The Mount Diablo Interpretive Association (MDIA) recently kicked off the next phase of its campaign to build a new education center at the Mitchell Canyon entrance to Mount Diablo State Park.

A 25-year-old portable trailer currently serves as the visitor center. MDIA is raising $3 million it says will significantly increase access to the park and its programs.

The immediate goal is to raise $1 million by the end of 2023. The group will match donations one for one up to $80,000 until July 31.

The new 1,500-square-foot education center would incorporate a large outdoor pavilion and expanded indoor space to house permanent and rotating exhibits. The Mitchell Canyon entrance is on Diablo's northwest side, about a mile from Clayton.

The center would include space for school bus turnarounds and parking. MDIA said the new center would greatly increase access for local students.

Designed by LEED-certified Ware Architects, the new center's energy-efficient, environmentally responsive design would serve as a model for other structures located in urban-wildfire interface zones -- a consideration of increasing importance because of California's expanding fire season, MDIA officials have said.

MDIA continues to seek private and public grants as well as individual gifts, which it said is essential to meeting the campaign's $3 million goal.

More information is available at MDIA.org or contact Mike Brandy, [email protected]