Ulistac Natural Area, the last 40 acres of open space in the City of Santa Clara, was designated as a city park on January 20, 1997. Today, it is home to the Ulistac Natural Area Restoration and Education Project (UNA-REP), a community-driven education project that teaches people of all ages about the Santa Clara Valley's natural and human history, primarily through habitat restoration. 

Originally inhabited by the Ohlone Indians, the land we call Ulistac Natural Area was part of Rancho Ulistac under Spanish and Mexican rule. After duty as a pear orchard and a golf course, the land lay unused for seven years, during which time the wildlife moved in. When Ulistac was slated for development in the latter part of the 1990s, the community banded together and convinced the City Council that, as one of the last remaining open spaces on the valley floor, Ulistac was a precious and vital resource for the community to enjoy.    

Although the natural area contains many exotic and weedy plant species, there were some areas of native habitat even before restoration began, including willow, sycamore, and elderberry trees. Since 1999, thousands of volunteer hours have begun Ulistac's transformation from old golf course to a natural area where visitors can learn about California native habitats and the Ohlone people.  Areas currently under restoration include approximately 5 acres of oak woodlands and oak savannah, a Bird and Butterfly Garden that covers nearly an acre, and approximately 4.5 acres of wetlands.  Throughout the park, there are interpretive signs that explain the natural and human history of the site, and introduce the various habitats visitors will encounter when restoration is complete.

We hope that as your learn more about Ulistac and the Restoration and Education Project, you discover the same thing we have: the opportunities for community-building and education at Ulistac Natural Area are abundant, unique, and irreplaceable.