Hot temperatures bring new nature walks during Summer months at Boyce Thompson Arboretum, where seasonal hours are in effect from May through September, and the popular state park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., with no entry after 2 p.m. so each day’s final guests have an hour to enjoy the gardens and trails.
May is the season debut for guided nature walks such as Learn Your Lizards, on May 5, and a butterfly walk May 26. May brings the birthday of Arboretum founder “Col.” William Boyce Thompson. His biography reports Thompson was born May 13, 1869 in Alder Gulch, Montana. At age 11, his family moved to Butte, as the town was experiencing a major mining boom, and by age 15 he was gambling for major stakes in local beer halls in the mining town. Learn more about the life and times of BTA’s fascinating founder on May 6, when Sylvia Lee offers a history lecture and slideshow at 10 a.m.
New gallery exhibit
Sonoran Outdoor Painters unites Arizona artists who plan outings around the Valley — and also desert locations, carefully chosen for scenic beauty — to paint outside, surrounded by nature and create new works “en plein air.”
For the past 12 months, members focused their brushstrokes on BTA’s famous eucalyptus trees, magma cliffs and varied plants and terrain.
Painting outdoors and with natural light is a challenge: sunlight and shadow can change fast; most paintings must be completed quickly, and often range from 8-by-10 inches to 11-by-14 inches. Each artist in the show has at least one painting inspired by scenery in Arizona, and these new works fill the gallery during May. Arboretum members, visitors and guests are invited to meet the artists at an opening reception May 12, from 9 a.m. to noon. Connect with Arboretum staff, volunteers and 12,000 fans at facebook.com/btarboretum; verify dates and times for nature walks and events at cals.arizona.edu/bta.
