The JCK ponds, located beside the J.C. Kellam Administration Building, are the historic remnants of the nation’s oldest federal fish hatchery west of the Mississippi River, established in 1893.
Once a hub for breeding fish to stock waterways nationwide, these ponds now serve Texas State University as a haven for birding and wildlife observation, and as outdoor classrooms for biology and environmental studies.
Today, the ponds function as green infrastructure that supports stormwater management and campus biodiversity while offering tranquil spots for visitors to connect with nature.