Ponderosa Lodge pond gets spring cleaning

An attractive feature welcoming visitors to Sisters just got a spring cleaning. The pond in front of Best Western Ponderosa Lodge on Highway 20 was drained. Then workers removed grass and let the sides dry out before filling it up again last week.

Owner Bill Reed plans to add a waterfall to the pond later this year. That will not only enhance the landscape feature, it will aerate the water and help deter algae from building up again. Reed said ponds in Central Oregon need regular maintenance.

“Every few years, the algae builds up,” said Reed.

The pond has functions beyond its good looks. Reed said he irrigates the nearby pasture out of the pond and deer drink from it regularly. Reed adds the pond gets positive comments from visitors.