named programs · 13 · from sources
what they call their work
Cactus Clubhouse
Hands-on nature play experience for children and families, included with admission and access to Framerate: Desert Pulse.
Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society Annual Show & Sale
Annual event featuring over 400 cacti and succulents cultivated by club members, with experts available to answer visitor questions.
Dog Days After Dark
Evening version of Dog Days, giving pets a chance to experience Garden: After Dark.
Dog Days at the Garden
Special morning events allowing dogs and their owners to explore the garden together.
Framerate: Desert Pulse
Multi-sensory art exhibit by ScanLAB Projects that immerses visitors in the visual and emotional energy of the Sonoran Desert.
Garden: After Dark
Evening experience where trails are illuminated and the garden transforms into a nighttime desert escape, featuring art and light installations.
Majestic Mariposas
Seasonal exhibit (Oct 11 - May 10) celebrating butterflies, with admission including access to Framerate: Desert Pulse.
Mark Klett: Desert Citizens
Photography exhibition featuring the work of award-winning Arizona landscape photographer Mark Klett, exploring time, cultural memory, and the Sonoran Desert.
Seedlings
Program for children ages 3–5 and their caretakers to explore nature and the garden through interactive experiences.
Sunset Sound Meditation
Meditation experience featuring singing bowls and gongs to promote relaxation in a natural setting.
Sunset Yoga
Yoga sessions led by Metta Yoga at sunset, offering a peaceful connection with nature.
The Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society Annual Show & Sale
An annual show and sale featuring over 400 cactus and succulent plants cultivated by club members, with experts available to answer questions.
VIP Pup Club Pass
Special pass offering exclusive access and experiences for dogs and their owners during Dog Days events.
activities · 9 groups
what they do
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Desert Plant Conservation Research 13 activities
- Conduct desert plant conservation researchManages GIS mapping of the Garden's living collections, conducts propagation and germination studies for rare plants, and supports habitat restoration and species reintroduction.
- Conduct desert plant conservation researchManages GIS mapping of plant collections, conducts community science surveys for rare plants on the Tonto National Forest, and carries out research on endangered plant species to support conservation.
- Conducting Desert Plant Conservation ResearchOperates as a nationally recognized research center focused on desert plant conservation, managing a geographic information system to map plant collections, coordinating community science surveys for rare plants, and developing propagation techniques for endangered species.
- Conducting plant conservation researchOperates as a nationally recognized research center focused on desert plant conservation, managing geographic information systems for spatial analysis, coordinating community science surveys for rare plants, and developing propagation techniques and seed germination studies for endangered species.
- Conducting plant conservation researchOperates as a nationally recognized research center focused on desert plant conservation, conducting research and conservation efforts for endangered plant species, developing propagation techniques, and performing seed germination studies for rare plants to support habitat restoration and species reintroduction.
- Coordinating community science surveysCoordinates community science surveys for rare plants on the Tonto National Forest.
- Develop plant propagation and restoration techniquesConducts seed germination studies and develops propagation methods for rare desert plants to support habitat restoration and species reintroduction efforts.
- Lead field conservation and community science effortsCoordinates community science surveys for rare plants on the Tonto National Forest and conducts research and conservation for endangered plant species.
- Maintain living plant collections and data systemsManages databasing, accessioning, and labeling of plant specimens in the Garden's Living Collections, supporting research, conservation, and operational integrity.
- Maintain living plant collections databaseManages databasing, accessioning, and labeling of plant specimens in the Garden's Living Collections to support research, conservation, and public education.
- Managing Living Collections DataManages the databasing, accessioning, and labeling of plant specimens within the Garden's Living Collections to support research and conservation efforts.
- Managing living plant collectionsManages the databasing, accessioning, and labeling of plant specimens within the Garden's Living Collections.
- Managing plant collections data and GISManages the enterprise geographic information system (GIS) to map plants in the Garden's living collection, providing spatial analysis for research and publications, and oversees databasing, accessioning, and labeling of plant specimens.
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Nature-Based Environmental Education Programs 5 activities
- Deliver educational and family programsOffers the Seedlings program for children aged 3–5 and their caregivers, providing guided nature experiences to foster early environmental education.
