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Description
Shollenberger Park offers extensive freshwater, brackish and tidal wetlands and terrestrial habitats that (depending on the season), host significant numbers of shorebirds, gulls and ducks. The park, originally purchased by the city of Petaluma as a place to dump sediment dredged from the adjacent Petaluma River, is a popular park for joggers, dog walkers, families and nature enthusiasts. Featuring a 2 mile perimeter trail, with a cutoff trail forming a shorter optional loop, the trail provides views of the large seasonal ponds at the heart of the park, as well as the adjacent Altman Marsh, Petaluma River, and grassland / wetland that are part of the Shollenberger Park Extension and Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility lands to the East. Collectively, Shollenberger Park, Altman Wetlands and the Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility lands are know as the Petaluma Wetlands.
The reedbeds along the North side are great habitat for American Bittern, Red-winged Blackbird (California Bicolored) and Marsh Wren. Bird nest boxes along the West side are used by Tree Swallows while larger owl nest boxes host Barn Owls. In Winter, Bald Eagles can be seen hunting among the duck and shorebird flocks, while Northern Harriers patrol the open areas and White-tailed Kite can be seen in the grassland on the East side. The large seasonal ponds in the center of the park in Winter attract wading birds like Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, Greater Yellowlegs and Least Sandpiper, as well as ducks like American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Gadwall, Ruddy Duck, and Northern Shoveler. The edges of the trails are home to a variety of sparrows, and other terrestrial species, such as Say's Phoebe.
Details
Access
This site can be easily reached by car, and is a short distance from Highway 101 near Petaluma. Click on the P in the map for directions or coordinates.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Reedbeds , River , Grassland , Scattered trees and bushes , LakeConditions
Flat , Wet , Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
Winter , Spring , AutumnBest time to visit
Winter , Spring migration , Autumn migrationRoute
Wide path , Paved road , Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
As always, do not leave valuables, purses or backpacks visible inside your car.