Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch - Gilbert, AZ
Posted by: 
simpjkee
N 33° 21.878 W 111° 44.113
12S E 431602 N 3691952
The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is an urban wetland habitat in Gilbert, AZ.
Waymark Code: WM8JG3
Location: Arizona, United States
Date Posted: 04/10/2010
Views: 22
The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is an urban wetland habitat in Gilbert, AZ. The preserve is located on the South side of Guadalupe Rd., just East of Greenfield Rd. The preserve was dedicated on October 9, 1999. On the dedication plaque reads the statement:
"This facility demonstrates the Town of Gilbert commitment to plan for its future water resource needs, provide diverse recreation and learning opportunities and preserve open space and wildlife habitat."
The park is 110 acres and consists of 7 ponds that are used to recharge groundwater supply and preserve habitat for native species. Intertwined between the ponds are trails both paved and unpaved that provide opportunities for bird watching throughout the park. Other native species including, but not limited to: owls, rabbits, lizards, and various insects also call the park home. Regular guided tours of the parks trail system are offered on weekends, though the trails are open daily to the public from dawn until dusk.
Additionally, the park contains an urban fishing lake, ramadas with picnic tables, tot lot, and other open space for games and activities. There is an area for children that includes a 'Dinosaur Dig' pseudo-paleontological site and other educational activities. These portions of the park are open daily from dawn to 10pm.
Also at the park is the Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory housing an optical telescope. The observatory is open every Friday and Saturday evening, weather permitting.
Name: Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
Street Location: 2757 E. Guadalupe Road
Local Municipality: Gilbert
State/Province, etc.: AZ
Country: USA
Web Site: [Web Link]
Memorial/Commemoration: None
Date Established: 1999
Picnic Facilities: Ramadas, Tables, Barbeque Grills, Restrooms
Recreational Facilities:
Urban Fishing, Dinosaur Dig, Hiking, Birdwatching, Astronomy
Monuments/Statues: None
Art (murals/sculpture, etc.): None
Fountains: None
Ponds/Lakes/Streams/Rivers/Beach: Man-made Ponds and Stream
Special Events: Many
Traditional Geocaches:
Many
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Visit Instructions:
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