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| - What a gem! A true oasis in the desert! Can you tell I love this place!!
OK, enough of the exclamation points. The Gilbert Riparian Preserve was created to utilize recycled waste water to create a community wetland and wildlife sanctuary for recreation, education, and research. In Gilbert, AZ! (I know, more excamation points...)
The Preserve is right across from the Town Library, so make a day of it. The website boasts that over 200 species of birds can be seen throughout the year. Not being a myself, I have noted probably a dozen or so. No matter. The 4.5 miles of walking trails are lovely, with enough wild vegetation you feel like you are out in the desert, not on a busy Gilbert street-corner. The wetlands create both bird and wildlife habitat and a fishing area, where kids can have a no-fuss first fishing experience.
The Riparian Institute also offers programs and classes to the public, like ranger-led birds walks, kids camps, public educational programs with naturalists, and viewings at the new observatory. Although my family hasn't tried it yet, they offer stargazing every second Friday of the month. The Preserve is free, although special events and camps can require advance registration and a fee.
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