During the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve Open House on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 26 and 27, free mine tours will be held for both the Coal Mine Experience and the Hazel Atlas Sand Mine! We will also have Victorian Era games to play and a nature table outside the mines, plus staff at the Rose Hill Cemetery to chat with.
Tour Details:
All tours will be first come, first served.
The earliest you can sign up for tours is 10am.
First tours will begin at 10:30am.
Last tours will begin at 3:00pm.
All tours will last 30 minutes.
Tours are only available to ages 7+.
No animals allowed on tours with the exception of service animals.
How to Sign-Up for Free Tours:
Coal Mine Experience- Register at the table outside of the Greathouse Visitor Center.
Hazel Atlas Sand Mine- Register at the table outside of the Hazel Atlas Mine.
*Sign-ups are done in person, there will be no reservations over the phone.
Other Helpful Info:
It can take a good 10-15 minutes to walk to either mine from the parking lot.
It can also take 10-15 minutes to walk from mine to mine – don’t sign up for one mine tour directly after the other.
The Hazel Atlas Sand Mine has train tracks going throughout the tour making it less accessible than the Coal Mine Experience, which is flat the whole way.
The Greathouse Visitor Center will be open from 10am-4pm.
Check the weather and dress accordingly. Even if it’s hot outside, it’s still cold in the mines!
The City of Antioch is seeking input on the design of this revolutionary park feature. We invite you to share your thoughts on the design elements of the Bicycle Garden. The Bicycle Garden will be located at Prewett Community Park to the east of the Antioch Community Center.
Community Design Workshops:
Thursday, October 17th, 6pm – 8pm at Antioch Community Center, 4703 Lone Tree Way
Saturday, November 16th, 10am – Noon at Antioch Senior Center, 415 W. 2nd Street
Also, fees waived at national parks and other federal public lands that day
By Amy Skalmusky, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, National Environmental Education Foundation
On Saturday, September 28, there are nearly 50 volunteer events throughout the state for National Public Lands Day (NPLD). Parks are seeking volunteers.
It’s also a great day to get outside because entry fees will be waived at national parks and other federal public lands, including national monuments, forests, recreation areas, seashores, wildlife refuges, historical sites, battlefields, and grasslands.
The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) coordinates NPLD in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, and other federal agencies, state and local parks, and non-profits. This year marks the 31st annual event. People can find hundreds of already-planned volunteer events and other cool activities in most states by searching the official NPLD Map, with more added every day.
Here are a few events happening in California on NPLD:
Volunteers can participate in various projects across the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. With habitat restoration, landscaping, nursery, and gardens programs, there is something for everyone.
Volunteers will address illegal dumping at Post Mountain within the Hayfork Ranger District. Supported by the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife, this cleanup effort aims to remove large dump sites and prevent further trash accumulation.
Volunteers will honor the 40th anniversary of the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area. Help with garden restoration at the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center, then enjoy a panel presentation about the area’s rich history.
Join us on September 25-28, 2024, for National Public Lands Day– the nation’s largest volunteer effort for public lands! Established in 1994, this annual event celebrates the connection between people and green space in their community, inspires environmental stewardship, and encourages use of open space for education, recreation, and health benefits. With habitat restoration, landscaping, nursery, and gardens programs, there is something for everyone. Bring yourself, your friends, and your family! Registration required.
When: Wednesday, September 25 – Saturday, September 28, 2024.
Where: Project locations vary throughout the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), see below for more details.
Groups of five or more require special arrangements and must be confirmed in advance. Please review the List of Available Projects and fill out the Group Project Request Form.
The Golden Gate National Parks Volunteer Program is a cooperative parkwide effort of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, the National Park Service, and the Presidio Trust.
Your public lands are in need of your helping hands. Join thousands of other Americans across the country along with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the National Environmental Education Foundation as we celebrate National Public Lands Day on Saturday September 28th!
A week-long small group self-guided cleanup which starts on California Coastal Cleanup Day (9/21) culminating in a community-wide Cleanup Event and party during National Public Lands Day (9/28)
Englebright Lake will be conducting a lake clean up to remove any litter that has accumulated throughout the recreation season. Come and join the Park Rangers for an exciting opportunity to be a good steward to the lands that we enjoy!
Volunteers are needed to help with native plant landscaping, seed and straw throw, invasive weed removal, native seed collection, oak care and watering, and trail maintenance work. Volunteers will work from 9:00-11:30 and then be treated to a free lunch, t-shirts and park entry passes hosted by Monument partners at FORT Friends and NEEF.
Join Point Reyes National Seashore in improving habitat for native flora and fauna by removing invasive plants. This is a FREE voluntary event.
Rangers will be on-hand at a localized area within the seashore to host a group event removing invasive Sea Fig, (Carpobrotus edulis), which crowds out native plants and decreases habitat for native species.
