Shollenberger Park

Shollenberger Park in southeastern Petaluma is not a lawn-and-tree kind of a place. Rather, this is a well-protected wetland bordered in part by Adobe Creek and the Petaluma River. This park has a variety of diked ponds, ample marsh vegetation and open fields, level paths - some paved, some gravel- and a few benches and picnic tables. A loop trail extends 2 miles around the main dike. The Shollenberger Park is owned and maintained by the City of Petaluma.

Additional adjacent wetlands are being acquired by the city of Petaluma, and will be used as a constructed marsh to supplement the work of the city's nearby wastewater treatment plant. The Petaluma Wetlands Alliance, a vital unit of Madrone Audubon Society, was instrumental in promoting and supporting this valuable wetland link on the Petaluma River.

An astonishing variety of birds may be found here in every season. Large flocks of shorebirds and waterfowl arrive in fall and stay throughout the winter.

During breeding season nests and young of American Avocets, Black-necked Stilts, Pied-billed Grebes, Common Moorhens, American Coots, Canada Geese, and Mallards can be fairly easily found. Rails, Common Yellowthroats, American Bitterns and Song Sparrows are more secretive in their breeding locations here.

Birders will find that they share the trail with bicyclists, joggers, walkers, and dog owners. Fortunately the design of the park allows for relatively undisturbed pursuit of each of these healthful out-door activities.

Restrooms are available, but bring your drinking water.

Some thirty-five years ago this was a seasonal wetland serving as an unimproved pasture for a few cattle, flood control for the overflow from the Petaluma River, and home or wintering area for many birds. Because of its location at the foot of Cader Lane, this wonderful wetland became known in the birding community as the Cader Lane Ponds and is referred to as such in the "Sonoma County Breeding Bird Atlas" published in 1995.

HOW TO GET THERE:

To reach Shollenberger Park from Hwy 101, go east on Lakeville Hwy. (Hwy.116 East) one mile to South McDowell Extension. Turn right (south) and proceed about ¼ mile to the far side of the U. S. Postal Service Buildings. Turn right there at a tiny lane marked with a simple street sign , "City Park." This turn-off is at the foot of Cader Lane. Fifty yards down the primitive lane is a paved parking lot. The lane continues as a trail leading up onto the loop trail on the main dike.

Betty Burridge

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