Bay Nature Hike: Peregrine Falcons Come Full Circle

1600 Castle Rock Road,Walnut Creek CA 94598

09 May, 2022

Description

A natural history hike in the lower reaches of Mount Diablo’s Pine Canyon focusing on the Peregrine Falcon, one of the area's apex predators Enjoy a natural history hike in the lower reaches of Mount Diablo’s Pine Canyon, focusing on one of the region’s apex predators, the Peregrine Falcon, a species that became nearly extinct in California by the 1970’s due to DDT. Volunteers working in close cooperation with local ranchers, business people, and non-profit orgs, reintroduced the Peregrine to Pine Canyon beginning in 1989 at a traditional nesting site unoccupied since 1950. It’s a story of loss, recovery, and the changing pressures affecting our native wildlife. Back then, it was poison. Now, for the Peregrines, it’s our crowded parks. Hike leader background: Staci Hobbet is a long-term natural history docent on Mount Diablo, a director of Mount Diablo Interpretive Association, and a UC-certified California Naturalist. She's acted as Lead of the Peregrine Team in Pine Canyon since its founding in 2015. The P-Team is a natural history education group with about 40 active falcon monitors and nature educators. Hike location: Diablo Foothills Regional Park, Walnut Creek, CA Hike length: 3-mile round-trip hike Hike difficulty: Easy Parking: No fee. Park at the trailhead, 1600 Castle Rock Road, Walnut Creek, or park at the large overflow lot on your right, the Orchard Staging Center, which you will pass just before reaching this address. Elevation change/Uneven terrain: Our route, along historic Stage Road through Pine Canyon and along Pine Creek, has minimum elevation gains. The trail is a well-maintained double-track with no difficult terrain, although small rocks and gravel can roll under your boots. Creek crossings will probably not be a problem, but poles are useful, just in case. Access to restrooms and water: At beginning and end of hike only. Other notes: Bring binoculars! Prepare for a warm hike. Wear a hat, sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. If we’ve had any rain, we will have creek crossings. Cell coverage is spotty in the canyon, good on the ridge. There's limited space available on this hike, so please do not sign up more than two hikers. COVID-19 Guidelines: We ask that all unvaccinated individuals wear a mask while participating in this event. Please stay at home if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]. Photo taken Wally De Young, provided by Staci Hobbet