Bay Area Wildlife: Ardenwood
You may not even find Ardenwood Park Regional Preserve on a map, an out of the way spot of land just off Highway 84 through Newark. But the Monarch butterflies do. They arrive in late October and leave in early March. The park is filled with coast eucalyptus trees, whose flowers produce a nectar that butterflies love.
While you're in Ardenwood, you can also visit the 200-acre working farm. Experience farm life as it was near the turn-of-the-century. Draft horses still pull wagons, rail cars and plows. The staff wear Victorian clothing, demonstrate farm chores, and explain the social etiquette of the Victorian era. Children will love the farm animals.
Ardenwood is open year round. Butterfly tours are given on weekends as long as the butterflies are there. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for teens, $3 for kids. Don't bring the dog.
*Be sure to call ahead to see if the butterflies are still there. Also see our story on Monarch Butterflies.
The Ardenwood Regional Preserve is in Fremont. Take Interstate 880 (Highway 17) to Dumbarton Bridge turnoff. Go west on Highway 84 and take Ardenwood Boulevard exit. Turn right at the signal and look for the Ardenwood sign.
•Ardenwood Historic Farm web site
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