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.…
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…
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…
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…
Today marks the start of monsoon season! Typically beginning June 15th, a shift in winds brings increased moisture while pressure builds in the upper atmosphere. This creates the perfect condition for a monsoon. The added moisture from these storms helps sustain plants and wildlife across the desert.
However, monsoons can also bring hazards like flash flooding. Be sure to check the weather forecast before heading outdoors. If you hear or see rushing water, move to higher ground and never attempt to cross.
Have you ever wondered why plants from completely different parts of the world can look so similar?
An arid-adapted plant native to Africa may share many characteristics with a species native to the Sonoran Desert, even though they evolved separately. This phenomenon is called convergent evolution!
Although these plants do not share a recent common ancestor, they have developed similar adaptations that help them survive in dry climates.
Visit our East Greenhouse to explore arid-adapted plants from the Eastern Hemisphere and see for yourself how they compare to Arizona`s native desert plants.
Start your morning off right at Boyce Thompson Arboretum! By taking advantage of our early summer hours, you can ensure a morning surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of nature before the temperature gets too hot.
June Hours: 6:00 am – 12:00 pm Open Wednesday – Monday Closed Tuesdays $16 Admission
Experience Boyce Thompson Arboretum from the comfort of a golf cart! Our expert Docents will take you on a tour of the most beautiful parts of the Arboretum while sharing stories, botanical facts, and other insights. These tours are the perfect way to explore the gardens during the hot summer months.
Summer Golf Cart Tours: 🗓1st, 3rd & 5th Fridays and Saturdays 🕣June-August | 7:30 am – 8:30 am 💲$20 per person, plus admission 5️⃣Up to 5 guests per tour
If you visit us this summer, you will likely see the many Turkey Vultures that call the Arboretum home! Early in the morning before it gets too hot they are often seen perched with wings outstretched toward the sun. As it get warmer, they take flight, utilizing warm air currents called thermals to stay up without ever needing to flap their wings. Their appearance and diet may make them seem frightening, but Turkey Vultures are wonderful birds that work hard to keep the environment clean. Come visit Boyce Thompson Arboretum and see the Turkey Vultures for yourself!
Fruit trees can thrive anywhere, even in the arid Arizona climate! You just have to know the right ones. At Boyce Thompson Arboretum, we grow apples, peaches, figs, almonds, and more. Come explore our gardens and don`t forget to stop by our gift shop on your way out to pick up a plant of your very own.
A coati found near Boyce Thompson Arboretum tested positive for rabies on Monday, June 8. When the coati was initially observed, she exhibited unusual behavior and was safely transported to a wildlife center nearby. Ultimately, she did not survive and after a post mortem necropsy, it was revealed she`d had rabies. We are working closely with Pinal County and Arizona Game and Fish to continue to monitor wildlife in the area for everyone`s safety.
The Arboretum takes visitor and pet safety very seriously. Staff will continue to monitor all coati movements within the Arboretum grounds, ensure they stay away from people and pets, and close areas they are accessing. To keep safe on our trails we urge you to do the following:
- Make sure your pet is fully vaccinated. - Keep your pet on a leash at all times. - Inform Boyce Thompson Arboretum Rangers and staff of any wildlife sightings, especially those that are near the trails. - Keep 50 feet away from all mammalian wildlife. - Inform Boyce Thompson Arboretum staff immediately if a sick or injured animal is observed.
For any questions or concerns, please feel free to send us a message....
Join us for Critter Crawl and discover the fascinating creatures that emerge after dark, including elusive snakes like this Lyre Snake. Guided by our experts, you`ll explore the Arboretum at night and experience a side of the desert few people ever see.
June 12th, 7:30 PM–9:00 PM $12–$18 | Preregistration required Children 4 and under and pets are not permitted.
Reserve your spot and uncover the mysteries of the nighttime desert. Link in bio
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