Originally used as a seasonal encampment for the Ohlone Indians (Ulistac was the name of an Ohlone chief), the site also served as a pasture for grazing cattle and sheep in the 1800s, and strawberry fields and pear orchards in later years. From 1961 to 1988, the land was the Fairway Glen Golf Course and the City of Santa Clara purchased the acreage in 1974.

"We have kept construction in the park to a minimum so that visitors will be able to experience and appreciate the wildlife and vegetation that naturally occur in this area," explained Larry Wolfe, Director of Parks and Recreation. "Although it is located in the midst of a busy urban region, the park allows visitors to step back in time and enjoy the natural beauty and serenity of this valley. It is a unique experience different from all of our other City parks and open spaces."

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.

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 continued restoration of Ulistac to its natural condition is a labor of love among the many volunteers who work at the site. 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.

Like other municipal parks, Ulistac is open every day from sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. A brochure for self-guided tours, funded by a grant from Applied Materials, is available at the site and 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.