Breakout Dig Day Performance

On Saturday, January 10, sixty-four (64) volunteers came together for the Mothers Trail Dig Day at Mount Diablo State Park. It was a breakout performance, as the volunteers overcame complex, challenging trail conditions more suited for servicing by heavy machinery.

Mothers Trail is a steep, damage-prone trail that had been in bad shape with many deep, erosion-caused trenches. The good news is that the at-standard Dig Day work helped improve safety conditions and surface water drainage, helping make most of the trail more accessible and durable for trail users.

Safety Advisory
There are still two sections, requiring the attention of heavy machinery, that were not part of the Dig Day’s project scope. These two sections are near the mid-point of the trail and have exposed, storm-caused trenches.

Please be careful if using the trail until these safety hazards are addressed by California State Parks.

A Broad Coalition Powered the Trail Goodness
Mothers Trail was serviced by a broad coalition of community volunteers, and more than 30% of the volunteer base was comprised of Minors. Visit the Photo Gallery to see the Shared Stewardship model in action.

“It is wonderful to see so many students participating and learning the importance of service and giving back to the community.”

Michelle Petersen, Board Chair, Mount Diablo Trails Alliance

Special thanks owed to the following organizations for their volunteerism support of the Dig Day:

·      The Athenian School

·      SRV MTB Team

·      Contra Costa Composite MTB Team

·      Scouting America, Local Troop 236

·      Brazen Racing

 Based on inputs received during the registration process, Dig Day’s trail user demographics were as follows:

 ·     Hike only - 38%

·      Hike/Bike - 28%

·      Bike only - 15%

·      Trail Running only - 13%

·      Hike/Bike/Trail Run - 6%

·      Equestrian - 0%

Mount Diablo Is about much more than Recreation
Guest speaker Tracy Thatcher, Lead Outreach, Peregrine Team, discussed the long-time stakeholder group’s conservation goals and why obeying seasonal trail closure zones to protect Peregrine Falcon nesting activity is so important.

Awareness of, and abiding by, the seasonal closures both play a critical role in balancing recreation and conservation goals on State Park lands. We appreciated Ms. Thatcher’s genuine interest in sharing her Why story and making the effort to meet with the Dig Day volunteers in the backcountry.

To help do your part, visit our Responsible Recreation principles webpage and visit this past blog discussing the importance of seasonal closure zones, which are again approaching at the end of January.

Help Us Sustain the Trails Stewardship Momentum
Later this week, online registration will open for the February, March and April Dig Days.

Join us. You will make a difference.

Mount Diablo Trails Alliance (MDTA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit trails stewardship and access advocacy organization. MDTA is volunteer led, building a Shared Stewardship model with California State Parks, focusing on Better Trails | Greater Access for all park visitors. Federal Tax ID # 99-4480469.