Morgan Territory facts for kids

Morgan Territory is a historic area in Contra Costa County, on the east side of Mount Diablo. It's known for its beautiful open spaces. The area is named after Jeremiah Morgan, a pioneer who started a large ranch here in 1857. He owned about 2000 acres of land.

Long ago, small groups of Native Americans lived here. They spoke dialects of the Bay Miwok language. Later, during the Spanish and Mexican times, these native people were displaced. Large pieces of land were given to important officials. In the mid-1800s, Americans moved into the area. They began buying these properties. Many ranches for animals and some farms were built here.

By the mid-1900s, these big ranches were being sold. People wanted to build homes and neighborhoods. To protect the open land, the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) bought 930 acres in 1975. This land became the Morgan Territory Regional Preserve. It was named after the historic area. Over the years, the preserve grew to protect more land. Today, it covers about 5,230 acres (2,120 ha).

The preserve also connects to Mount Diablo State Park. This state park was created in the 1920s. It has trails that link up with Morgan Territory. Some parts of Jeremiah Morgan's original ranch, like Morgan Ranch and Morgan Red Corral, are now managed by the state park. His family owned these lands until the late 1900s.

About Morgan Territory Preserve

The Morgan Territory Regional Preserve was officially started in 1976. It is managed by the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD). By 2015, the park had grown to cover about 5,230 acres (2,120 ha). This preserve is very important for wildlife. It acts as a natural pathway for animals to move safely. The park stretches from Riggs Canyon and Mount Diablo State Park in the west. It goes all the way to the Contra Costa Water District's Los Vaqueros watershed and EBRPD's Round Valley Regional Preserve in the east.

The first part of the preserve was less than 1000 acres. It was located on Morgan Territory Ridge. This area included the start of Marsh Creek. In the late 1980s, the preserve expanded. It grew across Highland Ridge and into Riggs Canyon.

Nature and Wildlife in the Preserve

The hills in Morgan Territory are made of sandstone. They are the source of Marsh and Tassajara creeks. The EBRPD says that over 90 types of wildflowers grow here. You can find special flowers like the Diablo sunflower (Helianthella castanea). There is also the Diablo manzanita, which only grows near Mount Diablo.

Many animals live in the preserve. You might see deer and coyotes. Sometimes, a mountain lion or golden eagles are spotted. The preserve offers amazing views. You can see Mount Diablo and Mount St. Helena to the north. To the east, you can even see the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Trails and Activities

The trails in the preserve are named after local Native American groups. For example, the Volvon were one of the tribes who lived near Mount Diablo. Other trails are named after animals like the condor, prairie falcon, eagle, and coyote. Some trails are named for natural spots or the area's ranching past. These include Valley View, Blue Oak, and Highland Ridge.

Many people enjoy visiting the park. Popular activities include camping, hiking, horseback riding, and picnicking. If you want to use the backpacking campsite, you need to make a reservation. This campsite is not easy to access for wheelchairs. Picnic spots cannot be reserved. Dogs are welcome in the park, and there is no fee for them.

Special Features of the Preserve

The Morgan Backpack Camp was built in 2001. It is located on the Highland Ridge Trail. This trail is part of the larger Diablo Trail. The camp is on the site where the Cardoza family once lived.

Morgan Sulfur Spring is another interesting spot. It is in lower Curry Canyon within the preserve. This spring is in lower Sulfur Spring Canyon. Water from Windy Point flows into Curry Creek from here. It might have been named by Mary Bowerman, who called it "Morgan Sulphur Spring."

Other Protected Areas Nearby

• Morgan Ranch - In 1989, a group called Save Mount Diablo bought the 631-acre (2.6 km²) Morgan Ranch. They bought it from Willard "Bill" Morgan and his wife Naomi. Bill was a great-grandson of Jeremiah Morgan. Save Mount Diablo then gave the ranch to Mount Diablo State Park to manage. This was the first important connection between the ranch and Morgan Territory Regional Preserve. The Morgan Ranch stretches from Marsh Creek over Highland Ridge. It goes down west to Tassajara Creek in Riggs Canyon.

• Morgan Red Corral - In 2004, Save Mount Diablo bought another part of the historic ranch. It was called the "Morgan Red Corral." They also transferred this land to Mount Diablo State Park. This area is across Morgan Territory Road from the Morgan Ranch. It now serves as a starting point for visitors to this eastern part of the State Park. In 2004, Save Mount Diablo honored Jeremiah Morgan. They put up a historic monument about him at the Morgan Red Corral property.

• Joseph Galvin Ranch and Moss Rock - Save Mount Diablo also acquired the Joseph Galvin Ranch and 20-acre Moss Rock. In January 2012, they transferred these lands to the East Bay Regional Park District. This allows the park district to manage them for a long time. It also ensures the public can visit them.