Boyce Thompson Arboretum: Links

Local Info, Photo Galleries, Botany Sites

Are you seeking a motel or campground to stay overnight? Looking for local restaurant listings or a different place to eat when you visit the town of Superior? Browse photo galleries posted by Arboretum visitors? Links below include local places to dock your RV, pitch a tent beneath starry skies just seven miles east of the Arboretum -- or view BTA through the eyes and cameras of our visitors. This page includes helpful local government links, photo galleries with Arboretum images, and also connections to Arboreta and botanical gardens around the world.

LOCAL LINKS:

Ever wanted to see Boyce Thompson Arboretum from above, or to circle the top of Picket Post Mountain -- or fly along Apache Leap? Signal Mountain Helicopters offers tours ranging from $79 to $125; as well as flights into the Superstition Mountain Range and over the Ray open pit copper mine. Call 928.473.4440, email robertwilson64@gmail.com or check out
http://www.superiorhelicoptertours.com

You're from out-of-town and planning a drive along scenic Highway 60 to Superior and points east? Make it a memorable drive with a custom vehicle from
Phoenix-based Rent-A-Vette - prices range from $249 for a Mustang Saleen convetible to $499 for a Mercedes S550
http://www.rent-a-vette.com

Staying in the East Valley? The luxurious Hilton Phoenix East/Mesa is just 50 minutes drive from the Arboretum!
http://www.hiltonphoenixeastcom

Seeking local lodging? The Copper Mountain Motel in Superior is just five minutes drive east of the Arboretum! For room rates call 520-689-2886

Apache Tears can be found in this area -- Superior resident Eileen Bertie posted about these orbs of obsidian on her Apache Tear page at
http://www.140copper.net/apachetears.html

Want details about hiking Picketpost Mountain or other great trails and hikes around Arizona? Pay a visit to http://www.hikearizona.com
The Arizona Republic has a thorough article by John Stanley about hiking to the summit of Picketpost Mountain. Read John's post http://img.azcentral.com/travel/hiking/trails/picketpost04.html

Highway 60 is an official Arizona Scenic Byway and proceeds up and through Queen Creek Canyon, just five miles East of the Arboretum's main gate. Take a virtual tour of the scenic drive with a visit to:
http://www.arizonascenicroads.com/main.aspx

Town of Superior <http://www.superior-arizona.com>. Town's homepage with local links and direct email hotlinks to the town manager, Mayor Michael Hing and other town officials

Superior Chamber of Commerce <http://www.superiorazchamber.net>. The Business community's homepage with local links and direct email hotlinks to chamber members and officers. Check out the menu guide which lists local restaurants!

http://www.worldssmallestmuseum.com fun website for Superior's unabashed tourist trap. Good food is right next door at the Buckboard City Cafe

Superior School District <http://www.superior.k12.az.us> visit the local school's website for schedules, details and links

www.superiorrvpark.com and also toll free by phone at 866.689.5331 for RV travelers (campers, too) who are seeking a place to spend the night. Just two miles due east of the Arboretum on highway 60. Campsites are also available seven miles east of BTA at the scenic Oak Flats Campground of the Tonto National Forest <http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto>

http://www.azstateparks.com is the Arizona State Parks website, and your portal to hiking, camping and recreation at 28 beautiful state parks at all corners of Arizona. Lost Dutchman State Park near Apache Junction has RV spots just 30 minutes' drive from the Arboretum, and Roper Lake has a fishing lake and natural geothermal-fed hot tub! There are many more reasons to visit the Arizona State Parks website.

Superior Sun Newspaper <http://www.copperarea.com> visit our local weekly paper online at this site, which also publishes news and announcements from the towns of Kearny, Winkelman and San Manuel

The Central Arizona Association of Governments (CAAG) has links to information about community development and planning in Gila and Pinal Counties.

Need a nearby hotel after your day at the arboretum?
Gold Canyon Golf Resort is just 25 miles west of BTA and has 83 hillside casitas, many with private Jacuzzi room. Visit the website or call toll free dial 800.624.6445.