Help park rangers remove this lovely but invasive plant at the North Beach parking lot.
No experience necessary. Bring your own gloves, snacks, and plenty of drinking water; instructions on how to pull iceplant will be provided.
Limited to 25 volunteers. This event ends at noon. Bring your own lunch and enjoy a lunch on the beach afterwards!
Inverness, CA
Activities: Volunteer , Educational , Recreational , Health & Wellness
Bear Yuba Land Trust is joining South Yuba River Citizens League in uniting the community for the Annual River Cleanup! BYLT will be out with volunteers to clean up our host site, Sugarloaf Mountain & Trail, along with the general surrounding area.
Our group will be pulling trash and debris from Sugarloaf Mountain, with opportunities for all ages and abilities to get involved. Please bring gloves, a hat, comfortable shoes and water. We’ll provide snacks and a water refill station.
Nevada City, CA
Activities: Volunteer Audiences: Adult, Youth, Family, College
Please let me know if you are interested in getting details or if you would like any photos. Over 500 volunteer events are happening nationwide, with volunteering in nearly every state. In the past decade, over a million people have volunteered on National Public Lands Day, the single largest volunteering day for parks and public lands.
Back by popular demand, the Antioch Recreation Department is proud to present its 5th Annual Big Truck Day! This year, Big Truck Day will take place on September 19th from 4:00pm to 8:00pm in the Antioch Community Center parking lot at Prewett Family Park, 4703 Lone Tree Way.
It will also be Food Truck Thursday, hosted by Foodie Crew SF, offering a variety of food options throughout the evening. To see the food truck lineup, follow @foodiecrewsf
If you or your company wishes to reserve a space for your vehicle or large equipment, please visit antiochca.gov/big-truck-day/. Applications will close Friday, September 13th.
Join the “Find 30 Species for CA 30×30” Biodiversity Week Challenge!
By Mt. Diablo State Park staff
Did you know over 600 species of plants grow on Mount Diablo? We are part of what makes California a #biodiversity hotspot with 32% of all #nativeplants found in the U.S.!
Join us on California Biodiversity Day, Saturday, September 7th, for a guided hike to celebrate California and Mount Diablo’s biodiversity. We’ll visit the park’s Coulter pines, discover why they are also called big-cone pine, and learn about the challenges they are facing. Our acting Natural Resources Manager for the District will be on hand to share how we are trying to both help the trees and enhance biodiversity in the area with methods including prescribed fire.
You can be part of the effort too by participating in the day’s bioblitz to record what is living in the area now so we can see what changes later. If you’d like to do this, no special knowledge is required, just bring a phone or camera and download the iNaturalist app.
From 9am-noon on Saturday, September 7. Meets at the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center located in Mount Diablo State Park at the south end of Mitchell Canyon Road in Clayton. Fee: $6 per vehicle, $5 for seniors. Pay with check or exact change or pay digitally by scanning the QR code by the entrance sign. Bring your curiosity, plenty of water, and wear sturdy shoes.
California Biodiversity Day Events
From September 7–15, join in one or more of the many California Biodiversity Day events being held across the state! Get outside and explore the nature around you—in your backyard, neighborhood, local parks, and open spaces—and share your findings on iNaturalist. No matter where you are in California, you can discover and celebrate nature and contribute to our understanding of where plants and animals are found!
As a global biodiversity hotspot, California has an immense array of nature to explore. We’ve compiled a few resources to guide folks in learning more about the nature around them, while contributing valuable data that can be used to answer important local conservation questions.
Help celebrate California’s biodiversity and help inform the state’s 30×30 initiative by taking a closer look at nearby nature and documenting your finds on iNaturalist! Explore the nature around you however you choose, whether that’s visiting the coast, enjoying a long hike, walking to a nearby park, observing the birds outside your window, or looking for spiders under your couch.
Join the “Find 30 Species for CA 30×30” Biodiversity Week Challenge!
September 7 – 15, the California Natural Resources Agency is putting forth a challenge for California Biodiversity Week: can you find and document 30 species in California?
September 7- 15, find and photograph 30 (or more!) wild plants, animals and fungus anywhere in California.
Learn more as your observations are identified.
By joining the project, any observations you make in California from September 7 to 15 will automatically be added to the project and will help inform the California 30×30 initiative.
Make observations in your neighborhood, in your local park, while out hiking… or join in one of the many events being held throughout California during California Biodiversity Week.
Spread the word! Use the hashtag on social media #CABiodiversityDay. For more information visit Find 30 Species Project.
Other ways to explore California’s Biodiversity
There are events and activities being held around the state for California Biodiversity Week! Check out the California Biodiversity Day website to find a bioblitz to participate in, a talk to attend, or a nature walk to join!
Try to get bingo with these California Biodiversity Bingo sheets you can download and play with your family, friends, and community!
