PVCC Puma Press: April 2006

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	Photo by Janice Semmel
	Agave or century plants grow along the Mail Trail as well as numerous cacti, bushes and trees. Saguaros dot Magma Ridge in the background.
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Scenic paths at Boyce Thompson Arboretum display spectacular views,

colorful birds, exotic desert plants Hidden south of U. S. Highway 60 and nestled at the base of Picketpost Mountain, lies a desert oasis filled with birds, animals, flowers, plants and serenity. The hour it takes to drive there from downtown Phoenix to Boyce Thompson Arboretum is well worth the opportunity to get away from the stress of the outside world and enjoy natural surroundings.

Founded in the 1920s by Colonial William Boyce Thompson, this living plant museum contains winding trails, magnificent views, plants from all over the world and many species of birds for visitors to enjoy at their own pace. Visitors to the arboretum will find the following amenities.

Trails in the Arboretum: Curandero Trail is a winding, uphill trail with examples of desert plants and their medicinal values. Plaques identify plants and describe their medicinal qualities in English and Spanish. Visitors can relax and enjoy the panoramic view of Picketpost Mountain and the Arboretum from a shaded bench located at the top of the Trail.

The Main Trail is a 1.5-mile trail that can easily accommodate wheelchairs and strollers at the beginning and end of the Trail. This Trail winds through the Arboretum past such areas as the Hummingbird/Butterfly Garden, Smith Interpretive Center, which was the original visitor center and now contains greenhouses that shelter rare succulents and cacti, Cactus Garden, Ayer Lake, Magma Ridge, Herb Garden, Eucalyptus Forest and Rose Garden. At the end of the Main Trail is the largest stand of Eucalyptus trees in Arizona.

Plants and Trees: Plants and trees from all over the world are found at the Arboretum. Along the Main Trail individuals will see agave or century plants, prickly pear and cholla cacti, Jojoba bush and Mormon tea. A Cardon Grande cactus is a perfect specimen that originates from Northern Argentina. The boojum tree resembles a Merlin the Magician hat with short branches piercing the hat all around from top to bottom. The Mescal Bean Tree has clusters of purple flowers that smell like grape Kool aid and poisonous seeds.

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	At the end of the Main Trail is the largest stand of Eucalyptus trees in Arizona
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Birds and Animals: Over 250 species of birds have been sited and recorded on the ‘Birds of the Arboretum Checklist.’ Hummingbirds hungrily attack vibrant orange agave blossoms and imbibe their nectar. Turkey vultures soar over the mountains by day and roost in the trees by night. A rare Roufus-back robin was spotted in the Arboretum by birdwatchers in Jan. and March.

The Gila Topminnow and Desert Pupfish, two endangered species of desert fish, inhabit Ayer Lake in an attempt by Arizona Game and Fish to preserve the species.

Picnic Area: Southeast of the Visitor Center and adjacent to Queen Creek is the picnic area equipped with picnic tables and grills. Visitors can bring picnic lunches to enjoy in the shade of a huge Arizona Sycamore tree, several Athel trees and other large shade trees.

Visitor Center: The visitor center contains restrooms, a greenhouse, patios and a gift shop/bookstore. Visitors can purchase guidebooks for trails in the Arboretum, books on plants, animals and the surrounding area, maps, snacks, gift items and plants.

Upcoming Events: The Wing Memorial Herb Garden will be the setting for the Herb Festival on Apr. 8 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. John & Celinda Levno will entertain on guitar and flute, herbal cuisine will be demonstrated and Arizona herbalists will present exhibits.

Live music, tree tours and environmental exhibitors highlight Earth Arbor Day on Apr. 22 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

On May 13 from 7-11 a.m., the Arboretum will present Migratory Bird Day. Birders will conduct guided birdwalks from 7-8:30 a.m. followed by an avian photography presentation by EJ Peiker. Arizona Game and Fish will have birds on display from 8-11 a.m., and the Maricopa Audubon Society booth will distribute information and have items for sale.

“Learn your Lizards” guided walks will be held June 17, July 15, Aug. 19 and Sept. 16 from 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Admission Prices and Hours of Operation: Admission prices are $7.50 for adults, $3 for children 5-12 and free for children under 5. Well-behaved pets are welcome and owners are expected to pick up after them. The Arboretum is open daily except Christmas. From May 1-Aug. 31, operating hours are 6 a.m.-3 p.m. with closing promptly at 3 p.m. From Sept. 1-Apr. 30, operating hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. with closing at 5 p.m.

Arboretum Information: For additional Arboretum information contact the Boyce Thompson Arboretum at (520) 689-2723, recorded messages at (520) 689-2811, Web site at http://arboretum.ag.arizona.edu or e-mail at BTAinfo@ag.arizona.edu.