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1.5 Acres, Established 1992
Access: Public access allowed.
Conservation Values: Pond habitat
BYLT’s first Preserve, Mathis Pond was donated in 1992 by Ray and Helen Mathis who loved the pond and wanted to see it protected forever. The land is now used as a wildlife area as well as a life science laboratory and habitat observation area.
Cool Facts: During the 2014-2015 school year, Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning adopted the pond as their living classroom. They visited the pond once a month and conducted surveys of water quality, built basking rafts for western pond turtles and removed invasive Himalayan blackberries and other invasive species. In this same time period three scouts from local Troop 855 (Cougar Patrol) conducted their final Eagle Scout projects at the pond.
Flora and Fauna: Western pond turtles (Actinemys marmorata) are found in the pond. They can be seen on the logs and the basking rafts.
History: Alta Sierra was historically a wide open agricultural area with many cattle grazing operations. Mathis Pond is a remnant of this past use. The pond was built as a stock pond for the cattle. An earthen dam creates this aquatic habitat.
What to do there: Spend time observing wildlife in the pond and enjoy catch and release fishing.
Future: Mathis Pond will continue to be a site for school groups and local scouts to do research and restoration projects. We hope to rebuild the fishing/ observation pier.
How to get there: Located on Dog Bar Road in Alta Sierra. The pond is between Alta Sierra Drive and Carrie Drive. Parking is along the road.
Rules, regulations: Hours are sunrise to sunset. No swimming or wading in the pond. NO HUNTING.
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