Brentwood History and Location
Brentwood, California is located in the East Bay Area within Contra Costa County. John Marsh, who was one of the richest men in California, acquired the land grant upon which Brentwood was founded in 1837 from Jose Noriega. Marsh understood the California potential for agriculture. The city was named after Brentwood in England, County of Essex, which is the area John Marsh hailed from. The city’s first post office opened in 1878, and Brentwood was incorporated in 1948.
Brentwood is situated along the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, and like most cities in the East Bay, boasts a view of Mount Diablo. The west side of the town features rolling hills, fruit orchards, grasses, and vineyards. There are also several public golf courses within the city.
Climate
Brentwood enjoys a climate between semi-arid and Mediterranean, like many cities in northern California. Its position near Mount Diablo buffers the city from the amounts of rain that many neighboring areas receive. Brentwood’s “rainy season” spans from October through April, and the hot summer days usually cool drastically in the evening due to the Delta Breeze.
Round Valley Regional Preserve
Voted the number one need-to-visit attraction in the region, the Round Valley Regional Preserve is located at 19450 Marsh Creek Road in Brentwood. The area was once home to several Native American tribes, and evidence of their past communities has been unearthed at dig sites throughout the valley.
The Preserve consists of 2191 acres and features numerous non-native and native plant communities, primarily annual grassland lined with valley oaks. The non-native grasses throughout the Preserve were introduced to the state of California by early settlers inadvertently. In the spring, wildflowers bloom in abundance.
Various Wildlife
The Round Valley Regional Preserve serves as habitat for a variety of wildlife that is typically found within the East Bay, as well as certain species that are more often found in California’s Central Valley. Some of the mammals common to the area are the San Joaquin pocket mouse, Calfornia ground squirrel, San Joaquin kit fox, and desert cottontails. The kit fox is on the endangered species list due to isolation, a small local population, and resulting lack of genetic diversity. The small, shy kit fox species are prey to red foxes and coyotes, and dogs can spread disease to the kit fox. Much work is being done to protect the habitat in Round Valley Preserve and ensure the continuing viability of the kit fox.
Other threatened species one may glimpse within the Preserve are the state and federally protected Golden Eagle and the California red-legged frog.
The Preserve offers many opportunities for outdoor activities such as horseback riding, bicycling, and hiking. During the summer, visitors should be aware that temperatures often exceed 100 degrees and plan accordingly with plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and loose clothing
Camping Site
There is one group camping site available on the Preserve with a 25-person maximum. When the camp site is not in use, the area is open to the general public for backpacking. The group campsite area includes picnic tables and an ADA restroom.
Dogs are not allowed in the Round Valley Preserve due to the precarious wildlife habitat.
Watch the YouTube Video: Round Valley Guide: Introduction. The video below gives the viewer a great look at some of the natural beauty found within the Preserve.
Brentwood Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Brentwood car accident lawyer with more than three decades of experience. If you have been involved in an automobile accident and sustained injuries due to the recklessness of another driver, please feel free to get in touch with me at (800) 404-5400 or (925) 428-5220. I can offer free, friendly advice regarding your next steps.
My office has helped our clients achieve successful settlements and verdicts to help compensate them for their injuries. Review the links below to read what our clients think of our services:
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Picture: Chloe Leis on Unsplash
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