Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park

Feb. 12-15, 2010 - Language of Flowers Valentines Weekend Exhibit 

8 am. to 5 pm. Flowers, chocolates and a walk in the gardens = the recipe for an ideal Valentines Weekend date. Invite your sweetie and bring your sweet tooth; our exhibit helps decode the ancient, complex “language of flowers” and the expressions conveyed by different flowers, plants and arrangements. For centuries flowers have been used for discreet and diplomatic communication – conveying what words sometimes cannot. You’ll be surprised at some of the meanings of the many flowers and plants you’ll see in our Lecture Room his weekend. Also, from 10am to 3pm decadent gourmet chocolates from Glendale’s Cerreta Candy Company will be at a tasting table for an additional $1 each.

Feb. 21, 2010 - Tom Boggan Photography Walk-A-Bout

2 pm. Want to improve your camera skills on a relaxed afternoon  shooting beautiful garden scenes alongside a pro -- with plenty of chances to ask questions about the dials, settings and control on your own camera? Tom Boggan’s "Walk-a-Bout", February 21 is from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. East Valley Tribune staff photographer Tom Boggan has a talent for portraits and a passion for nature photography at Boyce Thompson Arboretum, where he volunteers his time helping visitors improve their camera skills. Workshops with Tom are limited to ten students, and pre-payment of $27.50 is required ($20 for BTA annual members). To enroll by phone have your credit card ready and call Arboretum staff at 520-689-2723. And Check out this gallery of images Tom and students posted after their Spring and Summer workshops. Join us for a chance to improve your basic photography skills, including composition, lighting and exposure -- and for one-on-one time with Tom helping students understand the different between aperture, exposure and light balance.

Feb. 27, 2010- World Desert Fair

11 am. Walk the Arboretum’s main trail and you’ll see everything from prickly pear pads of our Sonoran Desert to the pomegranates of Central Asia. The Arboretum features desert plants from all around the globe; this Saturday event features exhibit tables in each of these ecosystems giving visitors a chance to sample food, crafts and cultures from various continents and cultures, all on a walk around the 1.5 mile long main trail

March 6 - Arizona Tree Climbing Championship

8 am. The Arboretum hosts Arizona’s state Tree Climbing Championship this year, and spectators are welcome. Non-competitors aren't allowed to climb trees at BTA, but all are encouraged to visit the Kids’ Zone from to learn about forestry and climbing from 10:00-12:00 and also 1:00-3:00. Competitors check-in and orientation is from 6:00 - 8:00 a.m., then from Eight O'Clock until noon competitors will square off in timed competitions using skills in the FootLock, Aerial Rescue and other categories. Food vendors will serve lunch from 12:00-1:00, then from 1:00-3:00 p.m. is the Master's Challenge for competitors age 40 and older. Winners receive awards from 3:00-4:00 p.m.

March 12-28 -Spring Plant Sale

8 am. This important seasonal fundraiser helps support botany conservation and education at the Arboretum -- and offers visitors two weeks worth of great savings on a wide selection of drought-tolerant cacti, agaves, herbs, trees, shrubs, wildflowers and other plants ideal for landscaping here in our Sonoran Desert.

The University of Arizona also maintains a website for this park, with additional park information and photos. Learn more.