Ardenwood Historic Farm

Address: Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont, CA 94555
Phone No.: (510) 544-2797
Email: awvisit@ebparks.org

Gaeta Bell, Naturalist

Gaeta came to the District by way of a B.A. in History, an additional degree in Landscape Horticulture, and an irrepressible interest in natural and cultural interpretation. She joined EBRPD as an interpretive student aide at Crab Cove in 1987 and came to Ardenwood as a naturalist aide in 1989. Gaeta likes recycling, globe-trotting, whales, and her car's CD player (handy for long commutes)!

Ira Bletz, Supervising Naturalist

Ira has been with the Park District since October 1979. He earned a B.A. in Environmental Studies from San Jose State University in 1977. His interests include mammals, birds, reptiles, homebrewing, baseball and early childhood education. Before joining the District, he worked as an interpreter with the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the City of Fremont, California. He has two wonderful children, a sweet wife, a dog named Emma, and his goal in life is to win the Publisher's Clearinghouse House Sweepstakes. 

Christina Garcia, Naturalist/Docent Coordinator

Christina began working for the Park District in 1989 as a seasonal campground attendant. She joined the Ardenwood staff as a naturalist in 1996. Christina holds a B.A. in zoology from San Jose State University and has worked as an interpretive specialist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as a wildlife resource analyst for EBRPD. Chris coordinates Ardenwood's 150+ volunteers and enjoys leading birdwalks and hikes, making corn husk dolls, and experimenting with edible wild plants. Days off are spent banding birds for a local conservation group, planning her next camping trip to the desert, or gardening at home.

Caterina Meyers, Naturalist

Caterina started planting oaks and building trails at Sunol-Ohlone Regional Wilderness in 1993, then became an Interpretive Student Aide there in 1995. She holds a B.S. in Biology and a Ph.D. in Environmental Science/ Insect Biology from Cal Berkeley. Prior to getting her dream job with East Bay Regional Parks, Caterina worked as a research biologist in Panama, an 8th grade science teacher in Oakland, and a science education consultant for the Alameda County office of Education. When not hiking, biking, dancing flamenco or cooking, she may be found in the garden and chicken coop, unless there’s a Cal basketball game on.

Yvonne Provaznik, Park Supervisor

Yvonne started working for the park district in 1987 as a Park Ranger, and joined the Ardenwood Staff as a Park Supervisor in 1998. She holds a B.S. degree in Natural Resources Management from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Prior to EBRPD, Yvonne worked as a CDF Forestry Aide and Firefighter, USFS Hot Shot, and EBCC Crew Supervisor. She has been a long time animal lover – starting with dogs and chickens in elementary school, High School FFA (dairy goat, sheep and steer projects), and current trail horse owner. Any spare time that can be had is spent as a folk dancer, gardener and world traveler.

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