- Deliver educational programs for childrenOffers the Seedlings program for children aged 3–5 and their caregivers, providing guided nature-based activities to foster early environmental engagement.
- Offering Educational Programs for ChildrenProvides the Seedlings program for children aged 3–5 and their caretakers, offering guided activities to experience nature.
- Offering educational programs for childrenProvides the Seedlings program for children aged 3–5 and their caretakers, offering guided activities to experience nature.
- Offering educational programs for childrenOffers the Seedlings program for children aged 3–5 and their caretakers, providing guided activities to experience nature.
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Dog-Friendly Garden Events 5 activities
- Facilitate pet-inclusive garden accessHosts Dog Days After Dark, a special event that allows dogs and their owners to attend Garden After Dark, promoting inclusive community access.
- Host pet-inclusive garden eventsOrganizes Dog Days After Dark, a special evening event that allows dogs and their owners to experience the Garden After Dark program together.
- Hosting Special EventsOrganizes special events such as Dog Days After Dark, allowing dogs and their owners to attend Garden After Dark, and reduces evening admission prices to maintain accessibility during heat waves.
- Hosting special events for visitors and their petsHosts special events like Dog Days After Dark, allowing dogs and their owners to attend Garden After Dark.
- Organizing special eventsOrganizes special events such as Dog Days After Dark, allowing dogs and their owners to attend Garden After Dark, and reduces evening admission prices to maintain accessibility during heat waves.
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Sound and Meditation Therapy Sessions 5 activities
- Host wellness and recreational eventsOffers regular wellness programming including Sunset Yoga sessions led by Metta Yoga instructors and Sunset Sound Meditation using singing bowls and gongs to promote relaxation.
- Provide wellness and recreational eventsHosts Sunset Yoga and Sunset Sound Meditation sessions using singing bowls and gongs to promote relaxation and mindfulness in a garden setting.
- Providing Wellness and Relaxation ActivitiesOffers Sunset Yoga sessions led by instructors and Sunset Sound Meditation sessions using singing bowls and gongs to promote relaxation and meditation.
- Providing wellness activitiesHosts Sunset Yoga sessions and Sunset Sound Meditation sessions using singing bowls and gongs to promote relaxation and meditation.
- Providing wellness and relaxation activitiesOffers Sunset Yoga sessions led by instructors and Sunset Sound Meditation sessions using singing bowls and gongs to promote relaxation and meditation.
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Horticultural Exhibitions and Plant Sales 5 activities
- Hosting Plant Shows and SalesHosts annual shows and sales featuring hundreds of cactus and succulent specimens, providing access to plant experts and promoting appreciation for desert flora.
- Hosting plant shows and salesHosts annual shows and sales featuring hundreds of cactus and succulent specimens, providing access to plant experts and promoting desert plant appreciation.
- Hosting plant shows and salesHosts annual shows and sales featuring hundreds of cactus and succulent specimens, providing access to plant experts for visitors.
- Organize cactus and succulent shows and salesHosts annual events like the Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society Show & Sale, featuring hundreds of cacti and succulent specimens and offering access to plant experts.
- Organize plant shows and salesHosts annual events such as the Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society Annual Show & Sale and other plant-focused events featuring hundreds of cacti and succulent specimens, along with expert access and sales.
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Desert Botanical & Cultural Heritage Gardens 3 activities
- Operating a Botanical Garden and Hosting ExhibitsOperates a botanical garden featuring desert plants and hosts various art and photography exhibits, including multi-sensory installations and works by landscape photographers, to immerse visitors in the Sonoran Desert.
- Operating a botanical garden and hosting exhibitsOperates a botanical garden focused on desert plants and hosts various art and photography exhibits, including multi-sensory installations and showcases of landscape photography, to immerse visitors in the Sonoran Desert.
- Operating a botanical garden and hosting exhibitsOperates a botanical garden focused on desert plants and hosts various art and photography exhibits, including multi-sensory installations and landscape photography, to immerse visitors in the Sonoran Desert.
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Discounted and Incentivized Event Access 2 activities
- Ensure accessibility during extreme weatherReduces evening admission prices during heat waves to maintain public access and safety for visitors.
- Ensure public accessibility during extreme conditionsReduces evening admission prices during heat waves to maintain accessibility and encourage safe visitation.
