With the installation of a new crosswalk at Rheem Boulevard and Chalda Way, which leads to the main trailhead taking hikers up to a 360-degree view of Moraga and beyond at Painted Rock, the folks at John Muir Land Trust (JMLT) decided it was a good time for a celebration.

Perched above the Rheem Valley Shopping Center, Painted Rock got its name from the decades of artistic expression by local students who climbed the hill with the sole purpose of painting a variety of statements or pictures, and then sitting back with a "beverage" to enjoy their handiwork and the view.

Most likely they were never aware of the other wonders of nature that inhabited the area. The landscape is home to annual and perennial grasslands, coastal scrub, and wetlands. Hawks fly overhead while the threatened Alameda whipsnake and California red-legged frog strive to make a comeback.

By preserving the 505 acres surrounding the immediate 84-acre Painted Rock property hikers, bikers, cyclists, joggers, bird-watchers, dog-walkers, and nature-lovers in general can fully appreciate JMLT's efforts to keep the open space intact for generations to come.

"Painted Rock was once offered for sale as a development site for $15 million," states the JMLT website. "Committed to conservation, the landowner generously offered the property to John Muir Land Trust as an extraordinary one-time opportunity to shape the landscape we leave to future generations. Painted Rock is an important acquisition in The Moraga Hills Campaign, part of JMLT's decadeslong effort to protect the most threatened properties in the East Bay Hills." In 2019, the community came together to make it a reality.

"We are thankful for the private donations that made this acquisition happen," said JMLT Executive Director Linus Eukel. "It's also good for the Town Center - to bring hikers in to the Town's businesses."

JMLT's Oct. 4 Painted Rock Community Celebration began in the Rheem Center parking lot, and drew an estimated crowd of 500 people. "We gave away more than 300 hot dogs and so much ice cream that Loard's ran out and had to bring in more," stated Eukel. "There was also face painting for the kids and crafts for everyone. Big top tents with lot of chairs were set up for the presentation ceremony."

Current and former Moraga mayors were also on hand, such as Steve Woehleke, Teresa Onoda, Mike Mccluer, Roger Wykle, and Dave Trotter. "We are also grateful for the new Rheem/Chalda crosswalk that gets people to Painted Rock safely. Shawn Knapp [Director of Public Works/Town Engineer], Nate Levine [Senior Engineer], Scott Mitnick [Town Manager], the Town Council, Contra Costa County and Moraga Community Foundation really helped pull it together quickly," Eukel explained.

Eukel estimates that 100 people went on the trail walk. "It was impressive to see. There was great community spirit and a sense of joy."

Painted Rock is open for public access. The best way to visit is to go up Fay Hill Road off Rheem Boulevard to the top. On the left is a gate, and just beyond that is a parking lot for several cars. Hike on the road beyond the gate to enjoy the views. For more information visit: JMLT.org.