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In 1986, the construction of a 5.5 million gallon per day wastewater reclamation plant was completed. The plant was designed to produce high quality reclaimed water for irrigation and lake maintenance. The water quality allows the town to recharge water, thereby "banking" it for future recovery and use. The original 40 acre recharge site consisted of 6 rectangular spreading basins (shallow ponds) that were operated in wet and dry cycles. The basins attracted a variety of birds; the Audubon Society identified 140 species. Scarcity of habitat and forage limited the time that the birds spent at the site. In 1993, the recharge project was expanded into 75 acres. The town saw the opportunity to provide a habitat for birds and an educational opportunity for its citizens. The Arizona Game and Fish Department supported this project with technical assistance and more than $120,000 in Heritage Fund grants. The recharge basins simulated riparian habitat and include curvilinear berms, trees, a permanent marsh, and natural Sonoran Desert plants. Nesting structures have been installed throughout the facility and educational displays explain the habitat and recharge process. An elevated ramada was constructed with a good vista for bird enthusiasts and school groups. Plantings and nesting structures were accomplished with the help of over 400 volunteers. Ongoing research is being done at the facility by high school ecology clubs and the Chandler-Gilbert Community College. In 1994, this project earned a Governor=s Pride Award for Environmental Leadership and the Best Project Award from the Arizona Planning Association. A second facility is being planned and will be built on 120 acres at the southeast corner of Guadalupe and Greenfield roads. Four miles of paths across the site will provide access for wildlife viewing and numerous educational opportunities will be incorporated into the site.