As a result of the generosity of Ray and Helen Mathis, the newly formed Land Trust acquired its first property for permanent preservation - Mathis Pond. The 1.75-acre parcel is located along Dog Bar Road near its intersection with Alta Sierra Drive.  The property's primary feature is a large, spring-fed pond that acts as a home and way station for waterfowl.  An informational kiosk and graveled trail mark the publicly accessible neighborhood "pocket park".

The Mathis family originally acquired the property from the Alta Sierra Country Club with the idea of preserving it in its natural state and to encourage its use by domestic and migrating waterfowl. When the Mathis family became concerned about their ability to protect and care for the property, they turned to the Land Trust.  In accepting the land in fee title, the Land Trust has agreed to take over responsibility for protecting Mathis Pond as open space in perpetuity. The Land Trust uses Mathis Pond as an educational site for pond and birding studies.  Local Audubon members have installed and monitor wood duck and blue bird nesting boxes on the site.