Background
Established in 2018, California Biodiversity Dayis part of California’s first Biodiversity Initiative to safeguard the state’s natural heritage in response to the growing loss of biodiversity across the state. In 2020, a groundbreaking Executive Order was signed to protect 30% of California’s lands and waters by 2030, known as California 30×30 . Together, these initiatives protect biodiversity, build resilience to climate change, and ensure equitable access to nature for all Californians. By participating in California Biodiversity Day, you can connect with the nature around you while also contributing to these important conservation goals.
Aerial video screenshots of a new bike turnout on Mt. Diablo. Source: CA State Parks Foundation
Memory of local cyclist Joe Shami inspired community to improve safety for bicyclists and motorists
Paid for with public and private funds
By Annette Majerowicz, Communications Consultant, Full Court Press Communications for the California State Parks Foundation
Mount Diablo, CA– California State Parks Foundation, on Friday, celebrated the completion of 22 new bike turnouts at Mount Diablo State Park. There are now a total of 67 bike turnouts in the park. Bike turnouts allow bicyclists, who move at slower speeds as they pedal uphill, to pull out of the main traffic lane into their own lane so that vehicles can pass safely.
The new turnouts were inspired by the memory of Joe Shami who was a passionate advocate for increasing safety for bicyclists and cars at Mount Diablo State Park. Known by locals as “The Legend of Mount Diablo,” Joe’s passion for Mount Diablo State Park and cycling was exemplified by over a decade of weekly trips up the mountain well into his 80s.
“Tragically, Joe was struck and killed by a vehicle while riding his bicycle in Lafayette,” said Randy Widera, Director of Programs of the California State Parks Foundation. “Although he is not with us today, Joe left a special gift in his will to California State Parks Foundation. This gift helped make these additional bike turnouts on Mount Diablo possible. We know Joe would be pleased that his generous gift is making Mount Diablo safer for bicyclists to enjoy.”
Two of the 22 new Mt. Diablo bike turnouts. Source: CA State Parks Foundation
For many years, cycling at Mount Diablo State Park has been a popular — but dangerous — activity. From 2010 to 2014, there were an average of 23 car and bike collisions per year. According to California State Park officials, this also frequently resulted in road rage showdowns between drivers and riders. After the first turnouts were created, collisions dropped to three accidents in two years, and road rage significantly diminished.
In an incredible show of dedication to this work, California State Parks allocated the same amount as Joe’s gift from the department’s annual roads allocation funding to this project. Taking this initial funding as a challenge, a passionate group of volunteers comprised of Alan Kalin, Mark Dedon, and Ted Trambley spent four months doing outreach in the park and at Peet’s Coffee in Danville with locals, cyclists, and visitors to raise additional funds.
“The new bike turnouts on Mount Diablo are a testament to Joe Shami’s inspirational life,” said Mark Dedon, Mt. Diablo Cyclists leadership team member. “The community understands the importance of the new turnouts for the safety of both bicyclists and motorists. People we spoke with were happy to contribute to make these turnouts a reality.”
Through their efforts and with the support of California State Parks Foundation, they inspired over 300 individuals, organizations, and companies to donate the additional funding needed to make the bike turnouts possible. (See brief bike turnout video)
California State Parks Foundation, an independent, member-supported nonprofit with over 50 years of history, is dedicated to protecting and preserving the California state park system for the benefit of all. We work in parks and in Sacramento with partners, park staff, and policymakers to address the challenges parks face. To make real and lasting change we are working to build a movement of people who enjoy and advocate for their parks now, and for future generations. Learn more at www.calparks.org, or find California State Parks Foundation on Facebook, or Instagram and Twitter (@calparks).
About Mount Diablo State Park
Located in the San Francisco Bay Area to the east of Walnut Creek, people have been drawn for generations to Mount Diablo for its spectacular views from the summit which extend over 100 miles in all directions on a clear day. Visitors have been attracted by the complex geology that has created amazing rock formations such as the “wind caves” at Rock City, and by the mountain’s variety of habitats which are home to over 600 species of plants and an amazing array of wildlife such as butterflies, bats and birds of prey, tarantulas, bobcats, lizards, snakes and deer.
In 2021 Mount Diablo celebrated its 100th year as a State Park. Though 100 years is a long history as a park, the importance of Mount Diablo was recognized long before that. For thousands of years Native Americans were the caretakers of this land. Many groups considered and treated the mountain as a sacred place and continue to do so today.
Since becoming a park in 1921, Mount Diablo has been protected as a natural area, and over the past 100 years the park has grown from only a few hundred acres to over 20,000 acres. Today it is a destination for those who would like to view wildlife and wildflowers, experience beautiful views, hike, camp, picnic, run, cycle, climb, ride horses, or gaze at the stars.