The Arizona Golf Resort is 40 minutes west of the Arboretum, or a drive of just 25 minutes east of Sky Harbor Airport. The resort is located at 425 South Power Road in Mesa. For Sumer specials, reservations or any other details check out the resort website
http://azgolfresort.com or else call toll free 800.528.8282

Guests will "sleep in class" and have breakfast in memorable style at the historic Noftsger Hill School Bed & Breakfast about 40 minutes east of the Arboretum in the historic mining community of Globe. To inquire about reservations call toll-free 877.780.2479

_______________________

PHOTO GALLERIES

Check out Thom Bell's collection of Arboretum flowers, landscapes and scenery -- updated often, and well worth a visit:
http://azbluedot.smugmug.com/Nature/Arizona/Boyce-Thompson/19761282_Jsx2B6#1552269281_mZ8bVG4

Valley resident Bernie Howe recently launched an impressive gallery with his collection of Arboretum bird closeups -- well worth a visit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sonoransam

Bird watchers agree that some of the most feather-crisp and beautiful bird photography originating from our gardens springs from the lens and artistic eye of Brendon Grice, check out this facebook gallery he dedicated solely to his Arboretum photos:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=280824&id=578927103&l=f453f860e8

Local resident John Aho captured a terrible beauty with nighttime scenes of The Picket Fire on May 8, 2011; and has also posted images fo the Fire Aftermath. View these, as well as lovely garden scenes -- and even Nighttime Painting-With-Light galleries from a shoot he coached after hours in the gardens May 6.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/planetwrite/sets

In less than one year the Boyce Thompson Arboretum group on the popular photo sharing site Flickr has grown to nearly 100 members, and with more than 1,000 images posted and shared. Many thanks to Bill Weaver for creating this page back in March of 2010! Well worth a visit, and a place to post and share your best BTA photography:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/boyce_thompson_arboretum

Bill Weaver (see above) shared this link of his favorite bird photography from Arboretum gardens and trails:
http://billweaverphotography.smugmug.com

Dave Oberpriller started the New Year in 2011 by posting a gallery of his unique work on Picasa
http://picasaweb.google.com/david.oberpriller/

Arboretum staffer Kim Stone posted a picasa gallery -- with downloadable images which our friends in the media are invited to use, with proper photographer's credit and attribution. To contact Kim about higher-rez images, email kstone@Ag.arizona.edu; view his gallery:
http://www.picasaweb.com/boycethompsonarboretum

Bill Florence participated with our "Night Shoot" during June of 2010, and posted some charismatic shots of the full moon rising with saguaro cacti in the foreground. See these and more at
http://gallery.me.com/billflorence#100122

Ever seen a Coatimundi? The unusual mammals are South-of-the-border cousins of our North American familiar raccoon -- with similar physiology and habits. "Coatis" are more common to Arizona mountain ranges, but occasional sightings have been reported here at BTA over the years. We had a "coati in residence" from October-through-December of 2009; Check out these great images by California Wildlife photographer Christopher Taylor
http://kiwifoto.com/f/boyce_thompson_112909

Yamin Tedja is a freelance semi-pro photographer, specializing in landscapes, nature, weddings and portraits. Sunday, December 20 he was photographing a model's portfolio, and shared this gallery of his work (see more at www.tedjaphoto.com)
http://www.pbase.com/yamint/arboretum

David Langdon (one of our annual members and also a volunteer) captured great images during 2009, and shared a sampling on this gallery:
http://tinyurl.com/ye2fw8k

Want to view closeups and landscapes of Arboretum scenery by a wide range of artists? More than a dozen online galleries are linked here -- Arboretum Volunteer photographer Andrew Henry posted this gallery http://www.andrewhenryphotography.com/BTA with scenic images from 2008-2009, and also pictures from events such as our annual Bye-Bye Buzzards day this past fall -- September, 2009. Andrew also posts to online galleries at http://www.flickr.com/photos/36891838@N08

Daryl Faust <http://www.pbase.com/darylf/bta> has a gallery of images well worth a visit. His wife Tina Faust maintains the online galleries at <http://www.pbase.com/tfaust/btarboretum> which include Autumn color and charismatic black-and-white photography. Thanks Daryl and Tina!

Jason Sampson also uses the Pbase server for his galleries at <http://pbase.com/jgsampso/boycethompson> well worth a visit if you want more of an idea of what's to see around our trails and gardens. Thanks Jason!

Jessica Green's gallery <http://www.jessicagreen.com/gallery/bta> has dozens of beautiful images of the Arboretum taken during various seasons in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Jessica is an Arizona State Parks volunteer who generously photographs events here at BTA. Thanks Jessica!

EJ Peiker's November 27, 2005 gallery <http://www.ejphoto.com/boyce_thompson_arboretum_page.htm> includes beautiful Autumn landscapes showing Chinese Pistachio trees at peak color in Queen Creek Canyon. And check out EJ's breathtaking bird photography at ejphoto.com

Steve Davidson posted some new images from Summer/Fall 2005 on his galleries at <http://www.pbase.com/azleader/boyce_arboretum> which also showcase dozens of landscapes, colorful macros and more. Thanks Steve!

