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Sports

Thomas Home Ranch: Gateway to Nortonville Canyon and Kirker Pass Rescued

Save Mount Diablo saved the day recently when it stepped into a cash-only auction to purchase 145 critical acres adjacent to the city of Pittsburg. Land speculators nearly bought the strategic Thomas ‘Home Ranch’ property out from under the East Bay Regional Park District but Save Mount Diablo acted quickly to secure funds and preserve one of the single most important pieces of the Black Diamond Mines to Concord Naval Weapons Station Open Space Corridor. Largely a grassland property with highly variable topography and great views, the property is crossed by Kirker and Hess Creeks.  It is at the mouth of historic Nortonville Canyon, which rises to a mining ghost town site in Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve. Rare alkaline wetland, native grassland and riparian woodland create ideal conditions for several rare and endangered species.  In addition the property includes an 1880s farm house, historic barn and other structures and a cattle tunnel under Kirker Pass Road which will become a very important recreational connection. Join us on a moderate 2 mile walk to learn about the fascinating history and natural resources found on the 130 year old Thomas Home Ranch. RSVP requested to smdinfo@savemountdiablo.org or (925) 947-3535. 

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