Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
Vegetation: The Preserve's 65 miles of trails traverse areas of grassland, foothill woodland, mixed evergreen forest, chaparral, stream vegetation and exotic plantings. Notable among the latter are several tree species introduced by the coal miners. These include the black locust, pepper tree, almond, eucalyptus and tree of heaven.
Black Diamond is noted as the northernmost location of Coulter pine, black sage, desert olive, and dudleya. In addition, several species that are restricted to the Mt. Diablo area occur here, including the Mt. Diablo globe lily, Mt. Diablo helianthella and Mt. Diablo manzanita. In the springtime, the hills are covered with some of the most remarkable wildflower displays in the Bay Area.
Wildlife: Black Diamond supports a healthy wildlife population. Coyotes and snakes are commonly seen. Mountain lions, bobcats, foxes and deer are occasionally spotted, while birds of prey soar overhead. Over 100 species of birds have been seen, from the rare golden eagle to the ever-present meadowlark.
The side-blotched lizard has its northern limit in the Preserve, and one rare animal species has been found here, the Alameda whipsnake.
STAR MINE Only for use by School Groups and Scouts. CAPACITY: minimum 10, maximum 35. PARKING: 7 parking spaces near site (1/4 mile); NO overflow. Access is from the gate at Fredrickson Lane, near the Contra Loma Regional Park entrance. Check gate hours and enter before closing time. For safety and to limit impact, ALL VEHICLES MUST ENTER AND EXIT TOGETHER. NO SHUTTLING. Buses, RVs, food trucks, or caterers are prohibited. Violators may be cited and/or towed. SITE DETAILS: includes picnic tables, pit toilet, shade structure, and 2 tent pads. NO WATER. NO CAMPFIRES OR BBQs allowed. Camp stoves OK.
Information website: https://www.ebparks.org/parks/visitor-centers/black-diamond-greathouse
Map Link (beta): https://www.google.com/maps?q=37.9445933,-121.8250347