Mataguay - A Ranch of Many Uses
The 842 acre Mataguay Scout Ranch is a land of many uses. Historically, the property has served as a home to Native American Indian tribes, a way station for the stage coach, and a cattle ranch. Archeological remains from the Mataguay Indian Village dot the land and historic adobe structures remain from the ranch period.
Geography and vegetation vary greatly from one end of the camp to the other. Year-round and seasonal creeks feed lakes and provide water to native groves and large grasslands. Beautiful heritage oak canopies provide cooling shade in the warm summer months and sycamores display a tapestry of color in the fall. Pine forests cover the higher elevations in the south part of the property and massive rock croppings are located on our hillsides.
Scout use of the Ranch varies greatly as well. The fields and open spaces of the Ranchlands support large group camporees and family gatherings. The Parker Scout Camp can provide week-long summer programs to 3,000+ Scouts annually. The Backcountry encompasses both a retreat and training center and wilderness areas in the new Pardee Outpost Camp is perfect for a high adventure experience.
To help identify and define the unique areas of the Ranch and maximize the use of the property when planning improvements and enhancements, the task force divided Mataguay into four functional areas. This master plan addresses both camp-wide initiatives like conservation and trails, as well as specific improvements, changes and enhancements to each of these functional areas.
The Ranchlands
The Ranchlands is the gateway to Mataguay, encompassing the area from the camp entrance to the Indian Rock parking lot. It includes large grasslands, a year-round creek and significant grove of heritage oaks. The Ranchlands is home to the camp Welcome Center, two ranger residences, staff and campmaster cabins and the Ranch maintenance and storage yard.
Pardee Outpost Camp
The new 120 acre Pardee Outpost Camp is located in the hills northwest of the Ranchlands. The high-elevation area is covered with boulders and rock outcroppings, and features a year-round spring under a canopy of oaks. The property, purchased with a bequest from George and Catherine Pardee, will serve as a rugged outpost camp for older Scouts and a destination spot for hikers of all ages.
Parker Scout Camp
Parker Scout Camp is the heart of the Mataguay Scout Ranch. It encompasses the middle section of the property, and includes all summer camp related campsites, program centers and facilities.
The Backcountry
The Backcountry encompasses the area from the barn to the south end of the property, and includes the barn and related buildings, old commissary building, the retreat center, and the historic Treanor adobe house and ranch foreman's adobe.
Master Plan Details …
