The Ulistac Natural Area is representative of California's valley landscape west of the Coastal Range, much as it appeared before the footfall of European settlers.

The park encompasses seven diverse biotic communities -- grassland, coastal scrub, oak savannah, riparian woodland, sycamore woodland, oak woodland, and wetlands. Each is gradually strengthening its natural, distinctive identities and supporting an array of wildlife often specific to one commuity but sometimes common to many.

“Ulis” was an Ohlone chief, and his village, in this general location, where seasonal campsites once existed, was called “Ulistac.” The name “Rancho Ulistac” was adapted in 1845 to describe the Mexican land grant for this same area.

• Before 1776: A rich lowland valley where the Ohlone lived.
• 1776 through the 1800s: Ranchland for grazing cattle and sheep.
• Late 1800s through 1950s: Cultivated fields and orchards. (Photo: Courtesy of the California History Center Foundation, De Anza College, Cupertino, CA)
• 1960s through 1970s: A golf course. (Photo: Courtesy of the City of Santa Clara.)
• Today: A natural park. (Photo: © Frank Balthis.)

The Spanish established nearby Mission Santa Clara in 1777. They used the surrounding land as pastures for cattle and sheep, a move that had profound ecological effects. Native grasslands were soon overgrazed, so ranchers seeded the pastures with fast-growing exotic (non-native) grasses. Native grasses soon disappeared from the landscape.

With their lands and lifestyles disrupted by the mission, many native people left the area. Others who remained were lured into the mission system and were forced into hard labor and a complete cultural change. Disease, unknown to the Indians before European arrival, ravaged the dwindling local population.

(Note that the map orientation is upside down. North is to the bottom right of the map.)