Naturalist enjoys sharing outdoor lore

In our "Neighbors" series, we give you a personal look at the people who are serving your community. If you would like to nominate someone for this column, contact Judy Prieve at 925-779-7178 or e-mail jprieve@bayareanewsgroup.com.

Name: Mike Moran

Occupation: Moran has worked for the East Bay Regional Park District for 15 years. He is a naturalist and docent coordinator stationed at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch.

Proudest Achievement at EBRPD: In 2005 the district started allowing the public to tour the Vasco Caves. "It was a really big project and took a lot to accomplish, but it was worth it," Moran said. "The native American paintings are just wonderful."

Moran said that it took a lot of hard work to get it open.

He also said he is very proud of the work that the district as a whole has done with adding programs to East County. When he started working in East County, EBRPD was new to the area and there was little in the way of programs here.

"Over the years we have built in a lot of hikes, tours and school activities," he said.
What is going on in the future for Moran at EBRPD: This past week, Moran has been working on Oakley Science Week. For the first time the program added a hike of the Big Break Trail, which took place Saturday. Those interested in taking a similar hike should check the EBRPD schedule, as it is something that Moran and other naturalists do on a regular basis.

"A lot of people don't realize what a little gem is right outside their back door. There are raptors, birds of prey, beaver, coyotes, and we are right on the waterfront, which offers even more," he said.

On May 25, Moran will lead a four-mile hike in Round Valley. The Brentwood hike features a steep climb with plenty of rest stops for walkers, which is part of the reason the hike will take four hours. Once at the top hikers will be able to see Los Vaqueros Reservoir, Morgan Territory and on a clear day all the way to the Central Sierra.

Moran said he is also happy to be part of a special program, starting May 28, called Raptor Baseline. He will work with the public to study local raptors' patterns in the area.

"We have golden eagles, hawks and even some endangered birds in the area. We want to find out how many we can see, when they come out, that kind of thing," Moran said. "We have this incredible resource here. We want to enjoy it and share the information."
Groups and organizations he is involved with through EBRPD: Moran said one of the best organizations in the area is the Friends of the Marsh Creek Watershed.

"They are a phenomenal group and really movers and shakers. I have a lot of respect for the work they do on the many different projects," he said.

Delta Science Center is another group that works hard to preserve the environment in the area, Moran said. "This group is made up of so many different people from the community. They also represent a lot of groups who are working to bring the Science Center to the area."
Moran said the district also works with a lot of home schooling groups and that they have some amazing programs set up for the kids. One of Moran's projects includes the Docent program for Black Diamond Mines. In the fall he will be working on a new training program for the organization.

Resources for EBRPD and the natural area around East County: Moran said that he really didn't know of many books available about East County wildlife specifically. He said that Arcadia Press has published two good books, one on the Black Diamond Mines and the other on the Delta region. Both books are available on the Internet, and at local bookstores and the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve.

He also said there is a great map with information at www.savemountdiablo.org and that the EBRPD also has a Web site with a wealth of information, plus a schedule of all of its programs at www.ebparks.org.
— Roni Gehlke