As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Boyce Thompson Arboretum relies on admissions, donations, annual memberships, plant and merchandise sales and fundraising events to achieve our mission.
Volunteers support every operation and are the heart and soul of BTA. Major and Legacy Gifts have a long-term impact, providing support for buildings, gardens and large-scale programs.
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Boyce Thompson Arboretum gratefully acknowledges all of the individuals, corporations, small businesses and foundations that have supported the Arboretum’s mission to inspire appreciation and stewardship of desert plants, wildlife, and ecosystems through education, research and conservation, through their kind and generous donations.
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There are many benefits to volunteering: you can take part in special projects and learn from professionals while you work together; you can be part of a close-knit community of volunteers; you can share your time, skills and talents with one of Arizona’s top natural attractions (and make a real difference!); and perhaps most importantly, you’ll have fun!
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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!
#cactuslovers #cardón #naturelovers #arizonanature
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!
#Barbadosnut #jatropha #plantlovers #plantfacts #naturelovers #btarboretum
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! 👇
#eucalyptus #redrivergum #australianplants #labyrinthmeditation #btarboretum #ExploreNature
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.
Plan your visit today to see our summer blooms!
#deathbloom #bluenolina #nolina #succulentbloom #plantfacts #plantlovers
We`re hiring! Join the team that makes this beautiful garden thrive. Open positions include:
🌵 Welcome Center Sales Associate
🌵 Development Administrative Assistant
🌵 Executive Assistant
🌵 Membership Coordinator
🌵 Maintenance Technician
🌵 Marketing Strategist
Apply today at btarboretum.org/careers (link in bio). We look forward to hearing from you!
#btarboretum #superiorarizona #ArizonaHiring #openpositions #WeAreHiring
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!
#aznature #naturelovers #natureeducation #littoralzone #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.
#gilawoodpecker #BirdingCommunity #birding #southwestbirding #azbirding #birdinghotspot
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.