The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona, is a 110-acre wildlife preserve featuring seven water recharge basins, over 4.5 miles of trails, and diverse habitats that support local flora and fauna. The preserve serves both as a water conservation facility and an educational resource, hosting hundreds of species of birds, fish, amphibians, and plants. TIA’s upcoming field trip will include three engaging educational sessions:
1. Photosynthesis & Solar Energy: Learn about how plants convert sunlight into energy and the preserve’s role in sustainable practices.
2. Beautiful Birds: Discover the various bird species that call the preserve home, including both resident and migratory birds. The preserve is recognized as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society.
3. Ethnobotany of the Sonoran Desert: Explore the traditional uses of native desert plants and their significance to indigenous peoples of the region.