Wildlife in Fremont

This historic land was purchased by George Patterson in the late 1800s who moved to California to search for gold and ended up turning to farming. Ardenwood is home to many species of birds including waterfowl, cormorants, herons, egrets, eagles, hawks, falcons, doves, owls, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, flycatchers, shrikes, vireos, corvids, titmice, chickadees, nuthatches, creepers, wrens, thrushes, mockingbirds and others.   Monarch butterflies spend the winter in the Eucalyptus trees from December to mid-February.  Volunteer to join the bird census effort. Birders of all abilities are welcome. For a complete bird checklist to use for your visit, please see: Bird Checklist

The park is home to 978 acres of marshland and rolling grassland covered hills. It is popular for walking, bicycling and bird watching.  On site is a 2,000-year old Tuibun Ohlone Indian shellmound sites and its archaeological resources. There are trails through the marsh and trails with views of San Francisco and the South Bay.  At the visitor center, there are restrooms and drinking fountains. A bird and butterfly nectar garden is near the visitor center.