Gilbert Riparian Preserve

cactuscat · Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 459 Location: Phoenix

It's not exactly a hiking destination, but it sure is a nice place for a leisurely walk or bike ride. I volunteer at the Riparian Preserve, located behind the library at Greenfield and Guadalupe Roads, and would like to invite everyone to check out this wonderful place. The preserve takes up 110 acres, with 4+ miles of trails for walking and biking. You can experience tons of desert plants (the brittlebrush and globemallows are gorgeous right now) as well as an amazing variety of birds and other animals. There have been well over 100 different bird species spotted here from water/shore birds, to songbirds, and raptors - some of the highlights include the resident burrowing owls, great blue herons, and peregrine falcons. There are also tons of jackrabbits, cottontails, turtles, and at least one ringtail and one coyote. We're having our third annual Feathered Friends Festival on Saturday March 29 from 9am to 2:30pm, which is a fun free event and a great opportunity to get to know the place. There will be live animal and insect displays and over 50 activities and exhibits for adults and children - hope to see you there! Mr. Green

desertgirl · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 3350 Location: Chandler, AZ

Did I read you right -- bike paths ? Very Happy

Are these fairly easy or are they unimproved ?

What time is this place open
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cactuscat · Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 459 Location: Phoenix

The paths are very easy - flat with dirt/gravel. Open from dawn to dusk.

Greg Jackson · Joined: 16 Mar 2003 Posts: 5

I'm just down the street from the preserve and will have family visiting that weekend. Where in relation to the library will the festival be located?

cactuscat · Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 459 Location: Phoenix

It will mostly be set up in the parking lot just to the east of the library. It's going to be a big event - you won't have any trouble finding it! Mr. Green

ck1 · Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 1331 Location: Mesa

We run past the preserve along the canal, and often detour thru the place to break up the boredom from time to time...it's a beautiful place. The ROTC kids from my school volunteer to take care of a section I think...if you haven't been there...check it out!
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-Colin

"The Journey is the Destination"

Greg Jackson · Joined: 16 Mar 2003 Posts: 5

I found this link in my local paper with some more info about your festival.

http://www.riparianinstitute.org/featherfriends.html

Sounds like it will be a full house!