DIABLO WATCH •
Save Mount Diablo
Protecting the Mountain Since 1971
Summer/Fall 1992, #9
"Three Springs" property acquired on North Peak; We need your help! Save Mount Diablo has just acquired a spectacular new parcel, the 78-acre "Three Springs" property, near the juncture of Marsh creek and Morgan Territory Roads. On Earth Day, SAVE MOUNT DIABLO's president, Sue Watson signed preliminary papers to acquire "Three Springs" and on May 12 it changed title over to SAVE MOUNT DIABLO. "Three Springs" includes the three spring-fed streams which give the property its name, an amazing array of plant and animal life, and views stretching alternately to Suisun Bay and to the Sierra range. We hope to eventually transfer the property to Mount Diablo State Park, which surrounds it on three sides.
"Three Springs" was proposed for subdivision, but the owner agreed to reasonable terms allowing us to purchase the property for approximately half a million dollars. The purchase has stretched us significantly-in addition to dedicating every individual donation we've received in the past three years, we've taken out a loan and marshaled every available dollar, including the diversion of some of our operating funds to make the purchase. We're attempting to raise $147,000 to replenish our Acquisition Fund and to ensure the permanent protection of this new addition. As always, we must rely on your support in developing necessary funding. - continued on page 5
A view tcrward North Peak from the new Three Springs property.
Oaks of Mount Diablo by Genevieve Sattler Looking at Mount Diablo from any direction, you realize trees are an important feature of the landscape. Learning to recognize the oaks will increase your enjoyment of our beautiful mountain. Eighteen species of oaks are native to California. Characteristics of an oak tree include: a fruit known as the acorn; wind-pollinated flowers consisting of tiny, pendant catkins with thread-like stems; a durable and strong wood and a lifespan of as much as several hundred years. Acorns, one of the most familiar features of the oak, are a food source for Native Americans to this day and 1
for a multitude of wildlife as well. Oak species may be deciduous (lose their leaves at the end of the growing season) or evergreen (leaves remain on the tree all year long). Oaks are also classified as white oaks or black oaks. White oaks are usually recognized by their white to gray bark and have leaf lobes that are not spiny tipped. The white oak acorn shells are smooth within and mature in one year. Black oaks usually have dark-colored bark, spiny-tipped leaf lobes and hairy acorn shells. The acorns mature in two years (except the coast live oak). - continued on page 5