The Sedgwick Pond is coming back to life following long overdue cattail removal in the northern half of the Pond last November. 

In recent weeks, blackbirds have been jockeying for nest sites in the remaining cattails, new species of ducks have been spied in the open water, and a Pacific Pond Turtle has taken up residence. 

The Pacific pond turtle (Emys marmorata) is the only native freshwater turtle in California. It is ideally suited to survive the aridity and annual drought of the Mediterranean climate typical of the region.  These turtles are capable of moving long distances (at least one mile overland) and of locating remaining water sources when streams and rivers dry up in late summer. They survive droughts by digging into the mud on the bottom of water courses or moving to woodlands above the creek or pond and bury themselves in loose soil where they will overwinter until temperatures warm up enough for them to become active again.  

Pacific pond turtles were once abundant throughout California but are thought to have declined by 75-80% over most of its range. In the southern San Joaquin Valley, where population estimates once exceeded 3 million individuals, they are now almost extinct*. Habitat loss, both aquatic and in upland overwintering sites, continues to threaten the species.