QUARRYHOUSE PHILANTHROPY: TURTLE BACK HILL NATURE TRAIL

Ed as his alter ego “Ranger Rick”

Not only is Ed Westbrook Co-Founder and CEO of Quarry House, but he also acts as a Director of Friends of China Camp. In 2020 he used his construction skills as trail boss for the restoration of Turtle Back Hill Nature Trail. The trail designated for wheelchair access under the American with Disabilities Act had deteriorated over time from weather and usage. It needed retreading, and Ed, along with a group of 30 volunteers, including QuarryHouse Co-Founder and Director of Human Resources, Missy Westbrook, repaired and preserved the 0.7-mile trail loop.

Tools of the trade: volunteers repairing Turtle Back Hill Nature Trail

Now mobility-impaired visitors can enjoy the park's variety of California black oaks, live oaks, valley oaks, and blue oaks punctuated by grasslands while experiencing the expansive salt marshes. The signposted trail also features views of Mount Diablo, Mt. Burdel, and Jake's Island. Named for the man who once homesteaded its land, the densely forested island is a refuge for wildlife and not accessible to hikers because of its sensitive ecology.

Ed at center arranging stones

Click here to see the video of the Rededication of Turtle Back Hill Nature Trail with guest speaker Ed Westbrook: FOCC Turtle Back Rededication.