Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park

Special Events 2001-2002

The following events are free with admission to the Arboretum and open to the public, unless otherwise indicated. Admission to the Arboretum is $5 for adults, $2 for kids ages 5-12, and children ages 4 and under are admitted free. Friends of the Arboretum members receive unlimited free admission for one year. The Arboretum is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, except December 25th.

https://arboretum.ag.arizona.edu

Bye Bye Buzzards, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2001, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Join us as we bid adieu to our flock of resident turkey vultures, who migrate to parts south. We open early to catch the birds as they sun themselves on Magma Ridge and wait for the warm air currents to rise. The birds then catch the air spirals as they search for carrion. After vulture watching, go on an escorted bird walk. Live vultures will be on hand, as well as other animals, birds, and reptiles that have been rescued and are being rehabilitated at the Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center. Cake and refreshments round out the celebration.

Fall Landscaping Festival & Plant Sale, Oct. 12-28, 2001,

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.

Thousands of drought-tolerant plants will be for sale, ranging from shrubs, vines, trees, cacti, and succulents. This sale provides visitors with the opportunity to see mature species of plants throughout the grounds. Horticulturists will be on hand to answer questions and lead tours of the Demonstration Garden on weekend days.

Arboretum Folk Festival, Nov. 10, 2001 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Enjoy live music both acoustic and eclectic from Arizona musicians at several points along the Arboretum main trail. Grand Canyon State singers and songwriters are featured today to treat arboretum visitors to a variety of sounds, instruments and styles. Look for the first red and gold leaves of fall foliage and explore musical heritage as diverse as this season.

Chapungu: Custom and Legend, a Culture in Stone:

Nov. 27, 2001 through April 30, 2002

Don't miss the opportunity to see, touch and learn about the magnificent Zimbabwean Shona style of sculpture as the Arboretum hosts a five-month installation of 67 pieces ranging in size from 500-6,000 pounds and grouped in thematic displays along the main trail. This dramatic exhibit had a recent showing at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, at the Royal Botanical Gardens Kew, United Kingdom; at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Capetown South Africa, as well as in Singapore and Germany.

Fall Color Festival, Nov. 24, 2001 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The Chinese Pistachio trees turn a brilliant red, so come enjoy Fall color during late November at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Enjoy the beauty of falling leaves, tasty apple pie, and live music at our Fall Color Festival on Saturday Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. With arts and crafts for the kids, miles of nature trails, and beautiful picnic grounds, it's fun for the whole family! Don't miss out on your last chance to enjoy the reds, oranges, and yellows of fall along with great holiday savings on unique items in our gift shop.

Australia Day, Jan. 26, 2002, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Join us for a day in the land down under as Paul Taylor, Australian folklorist, spins stories, poems, and tales. Boyce Thompson Arboretum is home to one of the largest collections of Australian plants in the country; Arboretum horticulturists give tours of the Australian Walkabout Trail and explain the wonders of the giant gum trees. Want to build and play a didjeridoo? Mr. Taylor leads a class in this aboriginal instrument, too. The cost is $35 ( $25 to members of the Friends of the Arboretum) and pre-registration is required. Call (520)689-5248 to enroll.

Saturday, Feb. 9 - Sunday, Feb. 10, 2002, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

The show is a living display of plants and their blossoms designed to interpret the Language of Flowers. Flowers have been used for discreet and diplomatic communication when words proved to be difficult or impossible. A bouquet of red rosebuds, gardenias, and jonquils, for example, would send three messages, "You are pure and lovely," "I love you in secret," and "I desire a return of affection." Also, sample decadent gourmet chocolates available for purchase this weekend ( tasting tickets are available for a small additional fee).

World Desert Fair, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2002, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Get a taste of foods, crafts, and entertainment from deserts around the globe as you traverse the trails of the Arboretum. From the prickly pear pads of the Sonoran Desert to the pomegranates of Central Asia, the Arboretum features plants from deserts all over the world.

Thousands of drought-tolerant plants will bpecies of plants throughout the grounds. Horticulturists will be on hand e for sale, ranging from shrubs, vines, trees, cacti, and succulents. This sale provides visitors with the opportunity to see mature sto answer questions and lead tours of the Demonstration Garden each weekend day.

Welcome Back Buzzards, Saturday, March 23, 2002,

7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Join us as we welcome back our returning flock of resident turkey vultures, who migrate here from parts south. We open early to catch the birds as they sun themselves on Magma Ridge and wait for the warm air currents to rise. The birds then catch the air spirals as they search for carrion. After vulture watching, go on an escorted bird walk. A vulture will be on hand, as well as animals, birds, and reptiles that have been rescued and are being rehabilitated. Cake and refreshments round out the celebration.

Herb Festival, Saturday, April 13, 2002, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

The charming and enchanting Wing Memorial Herb Garden is the setting for this festival. With live music and live culinary demonstrations of herbal cuisine, this event also includes children’s games and crafts, and exhibits by local herbalists - fun for the whole family! There will also be a variety of herbs for sale.

Earth Arbor Day, Saturday, April 27, 2002, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

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