The organization Save Mount Diablo publishes upcoming hikes and events that raise public awareness, appreciation and support to preserve natural lands on and around the mountain:

MOUNT OLYMPIA SUMMIT

Saturday, July 18 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Mount Olympia Summit/Bruce Lee Spring Trail Loop 2C Hike (Mount Diablo Group)

Leader: Helene Crowley, (415) 974-2209, crowh_8558@yahoo.com

Meet at 9 a.m. at the end of Regency Drive off Marsh Creek Road in Clayton.

Experienced hikers only. Mt. Olympia is one of the park’s prime destinations, a rugged outcrop with fantastic views of dizzying canyons. There are many things to attract your attention on the way – wildflowers well into summer, grotesquely eroded rock formations reminiscent of the American Southwest, and the sequence of gradually expanding views. The climax view, of course, is from the summit itself. Approximately nine miles, with a 2,500 foot elevation gain. Co-sponsored by MDIA. Rain cancels. Bring trekking poles, fluids, lunch/snack, layers and sunscreen.

BAT MONITORING

Thursday July 30 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Working the Night Shift: Bat Monitoring (East Bay Regional Park District)

Leader: Naturalist “Outdoor Ed,” 510-544-2768, ewillis@ebparks.org

MP #42 Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve – Somersville Townsite, end of Somersville Road south of Antioch from Highway 4.

We’ll hike up a chaparral-clothed canyon at dusk to see which flying furry friends live in the Hazel-Atlas Mine; quietly, we’ll count and record their numbers using detection equipment.

Registration is required: 888-EBPARKS option 2, 3; course #22001 (7/30); course #22002 (8/20)

MOONLIGHT DINNER

Saturday, September 5 from 4 to 10 p.m.

Moonlight on the Mountain 2009 (Save Mount Diablo)

An elegant evening under the light of the moon at China Wall on Mount Diablo. Celebrate Save Mount Diablo’s 38th anniversary. Presentation of the Mountain Star Awards. Come and enjoy a reception, sumptuous sit-down dinner catered by Sunrise Bistro, live music and entertainment by Mersey Beach, and auctions. Reservations are required. Admission is $250 per person. Call 925-947-3535 or visit www.savemountdiablo.org.