What’s going on at the Gilbert Riparian Institute Preserve?
The Gilbert Riparian Institute has a very interesting preserve that you can walk through.
There are gravel walkways that meander next to ponds where migrating birds feed and rest.
See the green living fences between you and the birds in the water. Think of a zoo without cages.
Then you can get really close and view many species of wildlife.
It's educational too, if you wonder what to look for, there are signs everywhere explaining what to see.
Gilbert Riparian Institute Preserve Pond
This is one of the must-see parks in the SE Valley of Phoenix because it is so unusual and well maintained. Even the cactus garden by the parking lot is spectacular:
Saguaros in the Riparian Preserve
The Water Ranch has a series of ponds that attract shore birds like the Sand Piper and water birds like the duck. Even geese can be found. You can walk through trails in this 110 acre resource and see for yourself. View the movie below and turn up the volume so you can get an idea of the chattering sounds of the birds.
Riparian Institute Pond
We were surprised to even see some horse riders going through the trails!
Horse Riders on the trails of the Preserve
Interesting features to visit
There are more interesting features too, like a stream by the observatory and a floating boardwalk near the Southeast Regional Library on the NW corner of the property. If you like to picnic, there are lots of nice grassy areas and a couple of ramadas with grills that you can reserve and rent.
Check out a simulated archaeological site that the kids can play in. It’s near the parking lot and has adobe bricks that make up a low wall that keeps in the sand for the kids with shade overhead.
There are some experimental gardens by the observatory that have exhibits of flowers that are best for attracting things like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Hours
The daily hours are from dawn to 10 pm, with some of the parts of the preserve closing at sundown.
The East Valley Astronomy Club and the Gilbert Rotary Observatory
There is a good sized telescope that is housed inside the observatory. It is open to the public a couple of evenings when viewing permits . It is on the grounds of the Gilbert Riparian Institute Preserve not far from the parking lot. The site is north of the ponds and is well lit at night so you can find your way.
You can view something interesting on Friday and Saturday after the sun goes down. Hours change due to the seasons, so in the summer the hours start later than in the winter. If there is good clear weather you will be in luck.
You walk up the ramp to the observatory and wait in a very short line.
Gilbert Rotary Observatory
There were some cool exhibits outside that were playing on a computer screen while you wait. Once inside, there is room for maybe 10 to 20 people and some amateur astronomers. The astronomers can answer your questions and help you understand what you are seeing.
They have a giant 16 inch Meade Telescope that you can look through. We got to see the moon in all its glorious detail! You will be amazed at how bright and crystal clear the views are. Once your eyes get used to looking through the lens the universe opens up.
Oh yes, the restrooms are still open at night, at least the time we visited.
Camping and Youth activities
Do you like to camp? The preserve has programs for youths and scouts. Camping is a great way to appreciate this beautiful site with your group.
You can camp here in the middle of civilization and enjoy a campfire under the stars. They have restrooms too.
There is room for 10 tents and you need to make a reservation. So contact the Gilbert Riparian Institute at (480) 503-6744. See the Riparian Institute page for more info about youth and scout programs:
http://www.riparianinstitute.org/youth.cfm
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Where is the Gilbert Riparian Institute Park?
The Riparian Preserve is located at the SE corner of Guadalupe and Greenfield Road, all 110 acres of it. You can visit their website http://www.riparianinstitute.org/ for a site map and more information about hours, programs, ramada reservations, etc. See map below:
If you want directions to the park just click on the "View Larger Map" then click on the red flag, then click on the "Get Directions" link on the map balloon.
