More About the Riparian Preserve
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 open space, educational
and recreational opportunities led to the development of the Riparian Preserve.
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. An additional lake is filled with reclaimed water, and is designated
as an urban fishing resource through the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
The
Preserve is organized into various vegetative zones ranging from marshlands
to native riparian and upland vegetation areas. Well over 150 species of
birds have been identified on the site, and many insects, fish, amphibians,
reptiles, and mammals have found homes there as well. 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, an archaeological dig site, a weather station, a
scale model solar system, state-of-the-art observatory and a hilltop outdoor
classroom. The preserve also includes restroom facilities, picnic ramadas,
and a play area.
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.