Background and Development

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 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.

Ecological Value

Riparian is the word to describe the habitat formed where a body of fresh water meets the land, such as a the banks of a river, stream, or lake. While water is scarce in the desert, Arizona is home to many diverse riparian habitats. The Preserve is organized into various vegetative zones ranging from marshlands to native riparian and upland vegetation areas that represent the native riparian habitats of Arizona.

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.

Amenities

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. The preserve also includes restroom facilities, picnic ramadas, and a play area.