| when | October 30, 2024 Wednesday |
| when | Trip Report : November 24, 2023 |
| when | Trip Report : December 7, 2022 |
| Trip Report : November 2, 2022 | |
| where | Gilbert Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch |
| the hike |
What are you going to do before the great scare? Go Walk!!! This will be a leisurely and enjoyable nature
hike through the riparian preserve as we find and identify numerous birds
and other offerings found at this preserve such as mammals, fish and various plants.
Bring a pair of binoculars, a pen, a hat, and if you wish, a camera. 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. 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. Approximately 298 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. |
| distance | 2 - 5 miles |
| time | 2 hours |
| EC | no elevation change |
| elevations | 1237' |
| type | nature walk |
| rating | "C-" Rate yourself as a hiker. |
| dogs allowed | no |
| cost | The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member. |
| weather | Gilbert |
| leader | You must email the leader to confirm with your name and phone number. |
| meet |
8:30 AM Gilbert Riparian Preserve, we will meet in the parking lot of the southeast regional library
accessed from the eastbound lane of Guadalupe Road. Note: there is also a parking lot next to the library accessed from Greenfield and another parking lot accessed off Guadalupe for the Water Ranch, but we are meeting in the north library parking lot. Restrooms will be available. Free parking. |
| drive | Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Southeast corner of Guadalupe Road and Greenfield. 2757 E. Guadalupe Rd., Gilbert AZ 85234 |
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