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Teacher and Staff Appreciation Events 2 activities
- Support volunteer engagement and recognitionRecognizes and celebrates volunteers during Volunteer Appreciation Month, supporting ongoing community involvement and capacity.
- Support volunteer engagement and recognitionRecognizes and celebrates volunteers annually during Volunteer Appreciation Month to support ongoing garden operations and community involvement.
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Uncategorized 2 activities
- Host public exhibitions and art installationsHosts immersive art and photography exhibitions such as "Desert Pulse" by ScanLAB Projects and "Mark Klett: Desert Citizens" to engage visitors with the Sonoran Desert through multi-sensory and visual experiences.
- Host public exhibitions and art installationsHosts immersive art and photography exhibitions such as Desert Pulse by ScanLAB Projects and "Mark Klett: Desert Citizens" to engage visitors with the Sonoran Desert’s visual and emotional landscape.
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financials · form 990 · fy2021
revenue
Total revenue$39.21M
Contributions & grants$16.27M41%
Program service revenue$17.81M45%
Investment income$4K0%
Other revenue$5.13M
expenses
Total expenses$21.92M
Program expenses73%
Admin / overhead13%
Fundraising14%
Salaries & benefits$12.05M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$67.70M
Cash$21.05M
Investments$616K
Liabilities$5.70M
Net assets$62.00M
Liquid reserves11.9 mo
3 years on record · 2019–2021 · YoY revenue +105.9%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2021
who runs it
paid leadership · 7
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| KENNETH J SCHUTZ | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $363K |
| MARGARET BURKE | CFOO | 40 | $251K |
| ELAINE MCGINN | CHIEF EXPERIENCE OFFICER | 40 | $179K |
| KIMBERLIE MCCUE | CHIEF SCIENCE OFFICER | 40 | $175K |
| TINA WILSON | SENIOR DIRECTOR OF HORTICU | 40 | $162K |
| JOSEPH MCAULIFFE | SR RESEARCH SCIENTIST | 40 | $150K |
| MARCIA FLYNN | SR DIRECTOR EVENT SERVICES | 40 | $131K |
board members · 18
- ADRIANA MURRIETTA — TRUSTEE
- AMANDA BURKE — TRUSTEE
- AMY FLOOD — PRESIDENT
- ANN STANTON — TRUSTEE
- BARBARA HOFFNAGLE — TRUSTEE
- BARRY K FINGERHUT — TRUSTEE
- BILL JACOBY — TRUSTEE
- BRUCE MACDONOUGH — TRUSTEE
- CAROLE KRAEMER — TRUSTEE
- CARRIE LOUIS HULBURD — TRUSTEE
- CHRISTOPHER GATELY — TRUSTEE
- DAN PEREZ — VICE PRESIDENT
- DAVE ROBERTS — TRUSTEE
- DIANA GREGORY — TRUSTEE
- DIRK ELLSWORTH — TRUSTEE
- DOUG CARTER — TRUSTEE
- EDGARDO RIVERA MD FACP — TRUSTEE
- HAROLD C DORENBECHER — TRUSTEE
relationships · 10
who they work with
- American Horticultural Society Network — Participates in the American Horticultural Society's Reciprocal Admissions Program, offering members access to 300+ gardens, arboreta and conservatories.
- Central Arizona Cactus & Succulent Society Partner — Collaborates on the annual cactus and succulent show and sale.
- Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society Partner — Co-hosts the Annual Show & Sale featuring member-grown cacti and succulents.
- Central Arizona Conservation Alliance Coalition — Leads and supports conservation initiatives through the CAZCA program, including partner engagement and community science projects.
- Dorrance Family Foundation Funder — Provides funding support for the Conservation Biologist position focused on rare plant genetics and conservation.
- European Commission Government — Uses standard contractual model clauses approved by the European Commission for transferring personal data outside the EEA.
- IUCN CSSG Partner — Collaborates on riparian ecosystem protection and endangered species awareness through the IUCN CSSG Program Officer role.
- Metta Yoga Partner — Provides instructors for Sunset Yoga sessions at the garden.
- ScanLAB Projects Partner — Collaborates on the creation of Desert Pulse, a multi-sensory art exhibit.
- Tonto National Forest Partner — Collaborates on community science surveys and conservation of rare plant species.