PRESS KIT OVERVIEW

The Garden: Discover the tranquil vibrancy of desert plants nestled amid the red rocks of the Papago Buttes. Visitors can stroll through five thematic trails to explore the fascinating beauty of the Sonoran Desert, from towering cacti and alluring succulents to brilliant wildflowers and lush trees. Scroll through the Garden's calendar so not to miss festive events and dazzling exhibitions. Delve deeper to learn about desert landscaping, nature art, cooking and wellness and more through the Garden's various adult and children's classes. Mission: 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. History: Founded 1939, privately funded and self-supporting nonprofit Location | Website: 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008 | dbg.org Phone Number: 480 941.1225 Media Contact: Dana Terrazas, Director of Marketing Communications 480 481.8101 | [email protected] Clare Hahne, Marketing Communications Manager 480 481.8102 | [email protected] Photo by Aaron Barcus

DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN P R E S S K I T OVERVIEW Cont.

Hours: Open daily, except July 4, Thanksgiving and December 25. October - April: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. | 7 a.m. for members Wednesday & Sunday May - September: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. | 6 a.m. for members Wednesday & Sunday Visit dbg.org/visiting to plan your experience at the Garden. Admission Rates: $24.95 Adult | $12.95 youth (3-17) | Free admission for children under 3 Visit dbg.org/general-admission to purchase event tickets. Group rates available for 10 or more. Trails: Desert Discovery Loop Trail exhibits desert plants from around the world. Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert Loop Trail explores the use of desert plants for nourishment, cultural activities and tools. Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Trail illustrates the relationship between desert plants and animals. Center for Desert Living Trail displays ideas and strategies for sustainable ways to live with nature. Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Loop Trail showcases the diversity of desert wildflowers.

DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN P R E S S K I T OVERVIEW Cont.

Signature Programs: • Las Noches de las Luminarias • Sonoran Desert Adventure • Desert Landscape School • Spring and Fall Plant Sales • Music in the Garden • Flashlight Tours Staff and Administration: • More than 120 full- and part-time staff members, more than 800 volunteers • Governed by a dedicated Board of Trustees comprised of 48 community leaders Credits: • Accredited by the American Association of Museums • Founding member of the Center for Plant Conservation • Designated by popular vote in 1993 as a "Phoenix Point of Pride” • Named one of “Arizona’s Treasures” by Governor Janet Napolitano in 2005 • The living plant collections of the cactus and agave families are designated the National Collections of these two families by the North American Plant Collections Consortium of the American Public Gardens Association (APGA).

DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN P R E S S K I T RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) identified cacti as one of the most threatened groups of organisms and Desert Botanical Garden is working to protect and conserve these treasured desert plants. The Garden’s researchers often collaborate with state and federal agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Parks Service, to protect Arizona flora and habitat.

The Garden’s Research and Conservation staff also curate three desert-focused collections, including: The Hazel Hare Center for Plant Science: The 85,000-foot Center is where Garden staff, researchers and volunteers are at work growing, studying and taking care of a world- class collection of desert plants. Many of these species are rare and endangered. Living Collection: More than 25,000 accessioned plants that represent more than 4,200 taxa in more than 100 plant families. Boasting many varieties of cactus (cactaceae), agaves (agavaceae), aloes (aloaceae) and other flora of the Sonoran Desert and deserts of the world. Rare and Endangered: A collection of nearly 400 rare, threatened or endangered desert plant species. The Garden maintains 52 species in cooperation with the Center for Plant Conservation. Additionally, the Garden’s seed bank of desert species stores frozen seeds and pollen of rare plants. The Herbarium: Contains 83,000 accessioned specimens, houses reference materials, is an arbiter of correct names for plant identification, and serves as a databank of the diversity and distribution of regional vegetation, as well as agavaceae and cactaceae. Schilling Library The collection of 9,000-plus books and 500 journals covers topics ranging from studies in cactus and other succulents to desert gardening, natural history, wildlife, ethnobotany and botanical art.

Photo by Eirini Pajak

DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN P R E S S K I T In the 1930s, a small group of passionate local citizens saw the need to conserve the beautiful desert environment. One was Swedish botanist Gustaf Starck, who found like-minded residents by posting a sign that said “Save the desert,” with an arrow pointing to his home. More than seven HISTORY decades later, thanks to leadership and investments from many individuals, Desert Botanical Garden has blossomed from a dream into a living museum unlike any other. See how the Garden has grown during its history into a compelling attraction and desert conservation pioneer.

DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN P R E S S K I T DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN P R E S S K I T