Desert Botanical Garden

Horticulture - propagating & maintaining a living plant collection of over 50,000 Desert plants with particular emphasis on those inhabiting the sonoran Desert, many of which are endangered species. This program also works to preserve Desert plant life outside of its collection by educating the public regarding the beauty, variety and fragility of Desert plant life by displaying and interpreting its collection for the public at its Garden in phoenix, az which in the current year attracted approximately 495,000 visitors from all over the world. Education - provides programming for children, adults, and educators that promote greater enjoyment, understanding and stewardship of the sonoran Desert. Children's programming at the Desert Botanical Garden promotes a scientifically and environmentally literate community through hands-on, nature-based learning, and Garden staff and resources. These place-based experiences inspire a connection to the unique wonders of the sonoran Desert, encourage conservation of the natural world, and ignite a life-long appreciation for the environment. Informal programs span the ages of infants to teenagers alongside their caregivers through inquiry-based investigations that incorporate art, science, music, and much more. In fy 2021, cactus clubhouse reopened to pilot safety protocol in antipcation of a fall fy 2022 launch. During april & may (8:00am-1:00pm) cactus clubhouse was open for 8 days serving 419 children & families. The cactus clubhouse admission was included with Garden admission and memberhsip. School programs, teens in the Garden & girl scout programs paused during the pandemic. Children & family programming shifted to a 'your Garden at home' weekly blog that provided nature based activities for families to enjoy at home. Research and conservation - investigating the biology, ecology, and conservation of Desert plants and their environment. The Garden has an extensive herbarium housing over 93,220 plant specimens and a library with more than 9,700 book titles and 500 Botanical journals and newsletter titles to assist the public and researchers in their studies. The Garden is also a primary research center with a permanent research staff conducting ongoing research projects in deserts of the u.s. and several other countries. During the current year, Garden researchers authored or co-authored 29 peer-reviewed papers, and gave 8 presentations at professional meetings. The Garden further supports global conservation of Desert plants by serving as host institute for the international union for conservation of nature's cactus and succulent plants specialist group.