Ulistac Natural Area is 40 acres of open space that showcases seven distinctive natural habitats in Santa Clara. The park opened in 2001 after months of volunteer efforts to restore California native vegetation and preserve wildlife habitat.
The park is located along the Guadalupe River on Lick Mill Boulevard between Tasman Drive and Montague Expressway. Public access is provided from Lick Mill Boulevard and the creekside trail along the Guadalupe River.
Ulistac Natural Area is one focus of the Environmental Studies Institute at Santa Clara University and the subject of a special Ulistac website which was created and is being maintained by students at Wilcox High School in Santa Clara to record sightings of birds, animals, and insects in the park. The members of the Ulistac Natural Area Community Habitat Restoration Project (UNA-CHRP) have been the catalyst for other community members to become involved and to make Ulistac Natural Area a reality.
There are no activity facilities, restrooms or picnic facilities within Ulistac, but these facilities are available across the street in Lick Mill Park. Irrigation in the park uses recycled water piped in from the San Jose/Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant. Like other municipal parks, Ulistac is open every day from sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. The trails have interpretive panels to provide additional information on the natural history of the area. Further information on Ulistac Natural Area is available by calling (408) 615-2260.