A Herculean Dig Day Restores the Shine of Oyster Point Trail

Written By Mark Moskowitz

On Saturday, March 22, more than 70 Volunteers delivered a herculean effort to conduct trail maintenance across three miles of Oyster Point Trail.

All goals were achieved, helping facilitate a safer, better trail experience for park visitors who explore the spectacular southern territory of Mount Diablo State Park.

We are so grateful for the teamwork, dedication and perseverance of our volunteers. Many had to hike 1.5 to 3 miles one-way before even starting the maintenance work necessary to restore the shine of Oyster Point Trail. 

Mission Accomplished
Despite the backcountry-intensive working environment, all Dig Day goals were achieved. Two major meadows received trail repairs for the first time in decades. Beyond that, more than 65 water knicks were constructed.

The Big Meadow and Lower Meadow trail areas were both rutted and off-camber. Volunteers removed high berms and slough, establishing a durable, welcoming tread for hikers, runners, cyclists and equestrians.

Water knicks take time to construct, but they are long-lasting and effective in sheeting rain water. Plus, their entry and exit points along the tread-way are smoother and more user-friendly than antiquated water bars.

Trails Are Common Ground
78% of the Oyster Point Dig Day volunteers identified as Hikers or Trail Runners. The other 22% were MTB or Gravel Cyclists.

To achieve that strong showing across major trail user groups, many important organizations supported the Dig Day. Special recognition is due to:

  • Scouting America - Troop 621 San Ramon

  • Dirt G’s (a trail running group)

  • Brazen Racing

  • Scouting America - Troop 126 (also of San Ramon)

  • Save Mount Diablo

  • Mount Diablo Interpretative Association

Gigantic Thank You to California State Parks & Finley Road Residents
We are so appreciative of the support and trust of California State Parks, a major partner in building the Shared Stewardship model. California State Parks planned and operated a shuttle service to the main trailhead from Finley Road. This service was a major time and energy saver for the Dig Day volunteers, which helped them achieve the impressive results on the trail.

Equally important, the residents of Finley Road were welcoming and supportive of the Dig Day operations and our advance communications. We are so grateful for their cooperation as their quiet, serene neighborhood was bustling with a lot more traffic than usual on that sunny Saturday.

As always, so much gratitude for our Crew Captains
With the captains’ leadership, guidance and unwavering support, Dig Day volunteers were able to achieve all project goals safely and effectively. Crew Captains were patient and helpful in working with a lot of volunteers who were new to standards-based, intensive trail work. 

Special recognition is due to:

  • Bruce Bilodeau

  • Pete Brown

  • Gintautas Budvytis

  • Paul Cardinet

  • Gary Dylina

  • Oliver Eldredge

  • Eric Graham

  • Jeffrey Mulford

  • Bernard Smith

  • John Van Heertum

  • Mike Weiss

  • Justice Williams

Photo Gallery 
To see the positive impact of this Dig Day and the amazing community empowering the Shared Stewardship model, please visit our photos webpage.

Final Dig Day of Season Two
Save the Date! Friday, May 2nd.

That will be the final Dig Day of the season. Buckeye Trail is the location.

The registration webpage will open in mid-April. Advance Registration will be capped at 72 Volunteers.

Join us. You will make a difference.

Mark Moskowitz https://mountdiablotrailsalliance.org
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Advisory: Trail Location Changes for Upcoming Dig Days