Boyce Thompson Arboretum Celebrates 100th Anniversary

October 19, 2024

In 2024, Boyce Thompson Arboretum celebrates 100 years of growth, exploration and conservation with new initiatives that honor its history while looking toward the future.

As Arizona’s largest and oldest botanical garden, the Arboretum spans 105 acres with five miles of trails, 4,025 plant species and 20,000 individual plants. Founded in 1924 by Colonel William Boyce Thompson as the state’s first nonprofit research institution, it continues to be a top destination for nature lovers and families alike.

Situated in the Arizona desert, the Arboretum is home to three nationally accredited collections, showcasing plants from regions such as the U.S., Mexico, Australia, Madagascar, India, China, Japan, Israel, South America, the Middle East, Africa, the Mediterranean and the Arabian Peninsula.

Photo courtesy of Boyce Thompson Arboretum.

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