Ulistac Natural Area is the LAST 40-acres of undeveloped land in the City of Santa Clara. It is a phenomenal environmental walk that lets you experience how the San Francisco Bay Area looked long before the first settlers moved in. We are so fortunate to have an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the seasons bring to the Bay Area, and Ulistac is definitely a place to enjoy all year round.
Like many locations throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, Ulistac was inhabited by the Ohlone Tribe, who occupied the Northern California coast. They founded a village in this area, called “Ulistac”. “Ulis” means basket, and “tac” means place – so “Ulistac” is a “basketplace”, a village where baskets were woven.
The preserve features seven diverse biotic communities native to the area: Wetland (the Bay), Coastal Shrub, Oak Savannah, Grassland, Oak Woodland, Sycamore Woodland and Riparian Woodland.
Throughout Ulistac you will find informative boards that provide facts about the area, its wildlife, history, and the biospheres represented. In addition, much of the native flora is labeled, with information about individual plants or trees.
Every spring Ulistac Natural Area hosts the annual Wildflowers Day with vendors, booths, music and food.
Wildflowers grow in abundance here, from California Golden Poppies, California Lilacs to Sticky Monkey-Flowers, to Pink Flowering Currants. We strongly recommend viewing the park between March and April. During these months, the entire area is in full radiant bloom and buzzing with life!
More than 180 different species of birds have been spotted here, making this a true paradise for birdwatchers, butterfly and bee enthusiasts. If you’re bringing your furry friends along with you, Ulistac is dog-friendly! Please note, dogs must be on leash.
Ulistac is carefully restored by volunteers, both private and corporate. The community welcomes volunteers of all ages from 9 am to 12 pm every 1st Saturday of the month, and every 3rd Sunday of the month. So, if you are in the South Bay Area, check it out! It’s a great way to give back to the neighborhood, get a little dirty, and have some fun! Group or class tours can be arranged as well (through the Ulistac website, in advance).
NOTE: Ulistac Natural Area is a small oasis in a dense urban environment, located at 4901 Lick Mill Blvd, Santa Clara, CA. It is bike and stroller-friendly, dog-friendly, and with free admission. Ulistac is not designated as a park, but a Natural Area, so there are no facilities there. However, they can be found at the Lick Mill Park right across the street (restrooms, drinking water, picnic areas, benches, and play areas are available). For more information, please visit Ulistac Natural Area website here. And, to learn more about outdoor adventures in the San Francisco Bay Area, feel free to check our posts on hiking in Rancho San Antonio park, discover more bird watching spots at Baylands Nature Preserve, and visit San Jose Rose Garden with us.
And, if you are not visiting the SF Bay Area, we encourage you to venture out into your own backyard and discover new and exciting local destinations! You know we love hearing from you, so please comment below, and subscribe to our blog!
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Lilian Nunes
OMG So Cool and So Close.
For sure we are going out there.
Thank You for sharing.
MonkeysVentures
Thanks so much Lilian! It is really a cool hidden local gem!