The Buchanan's Rolling Down The Road

Nestled in the rugged landscape of Queen Creek Canyon near Superior, Arizona, Boyce Thompson Arboretum stands as a living testament to desert beauty, scientific curiosity, and conservation. As Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden, the Arboretum has spent more than a century preserving and showcasing plants from the world’s arid regions while inspiring generations of visitors.

The Vision Behind the Arboretum

Boyce Thompson Arboretum was founded in 1924 by Colonel William Boyce Thompson, a mining engineer, investor, and philanthropist whose career was deeply tied to Arizona’s copper industry. Through his travels and humanitarian work, Thompson developed a strong belief that plants — especially those adapted to harsh climates — were critical to humanity’s future.

He purchased land in Queen Creek Canyon and built his winter home overlooking the desert. From this setting, Thompson envisioned the Arboretum as both a scientific research center and a living museum, where plants from arid and semi-arid regions around the world could be studied, preserved, and shared with the public.

In 1927, the Arboretum became the first nonprofit scientific institution in Arizona, and it officially opened to visitors on April 6, 1929.

Growth and Development Through the 20th Century

During its early decades, Boyce Thompson Arboretum focused heavily on botanical research, particularly the study of plants suited to dry climates. This work contributed to broader efforts in soil conservation, erosion control, and sustainable land use — issues that were especially pressing during the Dust Bowl era.

Despite challenges such as the Great Depression and periods of drought, the Arboretum continued to expand its collections and influence. Between 1965 and 1976, the University of Arizona played a key role in guiding research and scientific programming at the site.

In 1976, a cooperative agreement with the State of Arizona and the University of Arizona placed the Arboretum within the Arizona State Parks system while allowing it to remain a nonprofit research and education institution. That same year, Boyce Thompson Arboretum was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its cultural and scientific importance.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum Today

Today, Boyce Thompson Arboretum continues its original mission: to inspire appreciation and stewardship of desert plants, wildlife, and ecosystems through conservation, research, and education.

Plant Collections and Gardens

The Arboretum is home to thousands of plants representing desert regions from around the world, including:

The Sonoran Desert of the American Southwest and Mexico
Australia and Madagascar
The Middle East and Africa
India, China, and Japan
The Mediterranean and Arabian Peninsula

In total, the living collection includes over 4,000 taxa and more than 20,000 individual plants, including nationally recognized collections and notable champion trees.

One major addition in recent years was the Wallace Desert Garden, relocated from Scottsdale and integrated into the Arboretum, significantly expanding its desert plant diversity.

Trails, Exhibits, and Visitor Experience

Visitors to Boyce Thompson Arboretum can explore:

Nearly five miles of scenic trails
Cultivated gardens and natural desert habitats
Riparian corridors, canyon views, and shaded picnic areas
Interpretive signs and educational exhibits throughout the grounds

The Arboretum balances curated garden spaces with wild desert landscapes, offering an immersive experience that reflects both science and natural beauty.

Education, Conservation, and Community

Education remains central to the Arboretum’s mission. Programs include:

Guided tours and lectures
School field trips and youth education
Gardening and plant science workshops
Seasonal events and community programs

These efforts help connect visitors of all ages with desert ecology, conservation principles, and the importance of protecting fragile ecosystems.

A Century of Stewardship and Looking Ahead

In 2024, Boyce Thompson Arboretum celebrated its 100th anniversary, marking a century of research, preservation, and public engagement. While its formal partnership with Arizona State Parks ended in 2019, the Arboretum continues to thrive as an independent nonprofit organization.

Today, it remains a vital center for:

Arid-land plant conservation
Scientific research
Environmental education
Outdoor recreation and inspiration

Why Boyce Thompson Arboretum Matters

Boyce Thompson Arboretum is more than a botanical garden. It is:

A guardian of desert biodiversity
A historic scientific institution
A place of learning, reflection, and connection
A reminder that beauty and resilience thrive even in the harshest environments

For visitors, volunteers, and researchers alike, the Arboretum offers a rare opportunity to experience the global diversity of desert plants in one remarkable setting.

Volunteer and Work Campers

During the time of the State Park work campers were introduced to the arboretum along with docents and volunteers to help during the busy seasons.

As work campers one of the largest frustrations was the lack of history and explanation to the visitors, we referred to the Arboretum as “Arizona’s best kept secret” and were always delighted when guests retuned to express their amazement of the arboretums natural beauty and reinforce the best kept secret as they left enlightened.