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Our Mission

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.

Donate & Support

Adult

$24.95

Youth (Ages 13-17)

$24.95

Child (Ages 5-12)

$10

Members & Children under 5

$0

Walks & Tours

From daily general tours to specialty walks focusing on birds, ethnobotany or geology, you’ll find the perfect tour for you!
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Wallace Desert Garden

Now open, the new Wallace Desert Garden encompasses 13 acres, 1.5 miles of trails, and 5,000 new plantings in an incomparable setting.
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Classes & Programs

Enjoy classes ranging from gardening tips to gourd art and photography. Some classes and activities have fees.
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BTA Photo Club

September 19th, 10:00 am12:30 pm

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum Photography Club is a welcoming community of photographers of all skill levels who are inspired by the natural beauty of Arizona’s high desert. The club meets every third Saturday to explore…

Golf Cart Tour

October 1st, 9:30 am10:30 am

Explore the arboretum 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. Our knowledgeable…

Basic Digital Photography Class

October 3rd, 9:00 am11:00 am

Join us for BTA Photo Club’s beginner class, as we explore alternate approaches that have been shown to result in an elevated photo experience. Participants will have the opportunity to present photos during the October BTA Photo Club…

Bird Walk

October 7th, 8:15 am9:30 am

Boyce Thompson Arboretum has been named an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society, serving as a habitat for numerous species of birds. Join our beginner-friendly guided walk to explore this unique landscape with…

Golf Cart Tour

October 8th, 9:30 am10:30 am

Explore the arboretum 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. Our knowledgeable…

Events

See what’s coming up

Each season brings exciting events and activities, from Family programs to specialty walks!

Check out our webinars, too!

Tag us on Instagram with
@btarboretum #1Arb

This pollinator may look like a Monarch, but it`s actually a Queen Butterfly! So... how can you tell the difference?

🦋 Monarchs have white dots with black borders while Queens have white dots with AND without black borders
🦋 Queens are slightly darker in color
🦋 Monarchs have bolder lines on their wings

What is your favorite butterfly? Let us know in the comments!

#butterflies #ArizonaBugs #queenbutterfly #monarchbutterfly #pollinators #aznature #buglovers
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Interested in making some Carob Horchata for yourself? Here`s what you`ll need:

(4 cups) unsweetened rice milk
(2–3 tbsp) roasted carob powder
(1 tsp) vanilla extract
(1 tsp) ground cinnamon
1 pinch of salt
(½ cup) sugar to taste
Cinnamon Stick
Ice

1. Set your oven to 225 degrees. Rinse your carob pods then roast them for 20-30 minutes.

2. Once the pods are nice and crispy, crack them open and remove the seeds. Grind the pulp and shake through a sieve to get a soft, fine powder.

3. In a large bowl mix rice milk, carob powder, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and sugar. Give it a mix, then pour over ice.

If you give it a try, let us know what you think in the comments!

#horchatarecipe #carobrecipe #desertrecipe #desertplants #desertlegumes
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Mark your calendars for our Fall Plant Sale!

📅October 17 - November 1
🕜8 am - 5 pm
🎟️October 16: Member`s Early Access

Our sale will feature arid-adapted plants from around the world, including ones native to Arizona. These plants are better adapted to a climate like ours, making them more sustainable and water-wise - perfect additions for your garden!

Members receive 20% off the sale and get early access on October 16. Not yet a member? Sign up today using the link in our bio.

#plantsale #arizonaplants #plantlovers #arizonagardening #fallplants #fallgardening
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When you`re on the trails, always keep an eye out for snakes! You never know when one`s going to slither by, and you don`t want to be caught unawares.

This little guy is a Gophersnake! They are Arizona`s longest snake and can be found throughout the state. They`re non-venomous and harmless, so if you see one on the trail keep calm and enjoy observing it from a safe distance!

#gophersnake #desertsnakes #arizonawildlife #DesertWildlife #SnakeFacts #watchforsnakes
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Next time you and your dog are at the Arboretum, take a photo for a chance to be featured in our 2027 Calendar! Submit photos using the link in our bio or go to https://btarboretum.org/bta-dog-calendar

General Rules and Guidelines:

🐾 Photos must be of your dog at Boyce Thompson Arboretum
🐾 Preferred orientation is landscape
🐾 If photo is blurry, pixelated, or unclear, it will not be considered
🐾 Deadline to submit is October 16

If your photo is selected, you will receive a free calendar!

Don`t miss this chance to be a part of our 2027 Dogs of Boyce Thompson Arboretum Calendar!

#doglovers #callforsubmissions #callforphotos #dogphotography #ArizonaDogs #DogOwners #DogCalendar
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