Preview fall foliage around the Arboretum and also Oak Creek Canyon at Bonnie Perry's gallery at http://www.pbase.com/glassgarden/arizona_autumn

Spring and Summer, 2006, bird closeups by Randy and Susan Forrest can be seen at http://www.forrest-creative.com/birds/index-bta.htm!

Arboretum scenes and galleries including a cute page of July, 2006 "egg, tadpole, toad" pictures by our own Groundskeeper Tammy Knight can be found at http://www.pbase.com/silverking27. Tammy offers a singular "insider's view" of the collections, trails and seasonal color here. Thanks, Tammy!

Kathy McClure of Queen Creek has lovely portraits of autumn leaves, a trailside redbud in full bloom, and other images posted at http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/thumbpage.aspx?e=3273086 . The artist was featured in our Visitor Center Arts gallery with a one-woman exhibit in February, 2005.

These November, 2004 closeups of birds around BTA were taken by Mesa resident John Emerson. <http://www.pbase.com/jemerson/root>; thanks for sharing this link to your work, John!

Duncan Kunz has been a BTA member for years, and has images posted at <http://members7.clubphoto.com/duncan467853/owner-99e4-1.phtml> thanks Duncan!

Another generous photographer is Mesa resident Dave Souers, visit his galleries of cacti macros at <http://members.tripod.com/coltas/macro3.html>

Mesa Art League President Cynthia Rider has several fun galleries on her website, including Pinal Mountain Autumn Color from October 2005. Cynthia was our visitor center gallery guest artist in November, 2004, and posted THIS GALLERY from her opening reception, as well as images from her PLEIN AIR DAY painting Autumnal hues during our Fall Color Festival Nov. 27-28, 2004. Want to see more? Check out her drive to the top of the PINAL MOUNTAINS in October, 2004 to see Fall Color around Signal Peak.

Gayla Chandler's page juxtaposes Sierpinski Tetrahedrons with plants and various geometry and color around the Arboretum. For details, check out: http://www.public.asu.edu/~starlite/sierpinskiboycethompson.html

_______________________

Botany, Arboretum and Botanical Garden Websites

Arboretum staff are often asked where to buy plants we don't stock -- visit the two links below for 38 Arizona wholesale nurseries and wholesale growers:
http://www.plantsearchonline.com/AZ.htm

and the Xeric Collections
http://www.plantsearchonline.com/xeric.htm

Our staff is often asked about plants available for landscaping -- in particular Australian landscape plants. These first two links below should be helpful for Australian landscape plants (the first link) and also landscape plants in general.

http://www.downunderontop.com/plantlist.htm

http://www.mswn.com/MSWNmasterplantlist%20A.htm

More Links:

http://www.gardenvisit.com/m/garden-finder-indexs/America.htm has thorough links to other botanical gardens around the United States, as well as photos and specific information about each.

www.arizonensis.org/sonoran has a wealth of information about Sonoran Desert ecology and many photographs of desert plants and wildlife.

Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society is a wonderful resource to learn about native desert plants and cacti that are cultivated and exotic. Last year the Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society hosted the 2005 annual conference in Scottsdale, and there were field trips, classes and presentations about all things Cacti. Society meetings are held at the Desert Botanical Garden's Dorrance Hall at 1201 North Galvin Parkway in Phoenix. For more detail call 480.481.8129. To learn more about the Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society contact Leo Martin by phone at 602.852.9714 or by EMAIL

Desert Legume Program
The University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences sponsors the Desert Legume Program to promote research and awareness of these plants which provide a huge array of food, fiber and medicine. The new website was launched in June, 2005, so please pay a visit to learn more about this program!

Desert Plants Magazine
Desert Plants is a unique botanical journal published by The University of Arizona for Boyce Thompson Southwestern Arboretum. The journal is devoted to encouraging the appreciation of indigenous and adapted arid land plants. Desert Plants publishes a variety of manuscripts intended for amateur and professional desert plant enthusiasts.

Robert J. Moody Demonstration Garden in Yuma has been designed by University of Arizona Cooperative Extension and situated near the city Public Health Department Building and the juvenile court services. The goal is to showcase types of plants that will perform well in the desert southwest; future plans include a children's garden, healing and sensory garden (for physically challenged citizens) a native plants garden, desert adapted garden, tropical garden, and cultivated plants garden.

Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research
Based in Ithaca, New York, was founded by Col. Thompson in 1924 on the premise that basic plant research leads to tangible benefits for people. BTI researchers study how to improve crops by increasing yield or nutritional content, or decreasing the need for fertilizers and pesticides. Other research relates to plant-made vaccines, and human immune system. Read more via the website above.

