Gilbert Arizona’s Desert Oasis: The Riparian Reserve at Water Ranch

Located in Gilbert, Arizona, the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona, is truly an oasis in the desert. Visitors from across the country as well as internationally come to Riparian Preserve for the spectacular bird watching. Over 200 different birds have been sighted at the Riparian Preserve, and one visitor noted they had never seen “so many birds in combination with [such] a large variety.”

Wildlife in Gilbert, Arizona

Few expect to see a body of water creating a habitat that attracts such a variety of wildlife and so many birds in the middle of the desert. The Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona is actually a water recycling facility for the Town of Gilbert. Waste water is treated, and then piped into basins at Water Ranch where it replenishes the underground water supply. The water can then be pumped out of the ground to be used as water in homes and businesses in Gilbert. The Riparian Institute manages the preserve and offers a wide range of public programs and events throughout the year as well as coordinating with researchers interested in studying different elements of the preserve.

Birds aren’t the only attraction at the 110-acre Riparian Preserve. The lake at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is “regularly stocked with trout, catfish, bass and sunfish by the Arizona Game and Fish department.” Children under 14 can fish without a license and those over 14 can fish with an urban fishing license. Additionally the Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory is located at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch and open to the public Friday and Saturday nights (from nightfall until 9pm). Visitors are often delighted by the petroglyphs on the boulders near the entrance to the preserve.

You don’t need to be a fisherman, researcher, or astronomer to enjoy the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona. Everyone is welcome to simply walk around the preserve and enjoy the nature and wildlife around them. For those interested in a more informative walk, you’re welcome to join a ranger on an interpretive tour of the preserve every Monday (through April) at 8:30am. Meet at the parking lot and be aware a $3 donation is suggested. For families and novice bird watchers the Desert Rivers Audubon leads free bird walks on the third Saturday of each month, through April, running from 8 am until noon. These are only a couple of the numerous events at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch for free or nominal charges.

There is no admission fee to the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert. The Riparian Preserve is open 365 days a year, from dawn to dusk and is conveniently located next to the Southeast Regional Library in Gilbert, Arizona.

If you have already visited the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch we invite you to leave a comment below on what you enjoyed about your visit to the preserve. If visiting the Riparian Preserve has you wanting to know about the wonderful community of Gilbert, AZ and even homes for sale in Gilbert, Arizona feel free to contact any of the experienced real estate agents on this site. All are very knowledgeable about the town of Gilbert, and would be happy to listen to your needs, wants, and budget for a home in Gilbert, Arizona. Your real estate agent will then be able to show you homes for sale in Gilbert which match what you’re looking for. We look forward to helping you or someone you know find their Gilbert dream home.