The mission of Boyce Thompson Arboretum is to inspire appreciation and stewardship of desert plants, wildlife, and ecosystems through education, research and conservation.”
Every visit supports research, environmental education, and directly benefits the mission and success of Boyce Thompson Arboretum.
Explore the arboretum this summer with our Docents on a golf cart tour! We invite you to join us for an hour long cart ride to some of our most scenic spots of the arboretum.…
Explore the arboretum this summer with our Docents on a golf cart tour! We invite you to join us for an hour long cart ride to some of our most scenic spots of the arboretum.…
Join us after dark on a night-time adventure with our Education Staff and Docents! Discover the amazing world of nocturnal life in the Sonoran Desert on this family friendly ‘crawl’. Guests will learn about Sonoran Desert ecology while taking a closer look at the local critters. Plus, you will get the knowledge you…
Explore the arboretum this summer with our Docents on a golf cart tour! We invite you to join us for an hour long cart ride to some of our most scenic spots of the arboretum.…
Explore the arboretum this summer with our Docents on a golf cart tour! We invite you to join us for an hour long cart ride to some of our most scenic spots of the arboretum.…
Join one of our exclusive Golf Cart Tours and experience some of the most scenic areas of Boyce Thompson Arboretum without the extra miles. Guided by our knowledgeable Docents, you`ll enjoy fascinating stories, botanical insights, and access to some of the gardens` best photo opportunities.
Summer Golf Cart Tours 1st, 3rd & 5th Fridays and Saturdays June–August | 7:30 AM–8:30 AM
$20 per person, plus admission Limited to just 5 guests per tour
Advance registration is highly recommended. Reserve your seat online or at the Welcome Center Gift Shop.
While the Arboretum may feel effortlessly natural, every thriving plant collection, shaded trail, and wildlife habitat depends on thoughtful stewardship and community support.
A gift to our Greatest Needs Fund helps sustain conservation, education, and care for this special place every day.
Help us continue protecting this thoughtfully tended wild landscape for generations to come.
The Arboretum’s trails are home to a remarkable diversity of snakes—key predators that help balance desert ecosystems. From agile climbers to well-camouflaged ground dwellers, each species has its own adaptations for hunting, hiding, and thriving in our landscapes. Spot them basking, cruising at dusk, or blending into leaf litter, and remember to observe from a safe distance.
Discover the quiet beauty of our Garden Highlight at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Moonflower datura opens elegant white trumpets in the cool hours, contrasting with the upright forms of columnar cacti and the textured desert palette. It’s a living lesson in arid‑land design—structure, shade, and seasonal bloom working together.
Keeping our collection healthy starts with smart prevention. We use horticultural sulfur on select cacti and succulents to manage powdery mildew and mites, gently acidify alkaline soils, and help speed callusing on cuts and offsets—reducing the risk of fungal infections. Applications are light, targeted, and timed for cool mornings; we never combine sulfur with horticultural oils.
Plan your visit to learn more about our plant care practices — link in bio.
Copper Corridor educators: elevate your science teaching with a field-based workshop at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. This June, explore standards‑aligned strategies that connect ecology and inquiry to your classroom through hands‑on activities and take‑home materials.
$100 participation stipend Classroom‑ready lesson plans Inquiry‑driven investigations Guided outdoor exploration Spots are limited—register now. Link in comments.
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