Gilbert Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
Wetlands vegetation and wildlife in the midst of urban desert in Gilbert, Arizona
A riparian zone is the area between land and a river or stream. It provides a unique habitat for vegetation and wildlife. It is not a habitat one normally expects to find in the the midst of an urban centre in a desert. But the 110-acre Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch at 2757 E. Guadeloupe Road in Gilbert, Arizona is just that.
The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is a water recycling facility for Gilbert. Waste water is treated and piped into basins to replenish the underground water supply. The system also creates a habitat for vegetation and plant life you might not expect to see in the desert.
Trails through the preserve offer opportunity for runners, hikers, and those out for a more leisurely stroll. Information about the preserve, its vegetation and wildlife is posted along the trails. Bicycles are allowed on trails and sidewalks. Dogs on a leash are welcome. A portion of the trail is designated as equestrian.
The Preserve attracts bird-watchers and photographers. About 200 species of birds have been spotted here. The Desert Rivers Audubon Society offers free guided bird walks every third Saturday of the month, October through March.
The Preserve contains seven ponds and a Fishing Lake. The Fishing Lake is stocked with trout, catfish, bass and sunfish by the Arizona Game and Fish department. Fishing is allowed as per Urban Fishing Regulations. An urban fishing licence is required if you are over 14 years of age.
The Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory at the Riparian Preserve is open every Friday and Saturday evening at nightfall September through June. The East Valley Astronomy Club manages the observatory and schedules events.
I’ve visited the Riparian Preserve several times and always found it to be an uncrowded, peaceful place. When I walked through the trails, it was easy to forget that city sprawled around the preserve.
Admission to the Gilbert Riparian Preserve is free. The Preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk. The Fishing Lake is open from dawn to 10 p.m.
 
Never heard that term before. Thanks for the introduction!
I had not heard the term before learning about this Preserve, although I have visited other wetand areas.
I never knew the Riparian Preserve existed. The photos are lovely — I’ll have to make it a point to visit next time I’m in the Phoenix area.
It’s a quiet spot quiet different from the other tourist attractions.
I’ve heard that term but never fully understood it. Thanks for the most informative post and beautiful photos!
I learned a lot about riparian zones by visiting the preserve and then doing some additional research for this post. Very important ecosystems.
I love AZ, and am always amazed at the diversity it contains within the state. But being an island-girl-wannabee, I gravitate to island destinations and find they really soothe my soul. Glad you’re enjoying all that AZ has to offer.
I too love island destinations so was surprised to discover I also loved the desert in this area.
I learned the term riparian in law school. This looks like a lovely oasis in a desert urban area. I’ll look for it the next time I visit Phienix.
It definitely feels like an oasis.
Beautiful, what a way to replenish with grey water and create a natural filtration system into the water table and at the same time create a wonderful environment for wildlife and humans at the same time!
It is a wonderful way to reuse grey water and create a beautiful environment.
Looks like a nice spot. Always nice to see public spaces like these near urban areas. I hope it can be maintained.
Anything that helps with water management in the desert is important, so I think there is lots of motivation to maintain.
I can ditto what others have posted here – we love the desert and I love seeing cacti next to wildflowers, it always strikes me as such a pretty contrast.
And when the cacti themselves bloom, it is spectacular. It is interesting to see the vegetation in the Preserve through different times of the year.
Beautiful photos. Having lived in Tucson, I know how important riparian areas are for the desert. And a lovely spot for residents and visitors alike.
It is indeed a lovely spot.
It sounds and looks like a beautiful, zen like place. No wonder you enjoy going there. And it’s something you really don’t expect in Arizona.
It was certainly different than I expected. Since it is not too far from where we stayed last year and this year, it was possible to visit several times.
I’m a long, long way from Arizona but I’d make the journey just to rest for a while in the shade.
That shady spot is inviting, especially now as the sun is getting stronger.
Hi Donna; I recall the term ‘Riparian Rights’ from my time as a Real Estate Broker. It means that a property has certain specified rights regarding the waterway adjacent to it. In Ontario these are often limited by an old statute that is still on the books which grants the British Navy the right to take yellow pine trees ! Their long, straight trunks were prized for mast-making. I share this trivia only to endorse your link between any type of waterway and the important and useful plant life it fosters.
Interesting trivia. It’s funny to hear about some of the old statutes that stay on the books.
As an ex Realtor from Florida, I’m familiar with riparian rights as well. However, I had no idea that this existed in Arizona! It’s beautiful! I don’t blame you for visiting often. It sure does evoke a sense of peace. Love the photos!
Yes, it is a peaceful place. I am not familiar with riparian rights, but learned a bit about riparian areas through visiting the Preserve.
What a great article; there are so many interesting, and in this case peaceful, locations near where we live.
It is a peaceful location.
This reminds me of the Bosque in Albuquerque. We desert dwellers appreciate every bit of natural greenery we can get!
I’ve not heard of the Bosque. Something to remember if I spend time in Albuquerque.
What a lovely place to visit. I would visit often too if I lived near by. Riparian areas are diminishing is so many areas. They are so important to our environment. It’s good to know that places like this exist. 🙂
Yes, Susan, it’s good to find places where positive action is taken with regard to the environment.
Looks like a good place to go and relax from time to time. It doesn’t look like it’s in the desert at all.
It doesn’t feel like the desert either when you walk some of the trails. But when you look at the mountains in the background, you’re reminded you are in the desert.
You’ve introduced me to a new word – Riparian. Looks like an interesting place that we’ll check out next time we visit that area. We enjoyed a similar place in Las Vegas and people are always amazed that there’s anything beside gambling in Nevada.
There are likely a number of wonderful things to see in Nevada outside of gambling, but few people make it beyond the Strip. We went through Red Rock Canyon when we visited Las Vegas. It was beautiful. Not a riparian area, though.
This reminds me a bit of the local fishing ponds close to my house, but these are much more beautiful.
There aren’t many fishing ponds in Arizona, at least not that I’ve found. Mostly man-made lakes from dams.
Wow, that looks so beautiful! My best friend lives in Scottsdale–will definitely make it a point to go visit this reserve next time I’m out there for a visit.
It is a nice spot, quiet,subdued. And with a landscape that feels quite different than the desert.
What a beautiful place to visit. You have taken some wonderful pictures- making me wish I was going on holiday somewhere as pretty as this place.
Thanks Mina
Very interesting! And what a beautiful place. I hope to visit it the next time I head out to Arizona! I haven’t heard of one of these before, so I’ll have to go off and do more research.
It is an interesting and pretty spot.
How amazing I never knew the term for such an important part of our environment –
And I’m a biophiliac!! 😉
And I never knew the term biophiliac. I had to look it up. Great word.
Hi Donna,
Living in British Columbia surrounded by mountains and wetlands, we have much the same beauty, just not a cactus garden 😉
You’ve included very beautiful photos. Great post. Thanks! Have a nice weekend!
Bill
Thanks. I have family in British Columbia and have walked through some lovely areas there.
Love this place. Other similar places worth a look:
Veterans Oasis Park
S 148th St
Gilbert, AZ 85298
Tres Rios Wetlands
S 91st Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85353
The Salt River restoration by the
Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center
3131 S Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85040
Thanks very much for the information. I will have to check out these other places.