Wildfire & flash floods threaten Arizona historic site

It’s safe to say: 2021 is not a year the staff at Arizona’s oldest botanical garden would like to repeat.

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum survived both a raging wildfire and a devastating flood, within the span of a few months.

Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden survived perhaps its most devastating summer season in its nearly 100-year history.

In June, a massive wildfire burned through the boundaries of the Arboretum.

In August, a torrent of floodwaters ripped through the carefully curated garden areas and hiking trails.

Nearly 5 miles of trails represent 11 regions of the world.

First, the fire.

The Telegraph Fire eventually burned more than 180,000 acres around Superior, Arizona. It was human-caused on June 4, but the exact cause is unknown.

The Bureau of Land Management’s aerial imaging (below) shows how the flames burned right up to the ridgeline on the edge of the Arboretum, forcing the evacuation of the staff.

At least five staff members were also evacuated from their homes in the Superior area.

This is the final fire map from the BLM.

With the flames encroaching on the historic buildings and irreplaceable gardens, DC-10’s flew in and dropped fire retardant, as a couple helicopters dropped water.

The aerial firefighting efforts worked, just in time.

The desert collections from around the world, along with the buildings and trees (some of which date back 100 years) were all spared.

The park had two months of peace, before the summer monsoon triggered extreme flooding, which damaged and closed parts of the Arboretum.

In mid-August, floodwaters and debris washed down Queen Creek, damaging the Wallace Desert Garden Trail, and the High Trail, along with the picnic area.

The photos above, taken by staff at the Arboretum, show the damage.

Part of the beautiful High Trail was washed out, while trees and boulders wound up crushed up against the Wallace Bridge.

Heavy equipment was brought in to remove the debris, and the trails and other affected areas started reopening in mid-September.

The photos below show the normally-dry washes, which overflowed during the summer storm.

By fall, thanks to a gargantuan effort by the staff, donors, members, the Town of Superior, and others, the Arboretum was open again.

Follow signs for the Berber Suspension Bridge to get to this scenic site!

Autumn is delayed here, so peak fall leaf colors don’t arrive until early December. (This photo was taken in October)

The arboretum relies on fundraisers and donations.

Through Giving Tuesday (Nov. 30, 2021), all online gifts will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $5,000, thanks to a wonderful, anonymous BTA Board member.

To donate visit https://7830.blackbaudhosting.com/7830/Giving-Tuesday