What a Fantastic Encore Dig Day!
On Friday, May 2, an amazing group of 28 volunteers overcame hardened soil and very tall grasses to conduct trail maintenance on Buckeye Trail to close out Dig Days Season Two.
Due to the challenging soil conditions, the project was reduced to 0.3 miles from 0.6 miles, but the Dig Day volunteers did not back down. The final product was another high-quality contribution to the Shared Stewardship’s long-term goals of:
Safer Trails. Greater Access.
Mission Accomplished
Throughout the trail work zone, Trio Maintenance was conducted to remove overgrowth, slough and high berms to re-establish that beautiful uniform, outsloped trail tread. Standards-based trail work takes longer, but it lasts longer and helps facilitate safer, better experiences for park visitors who explore the trails of Mount Diablo State Park.
Trails Are Common Ground
60% of the Encore Buckeye Dig Day volunteers identified as Hikers or Trail Runners. The other 40% were MTB or Gravel Cyclists. That balanced showing across the major trail user groups was made possible by some important organizations. Special recognition and gratitude are owed to:
Charles Schwab
Dirt G’s (a trail running group)
Mount Diablo Interpretative Association
“It was inspiring to work with so many of my fellow Schwab volunteers out on the mountain, contributing alongside hikers, runners, and cyclists toward a shared goal. Trail maintenance is not easy work, but the camaraderie and connection to the land made it incredibly rewarding. We’re proud to support Mount Diablo Trails Alliance and the Shared Stewardship model — it’s a perfect match for Schwab Volunteer Week. “ - Bernard Smith, Charles Schwab Volunteer Lead
As always, the Crew Captains Are Integral to a Dig Day’s Success
With their leadership, guidance and unwavering support, the Crew Captains helped the Dig Day volunteers achieve all project goals safely and effectively. Special thanks to:
Bruce Bilodeau
Oliver Eldredge
Luis Mendoza
Jeffrey Mulford
Jerry Schweickert
Bernard Smith
John Van Heertum
Mike Weiss
Photo Gallery
To see the positive impact of the Encore Buckeye Dig Day, please visit our Photos webpage
Sustainable, Impactful Shared Stewardship
We are so grateful for the teamwork, dedication and perseverance of all the amazing volunteers throughout Dig Days Season Two. Since its inception in October 2023, the Shared Stewardship model has maintained 11+ miles of actual trail tread across Mount Diablo State Park with the support of over 800 volunteers logging more than 5,000 hours!
Dig Days Season Three (Nov. 2025 to May 2026) promises to sustain that incredible momentum, and the focus will shift to the Clayton – Mitchell Canyon corridor, including Back Creek Trail, which requires a lot of trail maintenance.
Join us. You will make a difference.