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.
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…
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.…
Happy Father`s Day to all the dads in the world! (Including the ones found in nature.)
Did you know that around 80% of bird species practice biparental care? The Northern Cardinal is a great example. While the female builds the nest, incubates the eggs, and helps feed the chicks, the male defends the nest from predators and gathers food for both mom and babies.
Together they make an excellent team, proving that great dads come in every form.
Did you know the Arboretum is a nonprofit organization? 🌵
Every trail explored, educational program offered, and desert landscape cared for is made possible through the generosity of members, donors, volunteers, and community supporters.
As we begin a new fiscal year, your support helps us: ✔ Care for desert landscapes and trails ✔ Expand educational programming and outreach ✔ Protect habitats and living plant collections ✔ Create meaningful experiences for thousands of visitors each year
Together, we can ensure the Arboretum continues to inspire, educate, and connect people with the beauty of our gardens for generations to come.
Thank you for supporting this thoughtfully tended wild place.
Can`t decide what to do on Father`s Day? We`ve got you. All dads get free admission to Boyce Thompson this Sunday! Make new memories with your loved ones while surrounded by desert beauty.
Sunday, June 21 Open 6 am – 12 pm Plan Your Visit – Link in Bio
Go touch some grass. No really! Growing grass is a great way to add color and movement to your garden.
We recommending planting native grasses, such as purple three-awn, as they need less water to survive. Purple three-awn also provides forage for wildlife and shelter for small mammals, reptiles, and native bees.
Next time you visit Boyce Thompson Arboretum, stop by the Visitor`s Center to get recommendations on the best grass for your garden!
If it looks like a duck and it swims like a duck... it may not actually be a duck! Because it lacks webbed feet, the American Coot isn`t a duck at all, but we still think it`s very "coot".
We spotted this mom and chick enjoying a nice swim at the Arboretum. The top of the chick`s head is a yellow-orange color, but this will darken as it gets older. Plan a visit today to see even more birds that call the Arboretum home.
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.
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