Joseph Galvin Ranch
White Bridges Over Marsh Creek
Size: 62 acres
Location: Morgan Territory area, east of Mount Diablo State Park

In 2003, Save Mount Diablo partnered with the Galvin family to preserve 62 acres of the Joseph Galvin Ranch on Morgan Territory Road. The Joseph Galvin Ranch includes a heavily wooded canyon draining west between two ridgelines to a long stretch of Marsh Creek below.

Galvin's northwestern corner starts at a relatively new bridge over
the creek. The western boundary follows the road and creek south to include two of the distinctive one-lane white bridges built over Marsh Creek.

One ridgeline is chaparral covered, with a fire road threading its way up through fragrant brush. The other ridge includes oak woodland with rock outcrops cresting to grassland and expansive views of Windy Point and the mountain. The spectacular property rises east to a square mile recently protected with a conservation easement.

Galvin is habitat for a variety of wildlife including the rare Mount Diablo sunflower, Mount Diablo globe lily, and the threatened California red-legged frog. It almost certainly serves as habitat for the threatened Alameda whipsnake.

"Acquisition of the Joseph Galvin Ranch helps accomplish several of SMD's goals including helping to establish a better corridor between Morgan Territory Regional Preserve and Mount Diablo State Park, while protecting part of the Marsh Creek riparian corridor and significant biological resources. The property is a piece in a puzzle designed to conserve the resources of Morgan Territory. By contrast, the mansion next door shows what might easily have happened instead," said Malcolm Sproul, SMD's president.

In January 2012, Joseph Galvin Ranch and Moss Rock were transferred to East Bay FRegional Park District for long-term mangament and public access. The properties will be added to Morgan Territory Regional Preserve. Read the press release for more information.

Save Mount Diablo's properties are closed to the public except by guided tour. Please see our Hike Calendar for upcoming dates and opportunities.