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…
Learn about commonly found butterfly species and their host plants with a butterfly expert from Central Arizona Butterfly Association. Walks are subject to availability. Registration is first come, first serve. To register for a tour…
Arizona is home to 29 different species of bats! Bats are important pollinators for Arizona and the reason we have the Saguaro cactus. Families will learn about these amazing creatures with a fun bat game…
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…
The outdoors make the best kind of classroom. Join one of our Family Workshops to learn fun facts about nature and participate in a themed craft!
🦇Bats of Arizona: Oct 24 | Craft: Pinecone bat 📝Nature Journaling: Nov 7 | Craft: Nature journal 🍁Fall Color Fun: Nov 14 | Craft: Leaf collage 🌲All About Trees: Dec 12 | Craft: Wood cookie ornament
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 am Non-Member child (5-17): $10 Member child: $8 Up to 2 adults free with child
🍄Did you know that fungi are more closely related to people than plants? They may look like plants, but the way they grow, get nutrients, and evolve is completely different.
Fungi DO interact with plants. They grow by absorbing nutrients from organic material, which is why you often find them on dying trees, logs, or on ground level.
These little guys can be found on the fence surrounding Drover`s Woolshed. Next time you visit, keep an eye out for them and any other mushrooms in your path. Sometimes they pop up in places where you`d least expect!
These beautiful photos were taken by Tim Lee, one of our loyal members! We love seeing our visitors` photography. (Especially when they include cute birds! 🐦)
Want to see some of these birds for yourself? Join us for a Bird Walk! You`ll be surrounded by other avian enthusiasts helping spot and identify our little flying friends.
📅Every Wednesday | October 2026 - April 2027 🕗 8:15 - 9:30 am 🎟️Free with admission
We`re looking for our next Director of Education! 📣
Do you come alive on the trail? Love hiking, birdwatching, camping, or simply spending your days surrounded by nature? If the idea of wearing hiking boots to work, spotting wildlife during your lunch break, and being part of a collaborative, mission-driven team excites you, then Boyce Thompson Arboretum may be the perfect place for you.
Learn more about this position and other job oppurtunities by clicking the link in our bio!
The Wing Memorial Herb Garden is a perfect spot to take in the sights, smells, and sounds of nature. At this garden, you`ll find:
🌱 The original Clevenger House built in 1913 🌱 An array of fragrant herbs, pomegranates, and other fruits 🌱 A functional sundial 🌱 If you`re lucky... coati! Due to all the tasty fruits, they love visiting this area.
Have you been to the Wing Memorial Herb Garden? Let us know in the comments what you love best about this garden! 👇
Walking the Arboretum paths means you`re rarely alone! That rustling in the leaves beside you could belong to any number of critters...
🐦A red cardinal foraging for fallen seeds 🐇A rabbit quietly studying you from its hiding place in the shrubbery 🍏A coati climbing a tree to reach some fresh fruit 🐍A gopher snake traveling to it`s burrow nearby 🦎A lizard darting along the bark of a tree, looking for insects
Keep your eyes open and you`re sure to have some amazing wildlife sightings.
What`s your favorite critter to spot at the Arboretum? Let us know in the comments below! 👇
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