As Boyce Thompson Arboretum celebrates its centennial year, there’s no better time to reflect on the rich history and legacy of the Smith Building. This historic structure has stood the test of time, serving as a beacon of botanical education and conservation for the past century. As we commemorate this milestone, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our natural heritage for future generations. The Smith Building is not just an architectural marvel; it is a space for learning and conservation. The Smith Building’s greenhouses showcase a diverse array of plant species from around the ..read more

Boyce Thompson Arboretum offers a variety of desert habitats that provide ideal conditions for lizards to thrive. The Arboretum’s diverse landscape includes rocky outcrops, sandy washes, and lush riparian areas.  The Arboretum’s botanical garden features many desert plants, including cacti, succulents, and native shrubs. These provide food, shelter, and basking opportunities for lizards. Visitors may see lizards sunbathing on rocks, moving quickly through plants, or blending into their surroundings with their camouflage.  The natural setting of the Arboretum provides a unique opportu ..read more

JUMP TO BUTTERFLY JOURNAL Why are Butterflies Important? Butterflies are more than just beautiful creatures fluttering around in the garden – they play a crucial role in our environment. Here’s why butterflies are so important: Pollination: Just like bees, butterflies help pollinate plants. As they feed on nectar, butterflies transfer pollen from one flower to another, aiding in the fertilization of plants. This process is essential for the reproduction of many plants, including flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Food Source: Butterflies are an important food source for other animals. Birds, b ..read more

Arizona is home to over 300 species of butterflies. Each species has its own unique characteristics, from striking colors to intricate patterns. Here are 15 species of butterflies you may encounter at Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Arizona’s largest and oldest botanical garden: Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) Monarchs are famous for their incredible migration, traveling thousands of miles from Canada to Mexico and back. Monarchs have bright orange wings with black veins and white spots along the edges. Their caterpillars are distinctively striped in yellow, black, and white. Painted Lady ..read more

The Chihuahuan Desert is the largest desert in North America, stretching across Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico. The desert is named after the Chihuahua region in Mexico. In the Chihuahuan Desert, mountain ranges such as the Sierra Madre tower over open desert plains. Deep canyons, like the renowned Copper Canyon, cut through the terrain. The Chihuahuan Desert also encompasses the famous Big Bend National Park. The Chihuahuan Desert experiences a wide range of climates, with much colder winters than the Sonoran Desert. Temperatures can dip below freezing during the winter nights. The Ch ..read more

JUMP TO WILDFLOWER SCAVENGER HUNT Welcome, adventurers, to the colorful world of wildflowers in Arizona! This blog will help you discover the vibrant wildflowers in our desert landscape. Why Wildflowers? Wildflowers play an important role in our ecosystem. They provide food and shelter for insects, birds, and other wildlife. Wildflowers also provide nectar and pollen that pollinators rely on to do their important job of pollinating plants.  Wildflowers are also masters of water conservation. They have roots that soak up rainwater and help prevent soil erosion. This is super important in ..read more

If you’re diving into the world of succulents and cacti, we’ve got you covered with essential care tips to ensure your plant pals thrive. In this blog post, we’ll cover these essential care tips for cultivating happy and healthy succulents: Light Watering Soil mix Fertilization Potting Protection from insects Temperature Propagating Light: Is Direct Sunlight or Shade Best? Many cacti and succulents grow in the shade. Sudden exposure to the sun can give them a sunburn. A sunburn would expose them to infection and rot, eventually leading to it’s death.  Several types of cacti can tolerate ..read more

Legumes are plants that belong to the Fabaceae (previously Leguminosae) botanical family. They are a diverse group of flowering plants known for their unique seed pods, compound leaf structure, and nitrogen-fixing abilities. Worldwide, legumes have many uses. Humans depend on them for food, medicine, industry, fodder, and aesthetics.  Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of these remarkable plants. Let’s unravel the unique characteristics, ecological significance, and enriching qualities that define legumes. Legumes: Why do they Grow in the Desert? Legumes have a symbiotic relat ..read more

Hey there, young nature enthusiasts! If you’re ready for a feathered adventure, there’s no better place to start than Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Birding, the hobby of watching and identifying birds, is a fantastic way to connect with nature.  In this guide, we’ll show you how to embark on your own birding expedition at the Arboretum. Let’s discover the incredible world of birds where you live! GEAR UP FOR YOUR BIRDING ADVENTURE Binoculars To get a closer look at our avian friends, you’ll need a pair of binoculars. Don’t worry; you don’t need anything fancy! A basic pair with 7×35 or 8×42 ..read more

Happy New Year from Boyce Thompson Arboretum! As we face a future impacted by climate change, we know stewardship of the land and all creatures is vital. As we step into a fresh year, let’s embrace resolutions that not only benefit us but also contribute to the well-being of the unique desert ecosystem we call home.  In the arid Arizona landscape, every drop of water holds immeasurable value. It is crucial for our community to focus on water-conscious living. Here are 10 simple things you can do to conserve water in your daily life: 1. Reuse Cooking Water After boiling vegetables or pasta ..read more