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Critter Crawl Night Tour

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 need to be prepared for your own night-time treks.
Preregistration is required and limited to 24 guests. For your safety, children ages 4 and under and pets are not permitted.
Register: https://7830.blackbaudhosting.com/7830/Critter-Crawl-Night-Tour-10Jul2026
Distance: Each experience is unique and follows the critters. However, you will walk no more than 1 mile.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Content Notice: This tour contains content regarding snakes, spiders, scorpions, bugs, owls, and other nighttime animals. The arboretum is primarily dark at night and artificial lighting is limited.
What to bring/wear: Close-toed shoes, plenty of water (at least 32oz/person), flashlights/headlamps for each member of your party, and snacks (if needed). Our gift shop will NOT be open to purchase water bottles or snacks.
Trail conditions: Mostly flat, hard packed dirt with small portions of sand and cobblestone. Our trails are not leveled and contain uneven terrain, humps, and dips. Trail width is at minimum 2 ft across.
#1Arb
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@btarboretum #1Arb
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