West of Brentwood, at the edge of the Diablo Range, a quiet valley protects one of California's rarest mammals.
History
The park began in 1988, when Jim Murphy sold 700 acres to the park district, according to Wikipedia. The land had been bought in 1878 by Thomas Murphy, an Irish immigrant, for farming and ranching. The preserve has since grown to 1,911 acres. The district says the valley was once home to California Indians and was probably a boundary between tribal groups, where people from the East Bay and the San Joaquin Valley met to trade and socialize. Archaeological sites in the valley show evidence of Native American use.
Wildlife
The district says Round Valley is one of the northern extremes of the San Joaquin kit fox's range in California. The fox is on the federal and state endangered species lists. Wikipedia lists golden eagles and burrowing owls, both state species of special concern. Because the habitat is sensitive, dogs are not allowed.
Visiting
The entrance is at 19450 Marsh Creek Road in Brentwood. Parking is free. Hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Nov. 5, then 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The district says Hardy Canyon Trail is closed until further notice because of storm damage. Round Valley is also one of the two places where tour buses leave for Vasco Caves Regional Preserve.