DEAR JOAN: Your incredible readers played a vital role in helping us raise funds to acquire and permanently protect the strategic Krane Pond property last year. Once again, we’re asking for assistance with an important land acquisition — this time to help protect Ginochio Schwendel Ranch, a vital piece of the Mount Diablo area ecosystem.
The 98-acre property along Marsh Creek Road between Clayton and Brentwood is next to Marsh Creek and Save Mount Diablo’s Marsh Creek 5 preserve, and holds potential for future trail access. The property features rare volcanic soils, endemic plants such as the Mount Diablo Globe Lily and breathtaking views. It’s an important part of the Marsh Creek watershed and a critical wildlife corridor for listed wildlife including the Alameda whipsnake and California red-legged frog.
To preserve this natural treasure for generations to come, Save Mount Diablo must raise almost $1.5 million by March 6. We’re calling on your readers to help us reach the final $100,000 needed to make this vision a reality. Donations will help fund the acquisition and stewardship of the land, preventing future development and preserving its unique environmental and scenic values.
Your contribution will make a difference in protecting this ecological treasure. We are so grateful for your support and help.
— Ted Clement and Seth Adams, Save Mount Diablo
DEAR TED AND SETH: Preserving and protecting Mount Diablo, one parcel at a time, is a cause close to my heart. It not only makes sure we humans have access to the beauty of the area, but ensures so many animals can keep their homes. I’m happy to share the news of your latest drive and to encourage my readers to chip in, if they can. I’ll report on the progress.
Donations can be sent to Save Mount Diablo, 201 N. Civic Drive, Suite 190, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 or via https://savemountdiablo.org/time-critical-land-acquisitions.
DEAR JOAN: Just read your article warning regarding avian bird flu. What’s your advice for people like my neighbor who have an unkempt water bowl out by the street for strolling neighborhood canines?
— Lura, Los Gatos
DEAR LURA: My advice would be for them to kempt it up.
Setting out water dishes for strolling pets or passing wildlife is well intentioned, but a bit risky even when avian flu is not an issue. Communal watering holes and feeding dishes are prime spots to spread diseases that can infect our pets and, in turn, their human companions. The bowls also can attract unwanted wildlife to neighborhoods, where they stand a greater chance of being injured or killed.
If you have the sort of relationship where you can suggest they either remove the dish or maintain it by cleaning the dish and changing the water daily, then you can go that route. If the dish is on public property, then you could take bolder action. I’m not suggesting anything drastic, but we all have our clumsy moments and who could blame you if you accidentally tripped and tipped the bowl over … repeatedly?
Animal Life runs on Mondays. Contact Joan Morris at AskJoanMorris@gmail.com.