A.E. Araiza / Staff The Sweetwater Wetlands help purify waste water to help grass grow.

You don't have to travel far to visit a riparian area. A great example of the different plants and wildlife that a riparian area attracts is right off Interstate 10 north of Prince Road. The Sweetwater Wetlands is an artificial wetland built as a waste-water treatment plant and wildlife habitat.

Sweetwater is designed to help clean up sewage water so it can be used for golf courses, parks and school playgrounds. Plants like bullrushes and cattails attract microbes, or tiny organisms that digest the material in the water.

You'll see riparian trees, including cottonwoods and willows, and lots of smaller plants near the ponds such as reeds and cattails that do well in the soggy conditions. You may also see a variety of birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects and mammals. One study found that in the last three years, more than 125 species of birds have been spotted there.

Sweetwater is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. There are signs that explain the ponds, wildlife and plants. To make your visit easier, the wetlands have sidewalks, bridges, benches, drinking fountains and restrooms.

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