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Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
2757 E Guadalupe Rd
Gilbert, AZ 85233
(480) 797-2019
Gilbert, AZ 85233
(480) 797-2019
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
4 reviews for Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
The really interesting thing about this preserve is that it's in the middle of Gilbert. You'd never expect to find a nature preserve tucked between the unassuming Gilbert Public Library and track-home neighborhoods. Yet, it's there, and it's quite a gem of the east valley.
They have multiple things going on all times of the year, from guided bird watching to night-time observatory star gazing. The preserve is a little sanctuary of nature and beauty within the confines of our sprawling metropolis and I absolutely love it.
What I especially enjoy is how the Gilbert Public Library looks out to the preserve with its giant floor-to-ceiling windows. So even when it's sweltering in the dead of summer, you can still go to the preserve and enjoy the beauty while reading a book in the library.
People thought this was:
- Useful (6)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (5)
The purpose and goals of the preserve are great- conserve water, help animals, provide a place for the public to spend time outside enjoying nature. The 2 people that reviewed before me did a great job of outlining all of those assets.
The reason that I didn't get the Riparian Preserve more stars was because of my disappointment in the activities at the preserve on an average day. I went with a friend and we walked the trails (unfortunately, the water levels were all low at the time and there wasn't too much to look at). We heard birds, but not being too in-tune with nature, neither of us knew what we were looking at (or could we actually SEE the birds most of the time). It's quite possible that I'm just not used to Arizona wildlife yet, but I felt like there wasn't too much to see. But, at the very least, it was a good walk.
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Cool (3)
My Chihuahua, Elvis, and I are in a Doggie Social Club and we meet here once a month. The 110-acre Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is located just east of the intersection at Guadalupe and Greenfield roads in Gilbert, Arizona. The purpose of the Institute is to preserve valuable natural resources, create and conserve scarce riparian areas, and protect wildlife habitats. Quite an ambitious goal.
The Riparian Institute is a non-profit organization formed by the Town of Gilbert, with of mission of promoting awareness and appreciation of Arizona's ecology and natural history, particularly desert and riparian environments. The Institute offers a variety of education and recreation programs, ranger-led walks, family bird walks, youth programs (bird walks, nature hikes, dinosaur and archaeological digs, astronomy viewings, and camping), and group lessons on conservation, ecology, water, plants and wildlife.
Who knew how cool this is! You need to go with or without a dog!
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Cool (4)
What a gem! A true oasis in the desert! Can you tell I love this place!!
OK, enough of the exclamation points. The Gilbert Riparian Preserve was created to utilize recycled waste water to create a community wetland and wildlife sanctuary for recreation, education, and research. In Gilbert, AZ! (I know, more excamation points...)
The Preserve is right across from the Town Library, so make a day of it. The website boasts that over 200 species of birds can be seen throughout the year. Not being a myself, I have noted probably a dozen or so. No matter. The 4.5 miles of walking trails are lovely, with enough wild vegetation you feel like you are out in the desert, not on a busy Gilbert street-corner. The wetlands create both bird and wildlife habitat and a fishing area, where kids can have a no-fuss first fishing experience.
The Riparian Institute also offers programs and classes to the public, like ranger-led birds walks, kids camps, public educational programs with naturalists, and viewings at the new observatory. Although my family hasn't tried it yet, they offer stargazing every second Friday of the month. The Preserve is free, although special events and camps can require advance registration and a fee.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (3)
