Frequently Asked Questions about Annual Membership

Q. What Arboretum Members-Only Event are scheduled in August -- September?

             'Mystery Birding Spot' Sunday Exclusive Bird Walk With Jim Burns, August 22, at 6:00am
Cost: $20 Member (members-only)
Leader: Jim Burns
Located less than 45-minutes drive from the Arboretum is a property including mature juniper/oak forests, two small creeks lined with willow saplings, grown-over farm fields that attract Meadowlarks -- and even apple orchards beneath a backdrop of rugged upland montane chaparral. Birds found here earlier this summer include Blue Grosbeak, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Western Wood Pewee, Hepatic Tanager and Zone-tailed Hawk. If you're a birder and reading this - and intrigued at the rare opportunity to see a new area alongside famous Scottsdale author Jim Burns on an exclusive guided bird walk - call our staff at 520-689-2723 or else email members@ag.arizona.edu and ask to be on the waiting list for our next walk with the noted avian expert, who offered to lead this walk as a members-only fundraiser which will benefit the Arboretum. $20 includes a light breakfast served at BTA from 6:00-6:15AM. Promptly at 6:30 we'll carpool to the aforementioned 'secret undisclosed location' for two hours of birding. If the trip is filled when you call, ask to be on the waiting list so we can contact you in the event of a Saturday cancellation - or if Jim offers to lead this walk again in September.



              September 4, Sunday - Star Night & Cedar Flute Music
Invite friends, bring your own barbecue fixings and plan for an unforgettable evening of live music in our picnic area September 4 featuring Joseph Leal offering a concert of his unique cedar flute music on Saturday evening of Labor Day Weekend from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Leal is celebrating release of his third CD; Sept. 4 is also the next 'Star Night' astronomy event featuring our friends from the East Valley Astronomy Club, and we'll have
             * an Astronomy class with David Oberpriller 3pm - 4:30pm
             * Nightlife black-light walk after dark with David Oberpriller 8pm - 9pm
             *  Star Viewing with the East Valley Astronomy Club from dark until 10pm
Check out the expanded article in our BTA Newsletter for complete details

Q. How do I join or renew my Boyce Thompson Arboretum membership?

        We offer four easy options:

              1. By phone! Call Membership Coordinator Lorrie Polley at 520.689.2723 Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm from September-through-April, or from 6:00am to 3:00 p.m. May-through-August. Phone memberships will be accepted with a Visa, MasterCard or American Express.

              2. In person! Buy or renew membership in the Visitor Center Gift Shop conveniently located at the Arboretum entrance. We will process your membership and give you permanent cards within two weeks.

              3. By mail-we can also mail an application to you. Just fill out the information on the application form and return it by mail or walk it in to our Visitor's Center.

              4. By Fax-print and complete the online membership application and fax it to 520.689.5858.

Q. Does Boyce Thompson Arboretum close on Holidays?

       Christmas, December 25, is the only day the arboretum is closed.

Q. How long is my membership valid?

       Your Arboretum membership is good for one year from the month of purchase. If you join on December 15, 2010 your membership expires December 31, 2011.

Q. When will I receive my membership cards?

       Your membership card should arrive within two weeks after you join or renew.

Q. Can I loan out my membership card to friend or relative?

       No. Membership and associated privileges are not transferable to any other individual. Your membership has a tremendous value. To protect the rights of our members, we may ask to see your photo ID, such as a driver's license, at the time of your visit.

Q. What do I do if I lose my membership card?

       Call the Membership Services Office 520.689.2723 to report lost or stolen cards. There is a $2.00 fee for replacement cards.

Q. Does my employer offer a matching gift program?

       Check with your Human Resources Department to determine if your company offers a matching gift program.

Q. Is my membership tax deductible?

      Please consult your tax preparer for details. Your membership comes with tangible benefits. According to Internal Revenue Service regulations, tangible benefits are not tax-deductible. Tangible benefits may be waived in order to receive a full-tax deduction as allowed by the IRS.


If you have other questions about membership, please call 520.689.2723 or email members@ag.arizona.edu

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