Monumental Dig Day
On Saturday, January 11th, the Shared Stewardship model that California State Parks and Mount Diablo Trails Alliance are building together went next-level, thanks to the fast-growing community of like-minded trail users.
More than 130 volunteers powered this important Dig Day project, restoring 1.1 miles of Diablo Ranch Trail in one day! So much soul, teamwork and adaptability were on display as the trail was made safer and better for park visitors and the environment, adhering to the California DPR Trails Handbook and 2016 RTMP standards and policies.
The final outcome was a fully-restored tread; one that is wider for safer passage (especially for trail runners). The tread is also outsloped, which improves drainage of surface water during winter storms; the outsloped tread is so fundamentally important as it helps reduce the risk of berm or rut formation, which can present safety hazards.
Trails Are Common Ground
Numerous organizations supported the Dig Day with big numbers, affirming that trails are common ground and important to a diverse set of trail user groups. Special recognition is due:
CCC MTB Team
The Athenian School
California Conservation Corps
SRV MTB Team
Monte Vista MTB Team
Multiple Local BSA Troops
Generous Raffle Goodness
Thank you so much to our local business partners for recognizing the students’ hard work by providing generous donations for a free Raffle prize celebration. There were a lot of high-quality, useful components and accessories donated by:
Prologue
Spank
Form Cycling
BTI
R&A Cycles
Giant Bicycles
Danville Bike
California Bike and Snowboard
First Mile Cycle Works
Hank & Frank
Adding to the goodness, Dainty Donuts in Alamo provided some tasty treats for everyone to enjoy.
A Message from California State Parks …
During the Raffle celebration, Eric Griggs, Park Maintenance Chief at Mount Diablo State Park, shared a positive, holistic message about recognizing that the State Park is for everyone, and as a result, mutual understanding, collaboration and respect are integral to addressing various trail user group’s interests and access goals. Griggs underscored that well-maintained, public-facing infrastructure is the first priority related to safety at the State Park, but the trails are important, too.
Our Crew Captains Rock!
Coordinating trail maintenance and repair operations across 1.1 miles is no small task. Our six (6) crews carefully managed and guided the 130+ volunteers across both the upper and lower sections of the Dig Day project zone.
We are so grateful for our Crew Captains’ dedication and leadership. Special recognition is due:
Bruce Bilodeau
Carina Bilodeau
Gintautas Budvytis
David Cervenka
Gary Dylina
Eric Graham
Jesse Holt
Erik Joelsson
Cavine Johnson
Andrea Kane
Jeff Maddux
Jeffrey Mulford
Gordon Reese
Mike Weiss
Photo Gallery and Why Factor Videos
To learn more about the Diablo Ranch Trail Dig Day and the inspirational community spirit underpinning the Shared Stewardship model, please visit the following weblinks:
Photo Gallery: https://www.mountdiablotrailsalliance.org/photos
Why Factor Videos: https://www.mountdiablotrailsalliance.org/whyfactor
We Keep Moving
The next important Dig Day is Saturday, February 8th at Camel Rock Trail in Mount Diablo State Park.
That trail is 1.6 miles in length, and the goal is the same: Maintain and repair the entire trail in one day using proven techniques, focusing on safety, preservation and equitable access.
Registration will be capped at 150 Volunteers.
Join us. You will make a difference.
Register: https://www.mountdiablotrailsalliance.org/dig-days