Membership Matters! Boyce Thompson Arboretum partners with its members, volunteers and visitors to achieve its mission.
Membership fees support our educational programs for children and adults, as well as the Arboretum’s growth and development.
All Memberships Include
- Unlimited annual admission
-
10% discount on gift shop and plant purchases (or more depending on your
level) - 20% discount on plants during Fall and Spring Plant Sales
-
Access to exclusive members-only events and members-only pricing for all
ticketed events - $5 admission discount for your guests
- Fun, friendly and timely e-newsletter
- 20% discount on gift memberships (not available for purchase online)
- Reciprocal Admission to 300+ gardens, arboreta and conservatories through the American Horticulture Society (AHS)
- The satisfaction of knowing you’re contributing to an improved quality of life, increased science literacy, and enhanced appreciation for the natural world by students and visitors of all ages
Membership Levels
Click to join or renew online, visit us in-person, or call Membership Services at (520) 689-4522 during regular business hours. Purchase a membership when you visit the Arboretum and admission for two adults will be covered! Memberships purchased online will be processed and mailed within two weeks. To make other arrangements, or if you have any questions, please call Membership Services at (520) 689-4522. All membership levels are available as gifts.
For Individuals & Families
- All standard benefits listed above
- Unlimited annual admission for two cardholders
- All standard benefits listed above
- Unlimited annual admission for two cardholders
- Free admission for your children and grandchildren under age 18
- Unlimited annual admission for two cardholders
- One additional accompanied adult guest on each admission
- Free admission for your children and grandchildren under age 18
Arboretum Patrons
- Unlimited annual admission for three cardholders
- Two additional accompanied adult guests on each admission
- Free admission for your children and grandchildren under age 18
- Two complimentary single-use guest passes for sharing
- 15% discount on gift shop and plant purchases
- Recognition in annual report and website
- Unlimited annual admission for three cardholders
- Two additional accompanied adult guests on each admission
- Free admission for your children and grandchildren under age 18
- Four single-use guest passes for sharing
- 15% discount on gift shop and plant purchases
- Recognition in annual report and website
-
Unlimited annual admission for three cardholders
- Two additional accompanied adult guests on each admission
- Free admission for your children and grandchildren under age 18
- Six complimentary single-use guest passes for sharing
- 15% discount on gift shop and plant purchases
- Recognition in annual report and website
Champion Circle Memberships
Our premier annual giving program for those who seek to nurture the seed of philanthropy and make a significant impact
Click to join online, visit us in-person, or call Membership Services at (520) 689-4522 during regular business hours. Memberships purchased online will be processed and mailed within two weeks. To make other arrangements, or if you have any questions, please call Membership Services at (520) 689-4522.
- Unlimited annual admission for four cardholders
- Six additional accompanied adult guests on each admission
- Free admission for your children and grandchildren under age 18
- Six complimentary single-use guest passes for sharing
- 20% discount on gift shop and plant purchases
- Recognition in annual report and website
- Dedicated phone line to assist with program registrations and event tickets
- Annual private tour with the Executive Director and key staff (upon request)
- Invitations to exclusive trips to other horticulture and cultural experiences
- 20% one-time yearly facility rental discount (upon request)
- Yearly consultation with Arboretum horticulturists via phone or email
- Unlimited annual admission for four cardholders
- Six additional accompanied adult guests on each admission
- Free admission for your children and grandchildren under age 18
- Ten complimentary single-use guest passes for sharing
- 20% discount on gift shop and plant purchases
- Recognition in annual report and website
- Dedicated phone line to assist with program registrations and event tickets
- Annual private tour with the Executive Director and key staff (upon request)
- Invitations to exclusive trips to other horticulture and cultural experiences
- 20% one-time yearly facility rental discount (upon request)
- Yearly consultation with Arboretum horticulturists via phone or email
- Unlimited annual admission for four cardholders
- Unlimited number of accompanied adult guests on each admission (if more than 10 guests, please notify the Membership team at least day before arrival)
- Free admission for your children and grandchildren under age 18
- Ten complimentary single-use guest passes for sharing
- 20% discount on gift shop and plant purchases
- Recognition in annual report and website
-
Dedicated phone line to assist with program registrations and event tickets
-
Annual private tour with the Executive Director and key staff (upon request)
- Invitations to exclusive trips to other horticulture and cultural experiences
-
20% one-time yearly facility rental discount (upon request)
- Yearly consultation with Arboretum horticulturists via phone or email
- Yearly in-person consultation with Arboretum horticulturists
Additional Membership Opportunities
Residents with an address in Superior or Top of the World receive 50% off any membership up to the $1,000 Yucca Patron level (not available for purchase online.)
