Save Mount
D iablo
Pro t ecting
the Mountain
Fa ll
Since 1971
60 Acres To Be Preserved At Bradford Ranch SMD AND BRADFORD REAC H AGREEMENT Save Mount Diablo (SMD) recently reached agreement with Bradford Financial for a 60-acre dedication as part of a 4-unit,
corridor. The 60 acre parcel is made up of three brush covered, west-facing draws, which drain into a privately owned canyon that rises from Marsh Creek Road to the crest of Keller Ridge, and a chaparral covered ridge line which includes the upper elevations of SMD' s recently acquired 333-acre Chaparral Spring parcel. The chaparral was a special priority because it enlarges protected habitat in the area for the threatened Alameda whipsnake, which The 60-acre Bradford Ranch dedication stretches from the grassy knoll to the right is also found on nearby and down into the canyon. Chaparral Spring. "Keller Ridge's south face 151 acre subdivision. The Bradford dedicaincludes a broad band of chaparral which tion is 1 / 2 mile north of Marsh Creek Road, is home to this rare and beautiful little and one mile east of SMD's 'Chaparral snake", said SMD Program Director Seth Spring' property. The new parcel will enAdams. "Despite its name, Contra Costa large SMD's holdings in the area, preservand Mt. Diablo in particular are the most ing more of the Marsh Creek Road scenic continued on page 10
Heritage Tree Program
1 995,
No.17
Fundraising Campaign a Success The Chaparral Spring Campaign hit a high note in August. Thanks to the support of our members, the general public, and local foundations, Save Mount Diablo reached its goal of $150,000 to pay off the loans needed to help buy Chaparral Spring. One year ago, SMD was-facing the difficult reality that there would be no new state bond moneys for land acquisition to add to state parks. At the same time, the 333-acre Chaparral Spring parcel adjacent to Mount Diablo State Park became available. SMD had been trying for four years to acquire this property and needed to act quickly to option it. The organization took a leap of faith and decided to acquire the parcel for $625,000. SMD exhausted its Land Fund and had to borrow the $150,000 to reach the full purchase price. continued on page 7
The White family had been searching for just the right tree to provide shade. Then they spotted it-a graceful heritage-sized blue oak over looking a canyon on Chaparral Spring. Within minutes, 2-year-old Emily was seated on a low arching bough, declaring her approval. This is her special tree, the one she will visit every year for years to come. Over time, her arms will reach higher up the trunk toward the spreading canopy that stretches into the sky. Jim and Linda White were the first to contact Save Mount Diablo about participating in the Heritage Trees program introduced this spring. Three programs - Heritage Trees, Adoptcontinued on page 8
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Chaparral Spfings Stewardship
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Champions of Open Space
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Ongoing Events
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