origins of Mount Diablo Interpretive Association Mountain News , Spring 1999 Based on an account written by Frank Valle-Riestra 1924-2015 Sam Smoker at 90, April 4, 2015 Mount Diablo Peak view | Mike Woodring The Mount Diablo Interpretive Association was the brainchild of Sam Smoker, Executive Director of the Lindsay Wildlife Museum in Walnut Creek, who formulated a vision of an interpretive association that would supplement, in a significant way, the work of the small staff of rangers at the ever-expanding Mount Diablo State Park. Smoker recognized the need for a wider public appreciation of this great natural treasure that exists within an area of rapid urban expansion and concurrent loss of the original environment. The task was interpretive; the key was education. An organizational meeting was convened on the proverbial dark and stormy night of January 30, 1974, in the living room of Smoker's home in Walnut Creek. Among the people present were Mary Bowerman, a scholar of the flora of Mount Diablo; Frank Valle-Riestra, a scientist with an interest in natural history; Ron Edwards, a wildlife expert from the Lindsay Museum; Phil Gordon, biology teacher, and ornithologist associated with the Audubon Society; Beverly Clemson, Director of the Shadelands Ranch Historical Museum; Howard Knight, Professor of Biological Sciences at Diablo Valley College; Betty Zilen, retired Mount Diablo School District science supervisor; and Ed Earl, Superintendent of the Mount Diablo State Park. Smoker was elected President of MDIA and Valle-Riestra Treasurer; Park Ranger Miles Standish was appointed Executive Secretary. The objectives of the organization, as formulated at the charter meeting, were, in brief : To promote the educational and interpretive activities of Mount Diablo State Park To produce and make available to visitors interpretive and educational materials To acquire display materials pertaining to the history and natural history of the area, adding them to the interpretive collection of the Park To assist the development and improvement of interpretive facilities To give aid to the state in conserving, developing, and interpreting the Park for the benefit of the public To support research on the history and natural history of the Park Benefitting from Earl's knowledge and enthusiastic support, the embryonic organization was steered through the maze of state bureaucracy and given official recognition as an interpretive and educational adjunct to the state's work in the Park. Within the first three months of its existence, MDIA issued its first publication: a visitors' guide to the view from the summit, printed with funds given by the Dow Chemical Co. By the end of its first year, membership in MDIA had grown to the grand sum of twenty-nine persons, committees were beginning to function, and a program of volunteer docents (interpreter guides) for the Park was in the process of development. The young, enthusiastic organization was definitely on its way! In the years that have followed, MDIA has undergone many changes, expanding into new areas of service and altering some of its activities, but always retaining its basic purpose. Its membership has grown from a few dozen to several hundred persons, its list of publications has become rich and varied, and its roster of interpretive hikes and art exhibitions has become impressive. Who knows what challenges the next quarter century may bring? One thing, however, is certain: MDIA will need, and value, the continuing support of its friends, members, and the California State Park.

Donate to MDIA Make a Donation Today! Make a donation to support the general operations of MDIA. Your gift can be recurring annually, or monthly. Diablo and North Peak by Stephen Smith All donations directly benefit Mount Diablo State Park Mount Diablo Interpretive Association is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to supporting Mount Diablo State Park. We are a 501(c)(3) organization, and our Tax ID# is 23-7444529 Donate Now If you prefer, you may download our pledge form and send it with your gift to: MDIA PO Box 346 Walnut Creek, CA 94597-0346

Park Incidents Title Incident Type Location Date Description Active TEST Trail flood damage Closure Rock City 05/08/2026 Test incident 3 Yes TEST - Road Closure Closure South Gate 04/08/2026 Road construction Yes Test Restrooms Closed Park Maintenance BBQ Terrace 17/08/2026 Maintenance on restroom Yes TEST Pothole repair Closure Northgate road 18/06/2027 Fix big holes Yes

Butterfly Identification Guide Skippers Hesperiidae: Small to medium-sized with large muscular bodies relative to wing size and rather broad heads. The common name refers to the mode of flight and they sometimes engage in dazzling aerobatics. Blues, Coppers, Hairstreaks Lycaenidae: The largest family, these are small to medium sized with fragile-looking wings. Males have moderately reduced forelegs and the base of the antenna is adjacent to the compound eye. Brushfoots Nymphalidae: A very large family with subfamilies which are diverse in appearance and biology which argues for them to be families on their own. The common name refers to forelegs which are reduced and brushlike. Swallowtails Papilionidae: One of the most thoroughly studied families. Contains many of the most spectacular and charismatic butterflies. Whites and Sulfurs Pieridae: Our butterflies are mostly medium-sized and colored white, yellow or orange with black markings. Metalmark Riodinidae: Closely related to Lycaenidae, the common name refers to brilliant metallic markings. Our concepts of relationships between and within these families, although based upon phylogenetic* knowledge, continue to evolve rapidly especially influenced by molecular evidence. *Phylogenetics - How recently did two species share a common ancestor using observable traits and molecular science genetics. Quicklinks Butterflies A - Z Butterfly Checklist (PDF) Over 60 species of butterflies are known to live on Mount Diablo, which is almost 50 percent of all known species in the San Francisco Bay Area. When looking for butterflies, choose a sunny day with a temperature above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, generally between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Very few butterflies fly when it is cool, foggy, or rainy. Binoculars that can focus 10 feet or closer are very useful. In keeping with the California State Parks mission statement, butterflies and their habitat are protected, and collecting of butterflies is strictly prohibited in Mount Diablo State Park. MDIA welcomes input on sightings or other information that you may wish to contribute. Please contact MDIA at info@mdia.org .