A man-made lake is located near the center of Sunset Park. A wide variety of birds, trees, bushes and other native plants live in and around the lake. Cottonwood trees provide shelter for migrating birds. Because of the large man-made lake and the vegetation it supports, mallard ducks live in the park. Other kinds of birds have also taken advantage of the water and plants available in the park.

There is a natural desert environment to the south of the undeveloped area. Sand dunes are found here. The dunes are formed as blowing sand is trapped by desert vegetation such as mesquite. You will find evidence of animal life in and around the dunes.

Sunset Park provides an opportunity for students to look at the effect of water on the desert environment. By observing, surveying and comparing plant and animal life in and around the lake area and the natural desert area, students may come to some understanding about the interrelationships between organisms and their environments.