Arboretum History to be Discussed at January 4 First Friday Program

Boyce Thompson Arboretum Executive Director Mark Siegwarth will be the guest speaker for the January 4 First Friday program.

He will discuss the history of the Arboretum, founded in the 1920’s by mining magnate Boyce Thompson.

The program starts at 6:30pm  at the Bullion Plaza Museum and Cultural Center.

The First Friday programs are open to the public at no charge.

'Australia Day' at BTA

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum near Superior presents Australia Day tomorrow (Saturday). Included in the events is the opportunity to build and learn to play your own musical Didgeridoo.

A presentation at 10:am presents “Insider’s Tips for Touring Australia.” At 11:00 there will be an Australian plants tour. Then from 1 to 3:pm there’s a “Didgeridoo Jam” along with Australian stories.

For more information call the Boyce Thompson Arboretum at 520-689-2723.

'Welcome Winter Visitors Weekend' at BTA

If you have an out of state license plate, Boyce Thompson Arboretum is offering a two-for-one admission discount this Saturday and Sunday (January 7 and 8).

The annual “welcome winter visitors weekend” features guided tours of the main trail at 11:am. Minnesota humorist and singer/songwriter Mark Fogelson will give a concert both days at 2:pm. There’s also a special “how to juice prickly pear cactus fruits” class on Sunday afternoon.

BTA Director to Speak at First Friday Program

Boyce Thompson Arboretum Director Mark Siegwarth will be the guest speaker at the January 6 First Friday program.

The presentation begins at 6:30pm at the Miami Memorial Library. Siegwarth will talk about the life and history of Colonel Boyce Thompson and the Arborertum he founded.

The First Friday series is sponsored by the Gila County Historical Museum and the Bullion Plaza Cultural Center and Museum. Light refreshments will be served following the presentation.

Weekend Nature Walks at BTA

Several events are going on this weekend at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior.

The Saturday Bird Walk starts at 8:30am, led by Arboretum volunteers Pete Moulton and Cynthia Donald. Bird walks continue with Arizona Game and Fish expert Troy Corman on October 9, ASU Professor David Pearson on October 15 and Kathe Anderson on October 23.

The “Season Finale” Dragonfly Walk starts at 9:30am on Saturday.

The Fall and Winter series of guided history walking tours resumes Saturday at 10:am with Phoenix historian Sylvia Lee.

And the Plants of the Bible Guided Walk begins at 1:30pm on Sunday.

Read the complete season schedule of guided nature works on the Arboretum website, or call 520-689-2723.

Author Guides BTA Walking Tour Then Visits Book Bank

Apache Junction author Jean Groen has published a new book about edible desert plants. The book includes recipes as well as pictures and other information. On Sunday there will be two chances to meet the author and learn about native Sonoran desert plants and their uses as food, medicine and fiber. She will be guiding the once-a-month walking tour at Boyce Thompson Arboretum starting at 8:30am.

Sunday afternoon at 3:00, Jean Groen will be at the Book Bank in Miami. She will give a presentation followed by a food tasting. The event is free but please RSVP by calling 473-4134 or email thebookbank@cableone.net.

Mansion Tours and 'The Usual Suspects' at BTA

Boyce Thompson Arboretum is giving tours of the Picket Post Mansion tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday from 8:am until3:pm.

Also on Saturday and Sunday, they’ll have grilled bratwursts for a donation of $5 a plate, including chips and a drink. Live music on Sunday will be provided by the Americana group, the Usual Suspects.

Picket Post Mansion Tours This Weekend

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum is giving tours of the Picket Post Mansion this Saturday and Sunday (May 21 and 22) to make up for the tour that was cancelled on May 8 because of the Picket fire.

Tours will be from 8:am to 3:pm each day and are $20 a person.

'Fee Free Friday' at BTA

Boyce Thompson Arboretum is having a “fee free Friday” this week (May 7) to celebrate National Public Gardens Day.

There will be no admission charge all day Friday at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum near Superior.

BTA/Picket Post Mansion Tours This Weekend

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum announces that Picket Post Mansion will be open for tours this Saturday and Sunday from 9:am until 4:pm

This is the first time Picket Post Mansion has been open to the public since the state of Arizona acquired the building in 2008.

'What's an Arboretum?'

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum presents walking tours on the third Sunday of every month through April. This Sunday the special guest tour guide is Tery Mikel who will explain exactly what an arboretum is. He will conduct a relaxed and leisurely tour through the forested areas of the arboretum starting Sunday at 1:30pm.

Events This Weekend at Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Boyce Thompson Arboretum will have several events this weekend. Volunteers and staff will guide walking tours around the main trail today through Sunday starting at 11:am. There’s a History Walk tomorrow (Saturday) at 10:am, a Dog Socialization Walk Sunday at 8;30am and informal outdoor yoga Sunday at 1.

The Arizona State Parks’ Junior Ranger program starts at 2:pm tomorrow and continues each Saturday in January.

These events are included in the admission price which is $7.50 for adults and $3 for ages 5 to 12.

Fall Foliage Finale Thanksgiving Weekend

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum presents the Fall Foliage Finale Festival this weekend. It’s a chance to see all the changing colors. Native American style cedar flute music will be provided by recording artist Joseph Leal from 11:am until 3, along with guest guitarists during breaks. Vendors will be set up under the colorful trees and informal outdoor photography workshops will be offered as well.