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Branching Out Speaker Series
Title: What is it like to be a Bat? An Introduction to Bats of Arizona and What Makes Bats so Cool
Description: There’s so much to love and learn about bats, which, at more than 1450 species, make up nearly a quarter of the world’s mammals! Arizona is home to 29 species. Our incredible diversity includes three nectar bats, four tree-foliage roosting species, a black and white bat with long pink ears, a scorpion-eating bat, as well as the largest and smallest (U.S.) bat species. We’ll explore what it’s like to be a bat by looking at the life history of some of Arizona’s most charismatic species and take a deep dive into what makes echolocation such an amazing superpower.
Speaker: Angie McIntire, State Bat Specialist at Arizona Game and Fish Department
Speaker Bio: Angie McIntire is the state bat specialist for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Angie has worked as a wildlife biologist at AZGFD since 1993. Early in her career she was part of a team charged with re-establishing a wild population of black-footed ferrets to northwestern Arizona, then as a habitat evaluation/environmental compliance specialist before settling in as the Department’s bat specialist – a position she’s enjoyed for more than 22 years. In addition to her work with bats throughout Arizona, Angie has assisted with bat surveys in Honduras, Nicaragua, and several states in Mexico. Angie’s fascination with bats began in the early 90s when she was introduced to Arizona’s tremendous diversity of bat species and the habitats they occupy. Angie’s current focus is investigating hoary bat movement, mastiff bat life history requirements, and conducting acoustic surveys for Arizona’s 29 bat species.
Register Here: 7830.blackbaudhosting.com/7830/Branching-Out-Speaker-Series-14Nov2025
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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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
🌱Bring outdoor learning to your classroom!
Our Classroom Outreach Programs explore the Sonoran Desert and the world of plants while aligning with Arizona Science Standards. Best of all - they`re FREE for schools within the Cooper Corridor.
Our programs are made possible through support from @resolutioncopper. Interested in scheduling a program? Reach out to us today!
#natureeducation #outdoorlearning #coppercorridor #STEAMeducation #scienceeducationmatters
We have a mushroom growing on one of our Eucalyptus trees!
This yellow fungi is likely a Laetiporus gilbertsonii, also known as Chicken of the Woods. If you visit us within the next week or so, you can find it growing on a tree across from Mr. Big in the Eucalyptus Forest. You don`t want to miss it!
#chickenofthewoods #mushroom #desertmushroom #desertnature #naturelovers #plantlovers
One of these eggs is not like the others... 🤔
Do you see the brown, speckled egg in this nest? It likely came from a Brown-headed Cowbird! Cowbirds are brood parasites, meaning they lay their eggs in nests of other bird species. Once the egg hatches, the unsuspecting parents will raise the baby Cowbird without ever knowing it`s not one of their own.
#birdsofarizona #birdfacts #brownheadedcowbird #broodparasite #birdnest #aznature #birding
Have you ever been to the STEM Dugout at a Diamondbacks game?
Presented by @resolutioncopper, the STEM Dugout features education displays and learning activities for kids of all ages! You can find the Dugout near section 327 on Chase Field`s upper concourse.
We had the privilege of participating during yesterday`s game, and will be back Wednesday, August 26th! If you happen to be there, stop by to learn about desert plants and their pollinators. We hope to see you there!
#Diamondbacks #stemdugout #STEMLearning #btarboretum #natureeducation #planteducation #NatureForKids
Have you tried a jujube before? They`re yummiest when brown and slightly wrinkly and taste similar to dates! They are a favorite sweet treat for our local wildlife.
#jujube #jujubetree #wildfruit #aznature #plantlovers #plantfacts
Tickets are now on sale for Boyce Thompson Arboretum’s fourth annual Green Gala!
Join us for an unforgettable evening under the stars while supporting our mission to inspire appreciation and stewardship of desert plants, wildlife, and ecosystems through education, research, and conservation.
Surrounded by the beauty of the Sonoran Desert, you will enjoy fine dining, meaningful connections, and a special program put together just for you.
🗓️Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
🕛Time: 4:00-8:00pm
📍Location: Hill House Property
38815 E Arboretum Way
Superior, AZ 85713
Visit the link in our bio to get tickets today!