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.
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…
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…
Celebrate Halloween in the Wild 🎃 Join Boyce Thompson Arboretum this Halloween for our Boo-tanical Bash! On Friday, October 30 from 5 – 7 pm, the Arboretum will transform into a festive Halloween scene with…
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…
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…
Sometimes we are so focused on looking ahead that we forget to pause and observe what`s right next to us. (Or in this case, directly below us!)
There`s wonder in big landscapes and beautiful scenery, but there can also be wonder in a tiny ant carrying something nearly twice its size. The strength and determination is inspiring.
What`s something small and beautiful you noticed today? Let us know in the comments! 👇
There is so much to discover on the Arboretum trails. Enhance your exploration by joining one of our walks or tours!
🛞Cart Tours: Every Thursday | 9:30 - 10:30 am (registration recommended!) 🐦Bird Walks: Every Wednesday | 8:15 - 9:30 am 🦋Butterfly Walk: Nov 14 | 9:30 - 10:30 am 🌲Arboretum Discovery Tours: November to March - Every Friday & Saturday | 10:00 - 11:00 am 🌵Wallace Garden Tours: November to February - Every Saturday | 9:00 - 10:00 am
To celebrate, we want to share some common misconceptions about bats and why they are so deserving of our love and appreciation!
🦇Myth 1: Bats Are Blind Bats are not blind at all! They use sight and echolocation to navigate their world
🦇Myth 2: Bats are Dangerous Some people think all bats have rabies, but only a very small population do. On top of that - bats are not aggressive! They are expert flyers and want to stay out of your way. With that said, it`s impossible to know if a live animal has rabies, so make sure to keep a safe distance from bats if you encounter them in the wild.
🦇Myth 3: Bats are Pests This is the biggest misconception of them all! Not only are bats NOT pests, they make excellent pest control! Many bats eat harmful insects, protecting gardens and other natural habitats. Other bats are pollinators, helping disperse plant life. Here in Arizona, they are key pollinators of the saguaro cactus.
Bats may be a popular icon in Halloween decor, but when it really comes down to it, there`s nothing to be afraid of. We hope you take some time this month to appreciate these incredible animals.
📷Photos were taken during a bat netting night at the Arboretum with @azgfd
Because of your support, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden, is restoring fragile ecosystems, safeguarding rare plant species, and inspiring thousands of future desert stewards every year.
🔗Click the link in our bio to view our 2026 Impact Report and see just how much your support has helped us grow.🌱
If not - what are you waiting for? Come on down! The Fall Plant sale is happening NOW until November 1. Don`t miss this opportunity to get some new native plants for your garden.
This blooming cactus may look like a saguaro, but it`s actually a cardón!
You may be wondering... if they look so similar, how can you tell the difference? Here`s some things to keep in mind:
🌵Cardóns are MUCH larger than saguaros. They have thicker trunks and can grow taller than 60 ft! 🌵They typically have more branches that form closer to the ground. 🌵They`re native to South America whereas saguaros are primarily in Arizona.
Even though their blooms are short lived, the cardón remains a beautiful presence year round.
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