FACT SHEET
A unique oasis: Boyce Thompson Arboretum (BTA) is a non-profit organizations founded in 1924 by businessman and philanthropist, William Boyce Thompson. BTA is a botanical oasis offering diverse native high desert plants, trees and animal communities incorporating arid-land plants and trees from around the world.
Awaken your senses in this 320-acre living classroom: Walk the 3 miles of trails while viewing over 3,200 plant and trees from North and South America, Africa, the Mediterranean, Asia and Australia. Experience the fragrance of the Gum Bark trees and the scent of the eucalyptus trees. Listen for and/or see the more than 270 species of birds who call the Arboretum home. Seasonally watch the flutter of the butterflies and dragonflies or catch glimpses of a variety of hummingbirds. Learn about drought tolerant plants for home landscaping in the Demonstration Garden and while there see examples of water-harvesting methods and irrigation techniques. Join a guided walk to learn from experts about the gardens and wildlife or sign up for classes. An array of signature events complements the experience of Boyce Thompson Arboretum for the guests we welcome each year. Favorites are Bye-Bye Buzzards, Fall Color Festival and Australia Days. Schedules and details are available on BTA's website.
Experience the Arboretum 364 days a year: Open from September to April from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from May to August from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Closed Christmas Day, the adventure at the Arboretum is available the other 364 days.
Admission is free to BTA members with a valid membership card and children four and younger. Admission for non-member adult is $7.50 and a child from 5 to 12 years old is $3.00.
Reservations are necessary for organized groups of 20 or more and classroom visits. Group guided tours for 20 or more need to be arranged in advance.
The Arboretum is located on US Highway 60, a one-hour drive due east of Phoenix.
Enjoy the seasons at the Arboretum: Friends of the Arboretum
enjoy the benefits of membership which include unlimited admission, exclusive
member-only events, limited number of guest passes, discount on gift shop
and plant purchases and member newsletter.
The Arboretum offers corporate members enhancements to their company's existing
benefits program. Various membership levels offer complimentary family membership;
complimentary day passes for employee or clients, company event discounts
and appropriate recognition.
Teaching new generations: The adventure begins for children
in the Children's Garden with hands-on fun and learning. Seating offered for
adult chaperones.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum offers on-site grade appropriate programs for educational
institutions and home schooled children. All programs meet Arizona's academic
standards.
Brownie and Girl Scout badges programs are offered on-site.
Mission driven research: The Desert Legume Program (DELEP)
is a part of BTA's mission driven research program. Established in 1988 as
a joint project with Boyce Thompson Arboretum and the University of Arizona,
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, its mission is to develop a comprehensive
seed bank of legumes that are native or adapted to dry regions. In addition
to seed banking DELEP works with researcher and organizations around the world
to evaluate these plants for potential uses.
In an earlier cooperative study with the University of Arizona uses for the
seeds of the jojoba were discovered. Soil-retention studies conducted at the
Arboretum were instrumental in the creation of the US Soil Conservation Service.
Create an experience for generations to come: Boyce Thompson Arboretum and its programs are financially supported by admissions, membership, gifts, contributions and grants. Contributions are welcome and appreciated. Donations are fully tax deductible in accordance with state and federal law.
Achievements: BTA is accredited by the American Association of Museums. In 2007, Audubon Arizona named the Arboretum an Important Bird Area. In 2005, Arizona Governor Napolitano recognized Boyce Thompson Arboretum as An Arizona Treasure.
Mission statement: Instill an appreciation of plants through fostering education, recreational, research and conservation opportunities associated with the world's arid-land plants.
Updated October 15, 2007. Editor's Note: read more about history, geography and Arboretum information
