Doug McConnell, longtime host of KRON4 TV’s “Bay Area Backroads,” will be at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch on Saturday, March 7 from 1-2:30 p.m. for the official season-opening of the mines and a book signing with authors Traci Parent and Karen Terhune.

McConnell has filmed several segments at Black Diamond Mines, which will be a feature on his new travel series “Open Road with Doug McConnell,” debuting on April 6 on KQED, KTEH and KQET TV stations in Northern California. The series will focuses on the West, from Alaska to Mexico and the Rockies to Hawaii, and will be made available for fall release by KQED, the presenting station, to Public Television stations throughout the nation.

“Open Road with Doug McConnell” premieres on KQED San Francisco Monday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m. and on KTEH San Jose beginning Saturday, April 11 at 1:30 p.m. A national roll-out is planned for the fall of 2009. The series is underwritten by Kaiser Permanente and the East Bay Regional Park District.

The program will tell stories about nature, history and culture, and will feature fascinating adventures and the insight of informed insiders who know the West the best. The series will also give tips about the region’s best road trips, wildlife viewing, scenic vistas, historic towns, big-city neighborhoods and much more. From the glorious Napali Coast in Hawaii to a River of Bears in Alaska, from the historic streets of San Francisco to the red rock wonders of the Southwest, and from quirks of nature to quirky and wonderful characters, “Open Road with Doug McConnell” will appeal to anyone interested in exploring, appreciating and caring for the West.

The series will also foster an ethic of conservation and preservation and encourage viewers to support the protection of the West’s vulnerable natural, cultural and historic treasures for generations to come

On McConnell’s accompanying Web site, www.openroad.tv, visitors can find more information about the stories they see on television and links to conservation groups and helpful travel resources. The Web site, a traveler’s video guide to the West, is filled with video, stories and tips from Doug’s extensive travels over the years throughout the West. Those who check in are encouraged to pass along their own tales of travel in the region and their recommendations about things to do, places to visit and organizations to support.

– Contributed by Shelly Lewis