I love the outdoors. Living where I live in Arizona it can be hard to find outdoor locations that you do not have to drive more than a half hour to get to. About five years ago I found a location that satisfied my outdoor cravings. It’s called the Riparian Preserve and it is one of Gilbert’s most beautiful places. It is a 110-acre preserve located on the southeast corner of Greenfield Road and Guadalupe. Living in Arizona it is difficult to find a place the is beautiful to go for a nature walk/hike. I love to go camping, but don't usually have time to drive hours to find a place to be out in nature. This park gives you the feel of being miles out side the city by being secluded and rich in beauty and wildlife.
The main purpose of this preserve is to preserve valuable natural resources and protect much needed habitat for wildlife. There are over 200 species of birds that can be spotted here! I am not somebody that is in to birds, and I could hardly tell you the difference between two different birds. There are so many interesting looking birds here, that you can’t help but be fascinated. You can even take bird walks and have someone who knows more point out and teach you about the different birds. Not really into bird watching? That’s okay, because there is so much more at this place to do. What are you interested in? Running? Walking? Roasting Marshmallows? Fishing? Digging for Dinosaurs? Getting a good book? Seeing planets and starts with your own eyes? Well you can find all of those things here.
Running and Walking
There are miles of walking/jogging paths. Or if you enjoy biking you can do that too. There are streams, ponds, trees, bushes and all kinds of birds and animals to look at while you are out. If you come out on a breezy beautiful day you can almost forget that you are in the middle of a town and you feel like you’ve been transported way out into nature. It’s very quite except for the sounds of birds, and the wind in the trees. That for me is pure heaven.
***I must put a disclaimer on this. If you are afraid of bugs, this is not a place for you at night during the summer. I can tell you this from personal experience. I once saw a spider the size of my fist. Gross. I guess when you are preserving nature you preserve the good and the bad.
Roasting Marshmallows
Do you want s’more? Some more of what? I haven’t had anything yet. You’re killing me Smalls! (Sandlot anyone?)
If you can’t drive to the mountains but you want your fix of marshmallows and campfire songs you can get that here! They have overnight camping that can accommodate a pretty big group. The fee is $30 but if you break that up with a couple of different people it isn’t bad. You’ll save a bunch of money just on gas!
Fishing
Did you know you could go fishing right here in Gilbert? And I’m not talking about the canal fish… that’s disgusting. Just bring your fishing gear and chair and find a good spot. There are trout and some other types of fish. Just make sure you check the sign when you enter to check the rules on what fish you can take home. If you catch certain sizes of fish you must put them back. There are also rules on how many you can catch and take home.
Digging for Dinosaurs
I know I just made your wildest dreams come true. Now calm down before you go grab your digging gear and run out the door. They aren’t real dinosaurs. Sorry to break your heart! But it is still a lot of fun, especially for little kids. Bring a shovel and head over to the dinosaur pit. There are plenty of fossils to discover, along with dinosaur tracks. I’m pretty sure my younger siblings are convinced that the tracks are real. There are plenty of signs with interesting facts to teach young ones, and old ones too!
Need a book?
The Riparian Preserve is located directly behind the Southwest Regional Library. If you ever get a chance to visit this library do it! It is beautiful. The entire back of the library is glass from floor to ceiling so you get a very expansive look over the lake and trails. It’s the perfect place to grab a book, kick up your feet and relax. There are plenty of comfy chairs and they won’t chase you away if you bring food, as long as it’s not excessive. So grab a drink and a snack and come learn something new.
Want to see the planets and stars with your own eyes?
They have an observatory! How cool is that. And the best part, it’s free. Every Friday and Saturday night once it gets dark they open up. The sweetest and most informed men and women are there to answer all of your questions. When my husband and I went there we were able to see Saturn (and all its rings) and a cluster of stars that were millions of light-years away. They showed us all of the highly advanced tracking system that they use. They are very open about everything, and will show you anything you want. So ask questions!
The Riparian Preserve is an awesome place for people of all ages. There is something to do for your parents or grandparents when they come to visit. It’s the perfect place for kids. There is the dinosaur dig, all of the birds, plants and there are even turtles and fish. My four year old brother thought that we were at the zoo. That is how cool this place is.
It is also the perfect date night. You can grab dinner at Rancho de Tia Rosa which is just down the street on Higley and Guadalupe. It is a Mexican Restaurant that has a wonderful atmosphere, quick service and delicious food. If you go there get the cheese enchiladas with red sauce. You’ll thank me later. Then head over to the preserve for a romantic walk and a look at the stars. Just about everything is free there, with the exception of camping and some of the bird walks. At night all the paths are lit up and it makes the lake and ponds sparkle. It’s very romantic. In fact my husband proposed to me on the bridge that crosses the lake. I wish I had a picture of that to show you! So take my word for it and spend some time exploring one of Gilbert’s best kept secrets. But don’t keep it a secret. Once you’ve been there tell your friends. I’ve gotten so excited writing about this I think I’ll head over there today. Maybe I’ll see you there!
***images are from the Riparian Institue Website and Google Images
Resources
Hedding, Judy. "Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch." About.Com. 2007. Web. <http://phoenix.about.com/od/gardensandzoos/ss/riparian.htm>.
The Riparian Preserve. Riparian Institute. Web. <http://riparianinstitute.org/>.
