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At the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Photo by Gary Every.
For those that have studied the history of Superior, you will know that the discovery and investment made by Col. Boyce Thompson not only helped to develop the mining industry in Superior but his desire to conduct research on plants and eco-systems helped to put Superior on the map with his development of the Boyce Thompson Arboretum.
The Boyce Thompson Arboretum is the very first botanical garden in Arizona. It is also the oldest registered non-profit founded in the Grand Canyon State. Since 1926, the gardens have been expanded to cover more than 300 acres, traversed by more than two miles of paths and trails which explore the collections. Most recently the park has acquired the Wallace Garden Collection which will expand the park, possibly making it a two-day destination attraction. The expansion is expected to be completed in about two years.
At the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Photo by Gary Every.
The park is open daily (except Christmas); hours during summer months are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. (with no entry after 2, so those final guests have one full hour to enjoy the gardens); and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. October through April.
In addition to enjoying the park on walks, the staff also hosts many popular programs during summer months include BTA’s signature ‘Learn Your Lizards” guided walks – like a bird walk, but for common little reptiles – a guided tour popular with families. During the Fall, Winter and Spring there are even more classes and fun events to enjoy at the Arboretum.
Check their website to verify weekend nature walk dates and times cals.arizona.edu/bta or connect with 10,000 fans, members, staff and volunteers at facebook.com/btarboretum.
At the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Photo by Gary Every.
The Boyce Thompson Arboretum contributes to the local economy of Superior with 87,494 visitors each year. Eleven of the their twenty eight staff members are residents of Superior. Each year they sell 5,200 annual memberships.
Superior residents are extended a discounted “good neighbor” membership $42.50 for a year, which includes two adults and children under 18; this discounted rate is half the price of a standard family membership paid by those who live outside Superior
The Arboretum could not operate without the ongoing support of many volunteers. They have 150 enrolled volunteers who help weed, prune and tend the gardens; rake trails and water plants; guide tours and help orient new visitors to the trail map upon arrival; intake admission, teach photography and art classes. These volunteers contribute to BTA daily in dozens of additional ways.
Mila Besich is a resident of Superior with two children. She volunteers for many local organizations. She is an experienced fundraiser and event planner for Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition. She covers some of the area town councils and schools.
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