Walnut Creek’s Castle Rock back open for superb climbing
Peregrine falcon nesting season is over, so the Castle Rock formations within Mount Diablo State Park and overlooking Pine Creek in Diablo Foothills Regional Park have reopened.
The rocks are closed to the public annually Feb.1-July 31 to allow for undisturbed nesting. Although the rocks are located within the state park, visitors usually access them from the regional park. The two agencies partner to protect the birds.
About the size of crows, peregrine falcons prey mostly on smaller birds but also mammals such as rodents and bats. A peregrine can dive at more than 200 mph, making it the fastest animal in the world. The Peregrine falcon is no longer on the federal endangered species list, but it is still a fully protected species under the state’s Fish & Game Code.
Two nesting pairs of peregrines
Staci Hobbet, part of an all-volunteer natural history education team in Diablo Foothills Regional Park, reports that there were two nesting pairs of peregrines in the rocks this year for the first time ever recorded.
But neither pair settled into incubation, so no chicks hatched. The birds may have distracted each other, as peregrines are very territorial in their behavior. Let’s hope these beautiful birds produce some offspring next season.
Meanwhile, if you climb up into the rocks during the time the area is open, please be careful and respectful of wildlife. The trails are steep, rocky and not maintained.
Biking update
I recently mentioned that Lafayette Reservoir, an East Bay Municipal Utility District lake in Lafayette, is a good place to take children for a bicycle ride. However, I’ve since learned that there are some restrictions. Bicyclists and people on roller skates, roller blades and scooters are allowed noon-closing on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from opening to 11 a.m. Sundays on the paved Lakeside Trail and roads.
So I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused new visitors. For more information on the reservoir’s rules and regulations, visit ebmud.com. Click on “Recreation” at the top of the home page, then click again on “Lafayette Reservoir.”
Protecting the outdoors
President Donald Trump has signed the Great American Outdoors Act, the bipartisan legislation that guarantees $900 million annually to the Land and Water Conservation Fund for parkland purchase and maintenance nationwide.
The fund has been around many years, supported by revenues from offshore oil drilling, but its funds have often been diverted to other uses. The new law requires the full $900 million to be spent every year on parks.
Park information
Your go-to website for all kinds of information about the regional parks is ebparks.org. Most of the regional park trails are open, and brochures with maps are usually available at trailhead information panels. You can also download maps from the website, and I advise doing that before visiting a park. Go to “Parks and Trails” or “Activities” at the top of the home page.
When in the parks for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone should wear a mask and maintain a social distance of at least six feet. Dogs are supposed to be on leash at all times. Most toilets at trailheads are open but not always the ones in park interiors. Since drinking fountains have been turned off, please bring your own water. And it’s helpful to pack out your trash as well.
District staff is working hard to keep the parks open and safe for much-needed outdoor recreation. Everyone’s cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Ned MacKay writes a regular column about East Bay Regional Park District sites and activities. Email him at nedmackay@comcast.net.