Boyce Arboretum Visitors Center

Boyce Arboretum Birdwatching
The Northern Cardinal, Yellow-breast Chat, warblers and nesting hummingbirds are among the species to see at Boyce Thompson Arboretum this summer. Gambel's Quail, Gilded Flickers, Cactus Wrens, Curve-Billed Thrushes, and Black Throated Sparrows are the abundant species, as are many other lower Sonoran birds. The extensive irrigated areas of native and exotic trees and shrubs provide food and shelter for countless winter visitors and transients.

More than 270 bird species and 72 terrestrial mammals and lizards have been seen in the area. Ayer Lake and Queen Creek on the Main Trail are good places to watch for wildlife; you can see rare Gila topminnow and desert pupfish in the lake -- a refugium for these two endangered species of fish.

* Tours and most public events are included with regular admission. There are also picnic tables and charcoal grilles available to visitors, and leashed pets are welcome.

Boyce Arboretum Visitors Center
The Boyce Arboretum Visitors Center offers various exhibits and a gift shop with snacks, books, prints, posters, and seed packets. You can also purchase cactus, other succulents, trees, shrubs, ground cover, and herbs.

During Summer months the cooling-tower exhibit at the visitor center creates a cool microclimate; its 30-foot tower functions as a giant evaporative cooler. Scheduled events include Summertime guided tours where you can learn about lizards and butterflies; Spring and Fall plant sales, a live music fest in November and Fall Color Festival at the end of November, Australia Day in January, Herb Festival, World Desert Fair and more. A picnic area near the parking lot is available to visitors.

There are also two greenhouses which contain cactus and succulents that would not otherwise survive winter cold at this 2,400-foot elevation. The Smith Interpretive Center, between the display greenhouses, has exhibits on plants and local history. A Demonstration Garden offers tips and examples of water-efficient landscaping design.

Tours and most public events are included with regular admission. There are also picnic tables and charcoal grilles available to visitors, and leashed pets are welcome.

Special Programs & Events

January - Australia Day, Quilt Show & Contest, 2 p.m. Lecture Series Wed. - Sun.
February -The Language of Flowers, 2 p.m. Lecture Series Wed. - Sun.
March - Wildflower Month, Welcome Back Buzzards, Spring Plant Sale, 2 p.m.
Lecture Series Wed.- Sun.
April - Earth/Arbor Day, Spring Plant Sale
May - Herb Festival
September - Bye, Bye Buzzards
October - Fall Plant Sale, Creepy Crawly Critter Contest
November -Feeling of Fall Festival