Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch
In 1986, the Town of Gilbert made a commitment to reuse 100% of its effluent water. The Town’s desire to create innovative and unique ways to combine water resource development with wildlife habitat, educational and recreational opportunities led to the development of the Riparian Preserve in 1999. Of the 110 acres, 70 acres make up the 7 water recharge basins that are filled on a rotating basis with treated effluent and allowed to percolate into the aquifer where it is stored for future use. One of the ponds has a unique distribution stream that mimics the action of an ephemeral desert stream.
More than 300 species of bird have been sighted in this 110-acre space, since its development in 1999.
Over 4.5 miles of trails weave through the park, and there are interpretive education panels on wildlife and vegetation throughout. Viewing blinds have been established at various locations near the edge of several ponds to further enhance the visitor’s experience. A floating boardwalk crossing the northern end of the lake allows visitors a close up view of the fish and ducks on the water. Additional educational areas include an ethnobotanical garden, a paleontology dig site, gardens for pollinators including a hummingbird garden and butterfly garden, plus a state-of-the-art observatory and hilltop outdoor classroom.
Site Information
Region: Phoenix and Central
County: Maricopa
Directions: The Riparian Preserve is one part of the property known as Water Ranch, which extends from Greenfield Road east to Higley Road, encompassing the majority of the land between Guadalupe Road and the utility easement. Water Ranch includes the Southeast Regional Library building, the Salt River Project Eastern Canal, and the Town of Gilbert Drinking Water Treatment Plant, Fire Station, and Nichols Park. Preserve Address: 2757 E. Guadalupe Rd Gilbert, AZ 85234
Latitude: 33.3636
Longitude: -111.736787
Operational Hours: Other
Other Operational Hours: Preserve Hours: 5:30am - 10pm, Trails open dawn to dusk
Admission or Fees: None
Habitats: Desert, Lake or Pond, Urban or Suburban park
Know Before You Go
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Charismatic: Curve-billed Thrasher
Contact Information
Parks and Recreation Department
Town of Gilbert
90 E. Civic Center Drive
Gilbert, AZ 85296
Phone: 480-503-6200
Website: https://www.gilbertaz.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/riparian-preserve-at-water-ranch
Email: recreation@gilbertaz.gov
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L144858
Additional Resources:
Birding Hotspots
