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Branching Out Speaker Series

Title: Let’s not reinvent the wheel: Using VERY old school strategies for cheap and easy restoration success
Description: This presentation will highlight techniques to enhance dryland vegetation management outcomes that anyone can use to better achieve their goals.
Speaker: Dr. Elise S. Gornish (she/her), Cooperative Extension Specialist at University of Arizona Cooperative Extension
Speaker Bio: Dr. Elise Gornish is a Cooperative Extension Specialist in Ecological Restoration at the University of Arizona. Originally from New York, Dr. Gornish received her MS and PhD from Florida State University in 2013. She then completed two years of a post doc at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Gornish’s work largely focuses on vegetation management in arid systems with a focus on ecological restoration, weed management and soil management. She has published over 90 articles, given hundreds of talks and is an ESA Early Career Fellow.
Register Here: 7830.blackbaudhosting.com/7830/Branching-Out-Speaker-Series-12Sep2025
Interested in attending multiple lectures? Purchase a package for the September-November lectures for 10% off the ticket price: 7830.blackbaudhosting.com/7830/Branching-Out-Speaker-Series
Please note: This presentation does NOT include admission to the Arboretum.
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The coatis are back!
This family of coatis has recently been spotted exploring the Canyon Region. We`re happy to report that in all our observations of them, they seem happy, healthy, and safe.
As a reminder, if you see coatis (or any wildlife) on the trails, keep a distance of at least 50 feet and refrain from giving them any food. They have plenty of delicious snacks growing right here at the Arboretum. By respecting their space, we can ensure safety for the coati, humans and pets enjoying nature.
And of course - if you take any photos, don`t forget to tag us so we can see them!
#coati #coatimundi #arizonawildlife #desertlife🌵 #jujube #boycethompsonarboretum
There`s nothing quite like walking through our hummingbird garden on a quiet summer morning. Flowers are in bloom, butterflies flutter across your path, and hummingbirds stop to sip nectar from nearby firecracker plants. It feels like walking through a magical portal that leads you deeper into the Arboretum.
When you visit us next, we hope you pause to really take in your surroundings. Observe the plant life growing around you and notice how the wildlife interacts with it. See what flowers are in bloom and notice their vibrant color. Let your curiosity guide you to the next wonder of the garden.
Check the link in our bio to plan your visit today!
#boycethompsonarboretum #1Arb #hummingbirdgarden #desertbutterflies #natureimmersion #aznature #plantlovers
This kettle of vultures wants to remind you that Saturday, September 5th is Vulture Awareness Day!
Celebrate with us from 6:30 am - 12:00 pm. We`ll be doing vulture themed activities, bird watching, and more. We`d love to see you there!
#VultureAwarenessDay #turkeyvultures #familyactivities #birdingevents #azbirding
This is the last month to take advantage of our summer pricing! From now until the end of August, enjoy the Arboretum for only $16 a person.
Tickets go back up to $24.95 in September.
See the link in our bio to plan your visit!
#btarboretum #familyactivities #1Arb #summeractivities #thingstodoaz #aznature
Have you ever seen a shallow depression in the earth and wondered what kind of wildlife may be responsible for it? It`s possible it belongs to a Sonoran Desert Tortoise! 🐢 These little divots are called pallets and are formed by these tortoises as a spot to hang out and cool off, especially during warm, summer months.
If you spot a wild tortoise, always give it and its habitat plenty of space. Only intervene if it`s in immediate danger. Together, we can keep wildlife wild!
#sonorandeserttortoise #deserttortoise #arizonawildlife #aznature #desertlife #natureeducation
We go nuts for jojoba plants!
Did you know that inside each seed is a liquid wax-like substance known as jojoba oil? It`s suprisingly rare to find this in nature, so they`re highly sought after in cosments and industrial lubricants.
Nature always has the most incredible and unexpected uses.
#jojobanut #JojobaOil #plantlovers #plantfacts #natureeducation #naturelovers
***Update: SOLD OUT***
This Friday is your LAST CHANCE to join a Critter Crawl! Explore the Arboretum after dark to see the critters that call our garden home. If you`re lucky, you may see:
🦂Scorpions
🦇Bats
🐸Toads
🕷️Spiders
🐍And more!
We only have THREE spots left. Register now before it`s too late!
Visit the link in our bio to reserve your spot.
Thinking about pruning your shrubs? Whatever you do, don`t give into the temptation of turning them into spheres!
Shearing a plant into a sphere actually destroys it`s structure. The thick, outer layer of leaves keeps sunlight from reaching the middle, causing the interior to hollow and die. It`ll attract more harmful insects, diseases, and reduce the amount of flowering.
Instead of excessive shearing, prune your shrub to match it`s natural shape. You`ll get a healthier plant with fuller, more beautiful blooms. 🪻
#texassage #shrubpruning #gardeningtips #aznature #plantlovers #plantfacts