Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch (SCC)
Photo courtesy of the Riparian Institute.
FISH AMPHIBIANS REPTILES BIRDS MAMMALS
The 110-acre Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is located just east of the intersection at Guadalupe and Greenfield roads in Gilbert, Arizona. The purpose of the Institute is to preserve valuable natural resources, create and conserve scarce riparian areas, and protect wildlife habitats.
The Riparian Institute is a non-profit organization formed by the Town of Gilbert, with of mission of promoting awareness and appreciation of Arizona's ecology and natural history, particularly desert and riparian environments. The Institute offers a variety of education and recreation programs, as well as research and development of strategies, to carry out this mission. Programs include ranger-led walks, family bird walks, advanced bird walks (led by experienced birding docents), youth programs (bird walks, nature hikes, dinosaur and archeological digs, astronomy viewings, and camping), and group lessons on conservation, ecology, water, plants and wildlife.
This urban nature preserve provides a great opportunity for bird watching: well over 150 species have been sighted and people come from different states and countries to see beautiful and sometimes rare birds. The staff of the Center for Native and Urban Wildlife, as well as Biology faculty from Scottsdale Community College, regularly visit the preserve to take inventories of species.
For further information, please visit the website of the Riparian Institute.
