Return to the main V-O-Cal page.
Help V-O-Cal by making a donation.
Who is V-O-Cal? - News, FAQ's, Contact
V-O-Cal funding and work partners
V-O-Cal programs: Team-Building, Training, Service Learning
Learn about V-O-Cal projects. (Schedule, history, photos, FAQs)
Get more info about volunteering.(How, why, history, photos)

Project Sponsors:

Special Partners:

EBRPD logo

Black Diamond MInes Regional Preserve

East Bay Regional Park District
May 11-13, 2012

Black Diamond Mines Trail Map

Project Background
The Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve contain over 5000 acres and has a rich history ranging from the original Native American inhabitants through ranching, coal mining ("black diamonds"), and sand mining. Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve is one of the East Bay Regional Park District’s hidden gems. It features beautiful hills, fascinating local history, and great sampling of the Bay Area’s best local flora and fauna. There will be a variety of work ranging in difficulty on the trails or you can help out around camp, too.

We will camp in our own special area near the mouth of Oil Canyon, just a short walk from the trails where we will be working. Saturday evening after we’re done with work for the day, you can relax to the sound of the ONs, a local acoustic bluegrass band while enjoying cold drinks and snacks followed by a hearty hot dinner. After dinner, a park naturalist will tell us a little bit more about the history of the Black Diamond Mines – named for the coal mining that took place on the site in the late 1800s.

Trail Description
Bring your friends and family out to work with us and Park District staff to do some much-needed maintenance on three of Black Diamond Mines’ most popular trails, Prospect Tunnel, Star Mine, and Miners trails. We will be doing basic repairs as well as installing some new features to improve drainage along these trails.

Level of Effort
Hiking: moderate
Manual Labor: mixed

Camp
Camping is open to volunteers Friday and Saturday nights. Food is also provided for volunteers from breakfast Saturday through lunch Sunday. While camping is optional and participants are able to participate for one day, this will be a unique opportunity to relax after the work day and camp in a festive atmosphere with other volunteers.

Carpooling, Public transportation and Parking
We encourage participants to carpool. The nearest BART station is Pittsburgh Bay Point. Carpooling - please use the meet-up carpool site. If you need a ride, or have space in your car, please try and carpool. We have posted a carpool Meetup to help facilitate arrangements. Stay tuned for possible shuttle information.

Driving Directions

Your destination is Contra Loma Regional Park ( 1200 Frederickson Lane Antioch, Ca 94509)

From I-80 either north or southbound

- Take exit to Highway 4, eastbound
- Take Highway 4E to Antioch
- Exit Lone Tree Way and proceed to Golf Course Road.
- Turn right on Golf Course Road.
- Turn right again on Frederickson Lane.
- Proceed to the Contra Loma Park entrance and follow the V-O-CAL signs for where to park.


View Larger Map

Preliminary Schedule
Friday
5pm - Registration and camping opens
Saturday
7:30am - Registration, light breakfast, and lunch prep begin.
8am - Morning greeting, announcements, stretching and safety talk. Project begins.
12:30pm - Break for lunch on trail.
3:30pm - Head back to camp.
4pm - Drinks, appetizers and socializing. Showers available.
6:15pm - Dinner and entertainment.
Sunday
8am - Registration, hot breakfast, and lunch prep.
8:30am - Morning greeting, announcements, stretching and safety talk. Project begins.
11:30am - Break for lunch on trail.
1:30pm - Head back to camp to pack gear and truck.
2pm - Celebrate the work and say goodbyes.

What to bring and wear
For your safety and protection from hazards, please be prepared with the following items:

  • Water, sun hat, and sunscreen. You will NOT be allowed on the trail without a water container.

  • Plates, utensils, coffee mug and a cup.
  • Work Gloves (if you do not have work gloves V-O-Cal can provide a pair to use).
  • Sturdy shoes or books with tread. Working in sandals or open-toed shoes will not be permitted.
  • Day pack to carry water and lunch.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Insect repellent, allergy medicine, etc.
  • A change of clothes for each work day and for lounging at camp to minimize the spread of poison oak.
  • IF CAMPING: bring a tent, sleeping bag, folding chair, flashlight, and other camping gear. A coffee mug is also necessary. Also bring a change of clothes.

    • Meals
    V-O-Cal provides all meals for volunteers from breakfast Saturday through lunch Sunday. Vegetarian options are available for all meals.

  • Please bring your own reusable plates, coffee mug, cups and utensils. To minimize waste from our projects, we ask that you bring your own dishes. Hot water and soap are provided.
  • A continental breakfast is served Saturday morning.
  • Lunch is prepared before hitting the trails. You break for lunch on the trail around 12:30.
  • Please arrive at camp by 7:40am to register, eat breakfast and prepare your lunch.
  • Appetizers and beverages will be available at 4pm after the work day on Saturday. Dinner will follow at 6:15pm.
  • Hot breakfast is served Sunday.

    • Hazards
    HYDRATION/SUN EXPOSURE: The work site is exposed and it may be HOT. Wear a sun hat! Please drink plenty of water throughout the work day. If you feel tired or weak, let your crew leader know and take a break.
    POISON OAK: There is a risk of exposure to poison oak at at the work site. Have your crew leader point some out to you if you don't know what it looks like. Clean with Tecnu after the workday and be cautious when handling your dirty clothes.
    SNAKES: Snakes are present on the property. Use caution when walking the trails and when picking items up off the ground.
    TICKS: Ticks are always a hazard so it is important to check during and after the project.
    SHARP TOOLS: Please listen to your crew leaders tool safety talk and observe proper tool use throughout the day.

    View other V-O-Cal Projects.

    Volunteers for Outdoor California (V-O-Cal)
    2745 Spring St, Unit B • Redwood City, CA 94063
    info@v-o-cal.org • 650-298-9774

    Volunteers for Outdoor California is a nonprofit public charity meeting the requirements of IRS 501(c)(3) and the Public Benefit Corporation Law of the State of California.