Ask us about a Tail-Waggers Membership for your dog! Dogs are always free and included with admission, but now you can purchase a membership for your canine friend and directly support the care and maintenance of the Arboretum trails and dog relief stations. As a thank you, you will receive a commemorative card and bandanna for your dog (not available for purchase online.)
American Horticultural Society (AHS) Reciprocal Admissions Program (RAP)
Boyce Thompson Arboretum Members are eligible for reciprocal admission to 360+ other gardens, arboreta, and conservatories through this program. Please refer to the AHS Reciprocal Garden Network Map for the most up-to-date list of participating institutions, guidelines, and exclusions: ahsgardening.org/gardening-programs/rap/.
Per AHS RAP Guidelines:
- Call your garden of interest before you plan your visit. Each garden has its own distinct admissions policies and hours of operation, which they may adjust for special events or exhibits.
- Each membership card will only admit the individual whose name is listed on the membership card.
*This benefit is for free admission for Boyce Thompson Arboretum membership cardholders only, and does not count toward any additional guests, discounts, event tickets, parking, etc.
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See What Everyone’s Talking About! The Wallace Desert Garden at Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a 13-acre masterpiece featuring over 5,000 plants from the world’s most arid regions.
Visitors say it’s “breathtaking” and “a must-see for nature lovers.” Walk among towering saguaros, vibrant succulents, and rare, endangered plants carefully curated to showcase the beauty and resilience of desert life.
Did You Know? This garden preserves plants that are vital to global desert ecosystems and offers a glimpse into sustainable landscaping for the future.
Don’t just wonder what it’s like, plan your visit today, and experience why this garden is one of the most talked-about attractions in the region.
Start your journey at btarboretum.org
#desertbeauty #visitarizona #arizona #mesa #queencreek #gilbert
The hedgehog cactus, particularly species like Echinocereus fasciculatus var. boyce-thompsonii, holds a rich legacy deeply intertwined with the history of Boyce Thompson Arboretum. This cactus was among the first planted at the arboretum in the 1920s and remains a symbol of our dedication to the preservation and appreciation of desert plants. Native to arid regions, these cacti are renowned for their stunning blooms and unique adaptations to survive harsh environments.
At the Arboretum, we take pride in conserving these iconic plants. Many species of hedgehog cactus, such as Echinocereus triglochidiatus var. arizonicus, are listed as endangered due to habitat loss and illegal harvesting. Our propagated plant sales program serves as a crucial initiative to combat this issue, providing sustainably grown cacti for the public while protecting wild populations. Additionally, cacti salvaged from construction sites are nurtured and given a new lease on life within our collections.
By supporting ethical propagation, research, and education, we aim to prevent further exploitation of these desert treasures. However, the challenges of conservation require a collective effort.
You can play a vital role in protecting the hedgehog cactus and other desert plants:
1. Avoid purchasing plants taken from the wild. Support organizations like ours that offer sustainably propagated specimens.
2. Contribute your time or resources to help our conservation programs thrive.
3. Educate others about the importance of desert plant conservation and the threats posed by habitat destruction and illegal harvesting.
Let’s ensure the beauty and resilience of the hedgehog cactus continue to inspire generations to come. Visit Boyce Thompson Arboretum to experience these marvels firsthand and join us in safeguarding our desert`s biodiversity!
Explore More & Get Involved Today at btarboretum.org
Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a sanctuary for birds. Recognized as one of Arizona’s top Audubon Important Bird Areas. On #nationalbirdday, celebrate the incredible biodiversity we protect every day.
Together, we’re making a difference.
Photos by Tim Lee
Did you know our resident coatis LOVE the myrtle tunnel in the canyon? These skilled foragers might take over the tunnel for a short feast because, hey, even wildlife deserves a lunch break!
If you see them snacking, please be patient and enjoy the show from a safe distance. The trail under the tunnel may be briefly closed, but the sight of these adorable creatures in action is totally worth it!
🎉 Happy New Year! 🎉
We’re open today, 8 AM–5 PM (last admission 4 PM).
Start 2025 surrounded by nature. Don’t miss out!
#desertbeauty #arizonatrails #exploreaz #aznature #queencreek #santanvalley #gilbert #chandleraz #tempeaz #mesa
A world of hiking and discovery is waiting. Plan your visit at btarboretum.org today!
Photos by Tim Lee
#birdingphotography #azbirding #birdinghotspot #naturelovers #ThingsToDoAZ #hikingarizona
Why do lizards do push-ups?
Help us protect desert plants and the animals that rely on them. Your support nurtures ecosystems, protects habitats, and preserves biodiversity. Donate today to keep Boyce Thompson Arboretum thriving.