Guest Speakers Are MMWD History Book Author & Director Jack Gibson and MMWD Park Ranger Matt Cerkel

Marin Municipal Water District history book author and Director Jack Gibson and MMWD Park Ranger Matt Cerkel will present an illustrated talk on the history of the Marin Municipal Water District and the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed on Friday, October 5 at a special event sponsored by the Moya Library-Ross Historical Society.

Founded in 1912, MMWD is the oldest municipal water district in California and the district has been the primary land manager of Mt. Tamalpais since 1917. Gibson will share information about MMWD that he discovered while conducting research for a new book, “Mount Tamalpais and the Marin Municipal Water District.” The pictorial history (from the mid 1800s through today) was published in June to commemorate MMWD’s centennial. The book tells the story of the formation of the Marin Municipal Water District in 1912 and includes dozens of archived photos that have not been previously available. The book also explains the founders' commitment to the preservation of Mt. Tamalpais and how that idea was central to their vision for the new district.

Cerkel’s talk, based on his own historical research about Mt. Tamalpais and his many years of experience as a ranger on MMWD watershed lands, will provide additional insights into MMWD’s early years.

This event is a part of the Moya Library-Ross Historical Society’s series of “First Friday” programs, which feature speakers with expertise in various aspects of Marin’s history. The event is from 11:00 am to noon and it will be held in the Livermore Pavilion at the Marin Art and Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Ross. A donation of $5 per person is requested. There will be a reception after the presentations. Copies of Gibson’s book will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the book sale benefit a fund to protect the watershed.

For more information call (415) 258-9595.