Riparian Preserve At Water Ranch

Water Ranch's Riparian Preserve is a lake located in Gilbert, Arizona, United States, east of Greenfield Rd and south of Guadalupe Dr. In 1999, the Town of Gilbert established the preserve to integrate water resources, wildlife habitat, educational programs, and recreational opportunities. There are 110 acres of the Riparian Preserve, and 70 acres of 7 water replenishment basins.

Over 4.5 miles of trails leading to different vegetative areas, parks, a dig site for paleontology, and an observatory are also included in the Riparian Preserve. Approximately 298 species of birds, insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals are housed in the Preserve.

As a creative and unique way to combine water resource management with wildlife habitat protection, education, and outdoor recreation, the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch was established. It is an oasis of seven aquifer recharge basins in the Sonoran Desert, each held at varying water levels to create varied ecosystems and attract a variety of wildlife. Approximately 298 bird species have been listed in the preserve as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society, and many insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals have found a home here as well.

The preserve also has an urban fishing lake, covered picnic areas, a fossil dig site, campsites, and the only valley astronomy observatory open to the public from dusk until 9:30 p.m. every Friday and Saturday night, subject to weather conditions.

Vision

• To be known in Arizona as a premiere resource for education and recreation while:
• Preserving the precious resources of nature;
• Promoting the establishment and protection of finite riparian regions;
• Protect the habitat needed for wildlife.

Mission

To promote awareness and appreciation of the ecology and natural history of Arizona, particularly the desert and riparian ecosystems, by:

• Programmes for education and leisure for a number of visitors, and
• Study and design of methods to safeguard and preserve these distinctive ecosystems

Values

• Interpretive Excellence (Indirect Education): To provide all tourists pursuing education and/or recreational leisure time with the best possible interpretative experience.
• Education Excellence (direct education): To provide the best possible facilities for life-long learning to accommodate educational experiences.
• Conservation Excellence (Research and Development): To ensure an atmosphere devoted to the conservation of precious natural resources.