As an Important Bird Area, Boyce Thompson Arboretum and the adjacent Arnett and Queen Creeks are known for spectacular birding opportunities.
Some 275 different species have been sighted. Guided bird walks take place between October and May.
Named the “most enchanting” Audubon Important Bird Area in Arizona, Boyce Thompson Arboretum provides important habitats and resources throughout the year, qualifying the site under the criteria “exceptional seasonal diversity of land-birds,” as well as “outstanding land-bird stopover site.” BTA’s riparian habitat, which provides for riparian-dependent species as well as rare and threatened species, is an exceptional example in a state where these important areas account for only one percent of land area. Of the 275 species recorded in the IBA, 62 are species of Special Conservation Status in Arizona.
This combination of high species richness and occasionally high numbers of migrants is ecologically significant and provides a remarkable opportunity for visitors to observe and learn about birds.
Your support helps us to protect birds and wildlife—and their habitats—and to educate the conservation leaders of tomorrow.
Every visit supports research, and environmental education, and directly benefits the mission and success of Boyce Thompson Arboretum.
Guided bird walks are an ideal way to get into birding or to sharpen your skills! Join birding experts on scheduled walks from October through May. Beginners are welcome. No binoculars? No problem! Ask in our gift shop when you pay admission; loaner binoculars are available.
Beginner Bird Walk
November 1, 2025, 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Are you interested in learning more about birding? Join us on a Beginner Bird Walk where you’ll learn how to use your binoculars and…
You know about tree huggers - but where are the cactus huggers at? 🌵
We kid. Please don`t hug any cacti. 😅We`re sure they can feel the love from afar! You can see this towering cardón in our Cactus and Succulents Garden. See the link in our bio to plan your visit today!
Did you know that Jatropha macrocarpa (or Barbados Nut) can be used to produce biofuel? That`s because its seeds contain an average of 34% oil! If you look closely at this plant, you`ll spot little green pods. Inside are developing seeds that will mature as the pods turn yellow.
You can see this remarkable plant up close in the Smith Greenhouse. Plan your visit today!
Have you visited our Eucalyptus Forest? Walking through the trails is truly an immersive experience. You`ll see:
🍃Mr. Big, the largest red river gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) in the United States 🍃A rock labyrinth for meditation (located in Conifer Corner) 🍃Eucalyptus trees shedding bark to accommodate their rapid growth 🍃Intricate tree stumps and trunks, some of which have been turned into benches! 🍃Benson Bridge, which crosses over Silver King Wash
What`s your favorite part of the Eucalyptus Forest? Let us know in the comments! 👇
Something new is flowering in the Wallace Region! The Nolina nelsonii, or Blue Nolina, is a slow-growing succulent that may only bloom once in its lifetime. This plant has likely been growing for 15-20+ years, building up to this one spectacular moment. Its truly an honor to witness it`s final bloom.
The littoral zone is the region where land and water meet! At our manmade reservoir, the littoral zone is made up of cattails, which provide habitat to birds, insects, and amphibians.
Next time you visit us, stop by Ayer Lake to see if you can spot any life among the cattails!
If you hear a "tap, tap, tap" above your head while you`re hiking, it might be a Gila Woodpecker! These clever birds search for insects by pecking on tree trunks, shrubs, and even cacti.
The holes they excavate in cacti sometimes become homes for smaller birds later on, making their simple foraging behaviors greatly beneficial to our ecosystem.
This summer, 41 teachers from across Arizona participated in a specialized professional development program designed in partnership with @azgfd to bring hands-on science education into their classrooms.
Made possible through support from @resolutioncopper, the program equipped educators with classroom-ready lessons that connected desert ecology, STEM learning, and Arizona State Science Standards. Teachers left with:
🌱 Lesson plans 🌱 Presentations 🌱 Hands-on activities 🌱 Educational supplies including a classroom set of plants 🌱 Professional development experience they can immediately apply in their classrooms.
The impact extends far beyond a single workshop. Every teacher who participates has the potential to reach hundreds of students, creating a ripple effect that strengthens science education, environmental literacy, and stewardship in the Copper Corridor and across Arizona....
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