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 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.…
As our fiscal year comes to a close, we`re reflecting with gratitude on the incredible community that makes Boyce Thompson Arboretum thrive.
Your support doesn`t take the summer off. During these hottest months, your generosity helps care for thousands of desert plants, provides vital habitat for Arizona wildlife, advances conservation and research, and prepares us to welcome thousands of students and visitors in the seasons ahead.
Every thriving bloom, shaded trail, and wildlife sighting is possible because of supporters like you.
Thank you for growing with us, believing in our mission, and helping protect Arizona`s desert landscapes for generations to come.
It`s not too late to add your support! Donate Now --> https://tinyurl.com/donateBTA...
Join us Wednesday, July 1, for an early morning Bird Walk! This guided walk is perfect for beginners and seasoned birders alike. Don`t have binoculars? No problem! Loaner binoculars are available at our admission window. We hope to see you there!
📆Wednesday, July 1 🕕6:15 - 7:45 am 🚶🏽♀️Walk size: 15 people 🎫Free with admission
Have you seen our raised garden beds? 🌿Located by the Smith Greenhouses, this spot is proof that growth can happen even in small, compact places. Take a look and get inspiration for your own garden!
When we think of pollinators, our minds probably go to birds and bees first. But at night, a different type of creature takes over pollination duties! A total of 29 bat species live in Arizona, making our state second in the nation for bat diversity. While many eat insects, some species drink nectar, making them a valuable part of our ecosystem.
Next time you are admiring a saguaro in bloom, make sure to thank the white-winged dove! These beautiful birds are key pollinators of saguaro cactus. In fact, they are so highly dependent on saguaro, they have synchronized their migration to match its reproductive cycle!
And of course, we can`t forget hummingbirds, the most famous of pollinating birds. Arizona has at least 17 species of these small creatures, each playing an important role in pollinating our beautiful desert plants!
Many plants go dormant during the winter, but the Sea Squill does the opposite! When temperatures start to rise and water becomes less available, this plant sheds its leaves and conserves energy until conditions become more favorable.
During its flowering cycle, the Sea Squill attracts insect pollinators like bees and butterflies, giving it an important role in the pollination cycle!
Insects are some of the most well-known pollinators in the world! Bees alone are responsible for pollinating nearly one-third of what we eat. Other pollinating insects include butterflies, moths, flies, and even beetles.
You can support these little creatures by planting pollinator-friendly native plants in your garden. Stop by our Visitors Center to explore our selection!
Its Pollinator Week! 🐝🦇🦋🕊 Follow along this week as we share fun facts and photos of our favorite pollinators.
What is Pollinator Week? It`s an annual celebration initiated and managed by @pollinatorpartnership! You can celebrate by growing pollinator-friendly plants in your garden, attending workshops, and spreading awareness using the hashtag #PollinatorWeek on social media.
Another great way to celebrate is by simply observing pollinators in their natural habitat right here at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. While you`re here, stop by the Visitors Center to find the perfect pollinator-friendly plant for you.
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