Take a hike on Mt. Diablo

Recently the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association (MDIA) published a sixth edition of a comprehensive, topographical Mt. Diablo State Park trail map, available for a nominal fee at the Park’s visitor’s centers, local bookstores and sporting goods stores.

Printed in full-color on waterproof plastic, the latest edition was two years in the making, and MDIA staff went to great lengths to include extensive trail information, according to retired MDIA president Rich McDrew.

“All 187 miles of trail within the Park are clearly shown and, for those hiking into the Park, adjoining trails have also been included,” said Jim Mitchell, the newly elected president of the MDIA. “Trails suitable for bicyclists and equestrians as well as those hiking on foot are detailed along with elevations. Users with GPS will be pleased with the new UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) grid provided.”

Those wishing to spend the night on the mountain, particularly after March 1 when the Live Oak Campground reopens to the public, the new map provides the full rundown on available options.

Mt. Diablo State Park attracts 700,000 visitors each year, and is the nearest state park to Martinez.

For more information on the park’s recreational opportunities, see www.parks.ca.gov or www.mdia.org.

On Friday, the California State Parks Foundation (Calparks), a statewide non-profit with a mission to advocate for and protect California’s 278 parks, announced its 8th annual Park Advocacy Day on March 8. On that day, over 100 park supporters will assemble at the State Capitol to lobby on behalf of the parks, said Calparks vice president of government affairs Traci Verardo-Torres.

“The February 19th registration deadline for Park Advocacy Day is quickly approaching…to learn more about Park Advocacy Day or to register, please visit [www.calparks.org] or call our Sacramento office at 916-442-2119,” said Verardo-Torres. “As a Park Advocacy Day participant, you will spend the day meeting with policy makers to discuss the challenges facing state parks and the need for their action.”