You can play an essential role in the conservation and stewardship of desert plants, wildlife, and ecosystems
Support Our Mission
Our mission is to inspire appreciation and stewardship of desert plants, wildlife, and ecosystems through education, research and conservation.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, IRS EIN: 88-0061520. Every gift helps and every member matters! If you would like to make a gift in honor or memory of a loved one please refer to the ‘Ways to Give’ section below.
Giving Options
Greatest Needs Fund
Your gift to the Greatest Needs Fund provides the flexible support our mission depends on most. It allows us to respond to the Arboretum’s most urgent needs, care for our collections, and invest in education, research, and conservation. Here your generosity can make the greatest impact.
Propagating the Future
We are committed to preserving rare desert plants and expanding conservation efforts through propagation. The Propagating the Future campaign aims to upgrade facilities, enhance research, and increase access to resilient plants that support thriving desert ecosystems.
Water Wise Arboretum
The Water Wise Campaign has strengthened our approach to water conservation and climate resilience. Your support helps sustain these critical improvements through ongoing maintenance, innovation, and sustainable stewardship practices.
Living Collections Fund
Support the dedicated horticulture experts and the plants they care for every day, including three nationally accredited plant collections. Your gift provides the people, tools, supplies, and resources needed to keep the Arboretum’s living collections healthy, vibrant, and thriving while preserving the beauty and biodiversity of our gardens for generations to come.
Educational Initiatives
Your gift supports educational experiences that connect people of all ages with the arid-adapted ecosystems from around the world; from student field trips and STEM learning to guided tours, workshops, our docents, and community programs. Together, we inspire discovery and nurture lifelong stewards of nature.
Desert Legume Program (DELEP)
Your gift supports the Desert Legume Program’s mission to conserve, research, and share the diversity of desert legumes through seed banking, scientific study, and preservation efforts. By protecting valuable plant genetics and advancing knowledge of these resilient species, your support helps safeguard desert biodiversity and promote sustainable solutions for arid environments worldwide.
Desert Resilience Fund
Your support strengthens the Arboretum’s ability to prepare for and respond to the challenges of a changing desert environment, including wildfire risk, extreme heat, water conservation needs, and storm impacts. Your gift helps protect our living collections, infrastructure, and community.
Historic Preservation Fund
Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a treasured historic site where more than a century of conservation, horticulture, and education has shaped a lasting connection to desert plants and ecosystems from around the world. Your gift supports the preservation and care of our historic buildings, landscapes, and cultural resources, ensuring this special place continues to inspire visitors while honoring its rich legacy.
Join the Desert Willow Legacy Society
By including Boyce Thompson Arboretum in your estate plans, you become a member of the Desert Willow Legacy Society, a special community of supporters dedicated to preserving the Arboretum for future generations.
Vision. Growth. Legacy. YOU can shape the future
Other Ways to Give
Green Gala
An unforgettable evening of breathtaking desert views, dinner under the stars, and immersive learning experiences, all while supporting the Arboretum’s mission.
Sustaining Garden Donor Program
Help the Arboretum grow and develop by becoming a monthly Sustaining Garden Donor.
Memorials & Tributes
Commemorate a loved one or important life events with a unique addition to our garden. To learn more, please contact a member of our development team at [email protected].
Questions? We’d love to hear from you!
Connect with our Development team at 520-689-4716 or [email protected].
#1Arb
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Collecting and directing stormwater is essential for a desert garden`s survival. If left unmanaged, pooling rain can damage plants and nearby buildings. Thanks to the generous support of Water Wise Arboretum donors, we now have several stormwater features around the Smith Greenhouses! It helps protect our historic buildings and guides the water to plants that need it most.
You can spot one of these water capture systems in front of the Smith Greenhouses. Arizona poppies are currently blooming inside, a living proof of its success!
#WaterConservation #stormwaterdrain #waterflow #desertgarden #arizonapoppy
It`s time for another bird walk! Join us Wednesday, September 2 from 6:15 - 7:45 am for a guided walk through the Arboretum with a birding expert. During last month`s walk, we saw more than 30 unique bird species! You won`t believe how much life can be found in the desert.
Our bird walks are free with admission! We hope to see you there.
#birdwalk #birding #AZBirding #birdlovers #naturelovers #birdphotography
It`s National Dog Day! Celebrate this special occasion by giving your dog the spotlight they deserve. We are debuting a calendar highlighting our furry visitors and will fill it with pictures of YOUR DOGS!
Does your furry friend love visiting the Arboretum? Submit your favorite photo of them exploring our garden! We will select 12 of the best photos to be featured in the 2027 Dogs of Boyce Thompson Arboretum Calendar.
If your photo is selected, you will receive a FREE calendar. Anyone will be able to purchase them from our gift shop. They`ll make great keepsakes or holiday gifts to friends and family!
You can find the rules and submission link in our bio. Let us know if you have any questions! We are excited to share your photos with all our visitors.
#nationaldogday #dogcalendar #callforentries #dogphotography #photosubmissions #ArizonaDogs #doglovers
The vibrant color on this caterpillar is a warning sign to any predators: do not eat!
The Pipevine Swallowtail feeds on Pipevine plants as larvae. Because Pipevine leaves are toxic to many animals, consuming them makes the caterpillars toxic as well. Their eating habits make the perfect defense mechanism!
#pipevineswallowtail #pipevineswallowtailcaterpillar #catterpillar #arizonabugs #buglover
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