Desert Botanical Gardens
Phoenix residents are fortunate to have the Desert Botanical Garden so nearby; one of the most educational and inspiring gardens in the world, this collection is traversed by wheelchair-accessible trails and has detailed records on all plants in the collection, a trove of horticultural and botanical information. Visit online to learn about seasonal events, education and botany.

Tohono Chul Park is located in north Tucson, with extensive cacti and succulent collections, guided tours and other special events -- several gift shops and a delightful tea room with sandwiches and light fare.

Tucson Botanical Garden is located closer to downtown Tucson and the University of Arizona campus.

Campus Arboretum of the University of Arizona
In the 1800's cactus and creosote surrounded Tucson, Arizona. When the University of Arizona was established as the state's land-grant institute, ornamental trees, shrubs, and cacti were planted to beautify the grounds (and cut down on the dust!) Today's campus holds over 500 individual species.

Arboretum at Flagstaff, Flagstaff Arizona
Founded in 1981,the Arboretum is dedicated to helping visitors understand the plants and plant communities of the Colorado Plateau. Located at 7,150 feet in elevation, The Arboretum encompasses 200 acres of ponderosa pine forest just west of Flagstaff, Arizona. Within this expanse, you can experience a variety of educational adventures. Listen to the babbling brook and learn about our unique population of Little Colorado spinedace, a threatened native fish. Sample plants from one of the largest herb gardens in the Southwest.

Gilbert Water Ranch and Riparian Preserve is about 45 minutes west of the Arboretum, and offers outdoor recreation and excellent trails to enjoy migratory and resident birds. Education programs about bats, insects, plants and astronomy are open to the public.

American Public Gardens Association
Check out the newly redesigned American Public Gardens Association web site, publicgardens.org -- a true showcase of member organizations and gardens!

Southeast Arizona Butterfly Association
Hackberry Emperors, Monarchs, Cloudless Sulphurs and more butterflies may be seen at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. To learn more about the colorful butterflies of Arizona visit the SEABA website. This relaxed group of fun-loving butterfly enthusiasts has members of all levels of knowledge and experience, the organization is a non-profit one which promotes non-consumptive recreational enjoyment and study of butterflies. Meetings are held at Tucson Botanical Gardens. For details visit the website www.naba.org/chapters/nabasa/home.html or call 520-742-0071.

http://www.desert-tropicals.com is a great resource, with a searchable database of plants. Got a question? Need help identifying a photo you took while on vacation? Visit this site

Nikita Botanical Gardens, Ukraine Cacti Greenhouse at the Nikita Botanical Gardens, Yalta, Crimea, Ukraine. A collection of rare plants, with indoor and outdoor exhibition of different cacti and succulents. Website includes a photo gallery of leafy succulents, abnormal cacti and landscapes; the list of collections, and articles of interest. http://www.lapshin.org/nikita

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, United Kingdom
Much new to see. Of particular interest are the Living Collections and a good collection of botanical and horticultural links.

I Love Gardens.com
This site maintains a large list of public and private gardens, you may select your favorites, and have a pleasurable ramble. Read the comments of other visitors. Their list is growing every day, so check back often! Currently, 1633 gardens are listed. Find the nearest botanical garden, arboretum, rose garden, water garden, rock garden, herb garden, Japanese garden, zoo or park - or plan your garden visits for your next vacation!

National Wildflower Research Center
Come on down and visit the new Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas. Don't miss the wonderful photo of founder Lady Bird Johnson in a field of bluebonnets.

Cornell Plantations: the Arboretum, Botanical Garden, and Natural Areas of Cornell University
The Cornell Plantations website provides a self-guided tour through Cornell's gardens and gorges, flora and fauna, geology, architectural treasures, history, and lore.

Tele-Garden at USC
Visit an unusual garden at the University of Southern California being tended by people from all over the world with a web-controlled robot.

University of Washington Medicinal Herb Garden
Gypsy Combs and Doll's Eyes, Goldenseal and Job's Tears, all are growing in this herb garden. Includes an illustrated partial list of herbs by botanical name and by common name.

Butchart Gardens
Visit the beautiful Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island.

Morgan Arboretum
Located on the western tip of the Island of Montreal is Canada's largest Arboretum. This 245 hectare Enchanted Forest, originally assembled by the Morgan family and turned over to McGill University in 1945, has served not only as a unique educational resource, but has also provided enjoyment to generations of supporters and visitors.