Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ 85008

Back in the 1930s, a small group of passionate local citizens saw the need to conserve our beautiful desert environment. One was Swedish botanist Gustaf Starck, who found like-minded residents by posting a sign, “Save the desert,” with an arrow pointing to
his home. In 1936, they formed the Arizona Cactus and Native Flora Society (ACNFS) to sponsor a botanical garden to encourage an understanding, appreciation and promotion of the uniqueness of the world’s deserts, particularly our Sonoran Desert.Then
Gertrude Webster, whose home was located in nearby Arcadia, joined the Society. She offered her encouragement, connections and financial support to establish the botanical garden in Papago Park.For more than 70 years, the Desert Botanical Garden has been teaching and inspiring visitors from the local community and around the world, providing research, exhibits and more designed to help us understand, protect and preserve the desert’s natural beauty. Today, the Garden features : 140 acres, 55 acres under cultivation, 50,000+ plant displays showcased in beautiful outdoor exhibits. 1 of only 24 botanical gardens accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (formerly American Association of Museums). 821 volunteers, 66,075 volunteer hours, 107 regular staff members, 633,041 attendees each year, 40,544 member households, 31,120 school children on guided field trips.The Garden’s commitment to the community is to advance excellence in education, research, exhibition and conservation of desert plants of the world with emphasis on the Southwestern United States. We will ensure that the Garden is always a compelling attraction that brings to life the many wonders of the desert. (Articles of Incorporation, 1937; Amended 2002).The Garden's future plans to fulfill its
mission are embodied in its vision statement : "The Garden’s vision is to be the premier center in the world for the display, study and understanding of desert plants and their environments.The Garden strives to be an indispensable resource in the Southwestern United States for helping individuals learn about Sonoran Desert Plants as well as desert plants of the world, so that they will conserve and protect the natural world for the benefit of future generations. Every element of the Garden will reflect excellence, beauty and inspiration to transform the visitor experience into one of discovery and meaning about deserts and desert plants."