Welcoming Winter Water at Black Diamond Mines
Water is not something Black Diamond is known for. In fact, many of the plants and animals found here have adaptations to survive for long periods of drought. During this time of year, we welcome the water that will support life here throughout the year. Let’s explore a few ways water benefits our lives and the environments around us and learn to protect it for everyone.
Amphibians
While they can hide from the heat during warmer months, threatened amphibians, like the California tiger salamander and red-legged frog, need ponds filled with winter rains for breeding habitat and developing young.
Winter Birds
Many birds depend on a diverse chain of habitats along the West Coast, known as the Pacific Flyway, to migrate south each winter. Over one billion birds, including many ducks and geese, migrate along this route, using critical wetland habitat for food and shelter along the way.
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What is a Watershed?
A watershed is an area of land that “sheds” or drains water from rainfall and snowmelt into streams and rivers, which then flow into larger bodies of water, including marshes, bays, and oceans. What happens upstream impacts all living things downstream.
WHAT BENEFITS DOES A HEALTHY WATERSHED ECOSYSTEM PROVIDE?
• Improved water quality.
• Carbon storage opportunities.
• Stabilized soils and erosion control.
• Increased resilience in the face of climate change threats.
• Habitat for threatened and endangered species.
• Recreation opportunities.
WHAT CAN WE DO TO PROTECT OUR WATERSHED?
• Learn more and appreciate your water!
• Conserve: fix leaks, turn off the water when not in use, and take shorter showers.
• Don't pour toxic household chemicals down the drain; take them to a hazardous waste center.
• Use native plants that require little or no watering.
• Avoid fertilizers or pesticides in your yard.
• Support your parks!
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NEW YEAR REFLECTIONS WALK
Contra Loma Regional Park (Antioch)
Get an active start to the new year with a gentle 3-mile stroll around the reservoir. We will take some time to reflect as we take in the natural beauty of the water that supports and connects us all. – Jan 1 (Mon), 10:30am-12:30pm
WINTER WATERBIRDS
Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline
Winter has arrived! Come learn about our flying, feathered friends as they stop to overwinter on the shorelines of the East Bay. On this leisurely 1-1.5-mile stroll on flat, partially paved path we will observe bird behavior and adaptations. Great for beginners! – Jan 28 (Sun), 10-11:30am
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY
Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50 (Concord)
In honor of Black History Month, join us for a public tour to explore the southern end of this new Regional Park. As we walk, learn about the history of this land, stories of resistance and bravery, and the events occurred here that played a vital role in the desegregation of the armed forces. Come ready for a mostly paved 1-1.5-mile walk. Best for ages 10+. Registration is required. – February (every Sun) 10am-1pm
For a complete list of programs, visit www.ebparks.org/calendar and search “Black Diamond.”
