2020 Annual Report

Dear BTA Family,

I’ve been honored to Chair the Boyce Thompson Arboretum Board of Directors for most of the past year, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished during this tumultuous time.

The tripartite governance agreement among BTA, University of Arizona, and AZ State Parks ended and we had to figure out a way to move forward as an independent organization. Board members stepped up, we contracted with consultants, and we hired a dynamic new Executive Director, Lynne Nemeth.

As I prepare to step down from the Board of Directors after many years, I am confident that BTA is in good hands and is on the way to becoming recognized around the world as the great botanical garden it is. One of the tasks that I wanted to complete before retiring was to initiate and complete a strategic plan. We are on track to complete it by December, and I encourage you to read more about it on page 16.

I must say something about the coronavirus pandemic. BTA responded by shutting down all activities, events and tours, but we stayed open. I am so grateful to the BTA staff for taking on the challenge of staying open while protecting our staff and visitors—and providing a beautiful outdoor getaway for folks in the Phoenix area.

Thank you to all who kept visiting, kept giving, and kept BTA going during this time. I know that we will have another great year serving you.

Jay Ream, Board of Directors Chair, Boyce Thompson Arboretum