42 APRIL 2023 I magine a beautiful morning walk along miles of trails, surrounded by water and wildlife. Think this setting is far, far away? Think again. This serene location – The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert – is a wetland in the city’s center. The 110-acre preserve has a recreation lake stocked with bass and catfish, a boardwalk, overnight campsites and 4.5 miles of trails weaving through the park, all creating a unique urban connection with nature. A Riparian is defined as a habitat formed near a body of fresh water. The preserve is organized into various vegetative zones, ranging from marshlands to native riparian and upland vegetation areas that represent the habitats of Arizona. Kellie Elliot, the preserve’s naturalist and recreation coordinator, told us that the vital habitat has two purposes. “In 1996, Gilbert committed to using all its effluent or treated wastewater efficiently, so we decided we would use it to recharge our aquifers,” Elliot said. “The lakes and ponds are groundwater recharge basins into which we pump treated wastewater. Then, we turned it into a riparian habitat.” It’s great for bird watching and exploration and is an Audubon-designated “Important Birding Area.” They’ve seen more than 320 species of birds since its development in 1999. No matter the season, wildlife always makes Arizona it’s home – temporarily or permanently. People come from around the world to see the beautiful – and sometimes rare – creatures. In addition, explorers can find Sonoran mud turtles, California king snakes, coyotes or raccoons. The preserve is also a place to learn. They offer school field trips, camp outings, and unique community programs run by the east valley Astronomy Club and Desert Rivers Audubon Society. There are interpretive education panels on wildlife and vegetation throughout the preserve. Viewing blinds have been established at various locations near the edge of several ponds to enhance the visitor’s experience further. A floating boardwalk crossing the lake’s northern end allows visitors a close-up view of fish and ducks on the water. Additional educational areas include an ethnobotanical garden, a paleontology dig site, gardens for hummingbirds and butterflies, plus a state-of-the-art observatory and outdoor classroom. The preserve also has picnic tables and a play area. The observatory is open on Friday and Saturday nights from sunset to 9:30. Family bird walks take place on the third Saturday of each month from October to March. There’s even a kid birding club for ages 7 to 13. “One of my favorite things about this place is how easy it is to get here. It’s right down the 60 from anywhere, and you are immediately taken to another place. You feel like you are in a wetland. And that’s very hard to find in Arizona,” Elliot said. What’s noteworthy is you have a real habitat zone where plants and wildlife interact, and you can find this treasure right off an Arizona highway. A birding paradise in the middle of Gilbert Robin is the host and executive producer of the Arizona Highways Television , Saturdays and Sundays on CBS. BY ROBIN SEWELL Robins Adventures Robins Adventures Robins Robins This Audobon - designated “important birding area” has seen over 300 species since opening in 1999. PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPING FOR EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES A to Z Tree & Turf provides homeowners with an exceptional outdoor living experience. We design and build some of the most prestigious landscapes in the Valley. Our unparalleled attention to detail and excellent customer service ensures your outdoor living space is exquisite year-round. WE CAN CREATE THE PERFECT SPACE FOR YOU! CALL 480-549-0590 FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION! Serving Arcadia and surrounding areas for over 10 years. ¥ Design - Build - Install ¥ Planting & Hardscapes ¥ Irrigation & Lighting ¥ Artificial Turf ¥ Plant Health Care ¥ Beautification & Enhancements ROC #313230 Licensed I Bonded I Insured Member of AZ Landscape Contractors Association Your Personal Landscape Experts atoztreeandturf.com

7316 E 6TH AVENUE SCOT TSDALE , AZ 85251 DEBBIE J PONTIKAS Associate Broker, MBA debbie@pontikasteam.com | 480.335.8604 www.PontikasTeam.com COMING SOON 4545 E SOLANO DRIVE | PHOENIX, AZ 85018 UNDER CONTRACT 4735 N 65TH STREET | SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85251 You have You have You have You have You have You have expectations. expectations. expectations. expectations. expectations. expectations. expectations. expectations. expectations. expectations. expectations. expectations. I have experience. I have experience. I have experience. I have experience. I have experience. I have experience. I have experience. I have experience. I have experience. I have experience. Top 50 Best Realtors in Phoenix (Phoenix Magazine, 2021 & 2022) Top 0.5% Top 0.5% Top 0.5% Top 0.5% Top 0.5% Top 0.5% Producing Producing Agent in Arizona Agent in Arizona Agent in Arizona