w a t c h
D I A B L O Save Mount Diablo
Protecting the Mountain Since 1971
Fall 2007 No. 44
After the Storm, Bob Walker
Will You Help Protect Marsh Creek-I ?
and the East Bay Regional Park District
Save Mount Diablo’s Newest Acquisition Project
It is unusual that Save Mount Diablo would publish a book review on the front page of Diablo Watch (let alone two books by different men named “Walker”). They warrant the attention. Chris Beaver’s After the Storm, Bob Walker and the East Bay Regional Park District, is a photographic essay about the East Bay. Richard Walker’s The Country in the City, The Greening of the San Francisco Bay Area, is the first history of conservation in a major metropolitan area.
Save Mount Diablo needs “Angels.” On August 31st we signed a $315,000 purchase agreement for nine acres that we’re calling “Marsh Creek-I.” The property is owned by Roy Leach and includes a beautiful stretch of the creek; we’re actively seeking other Marsh Creek parcels, thus the name. We made a $160,000 down payment and have until Nov. 29th to raise the remaining $155,000.
Bob Walker’s photos (we’ve scattered them throughout this issue of Diablo Watch) tie in to an election campaign that SMD is helping to lead, and Dick Walker’s book both tells about our organization’s history and shows why ongoing efforts are important. Both will be featured at our 36th Anniversary event in December.
What’s so important about nine acres? In addition to the creek, the parcel packs a lot of biodiversity into a small area. It is near the middle of one of our most important acquisition zones and is separated by just one ranch from Round Valley Regional Preserve. It includes interesting history.
Finally, protecting Anniversary SlideMarsh Creek has been show - December 8 a SMD priority for Save Mount Diablo years and the real Bob Walker took this east-side “Diablo Dawn” on a 1988 trip through the Marsh Creek watershed. will celebrate its 36th estate downturn is Anniversary on Saturday, December 8th, with a lecture and offering special opportunities, if we can take advantage of them. slideshow at Las Lomas High School Theater in Walnut Creek. Richard Walker will speak about his book and the history of the Bay Funding may soon become available from the East Contra Costa Area environmental movement, followed by a photographic presenHabitat Conservation Plan, which also includes Marsh Creek as a tation, prepared by Scott Hein of the images from After the Storm, priority, but the Plan is just getting up to speed and will generally set to original music by Steve Sturman. Details of the event are on only provide 50% of acquisition costs. the back page. Meanwhile we’re also paying for our 320 acre Irish Canyon project. That’s why we need your help to hold the property until other fundAfter the Storm ing becomes available. We rely on our Land Opportunity Fund for “Find something outside yourself that is yourself. Then devote yourdown payments but must replenish it, we’re seeking a loan and, if self to it with all your heart.” Bob Walker, 1991 we’re successful, we may have extra time. Can you help us? If just The Bay Area includes approximately 1.1 million acres of public 16 families make $10,000 contributions, or 32 supporters donate lands, nearly a tenth of it owned and managed by the East Bay $5,000, Marsh Creek-I will be saved! Please call (continued on page 6) Regional Park District. One third of those acres (continued on page 10) Julie Seelen at 925 947-3535.
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