Boyce Thompson Aboretum

Mckusick tiles at Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Another great place to see McKusick tiles is at Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior, AZ. Founded in 1924, the arboretum has almost 5 miles of trails and 135 acres of gardens. Desert plants can be seen from the United States, Mexico, Australia, Madagascar, India, China, Japan, Israel, South America, the Middle East, Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Arabian Peninsula. A combination of desert, aquatic and riparian environments ensures the presence of a wide variety of native wildlife. 

Photos from a visit in June, 2023.









The McKusick tiles are on display throughout the arboretum in information kiosks and on the Ayer Lake overlook. Currently there are 52 tiles on display including water fowl, birds, insects, reptiles, fish and mammals. Many of these tiles cannot be seen in any other public installations. 

Some of the panels have been undergoing restoration. On our last visit in May of 2024 two panels of 8 tiles each had been reinstalled at the Ayer Lake overlook. I believe there are an additional 16 tiles that are not currently on display. I have contacted the arboretum about the future reinstallation of the missing tiles and will update this page when I find out more. 

McKusick tiles at Boyce Thompson Arboretum

McKusick tiles at Boyce Thompson Arboretum

McKusick tile at Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Bailey's Pocket Mouse

McKusick tile at Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Bull Snake

McKusick tile at Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Chuckwalla

McKusick tile at Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Desert Pupfish

McKusick tile at Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Leopard Frog

McKusick tile at Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Pond Slider

McKusick tile at Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Tarantula Hawk Wasp

Western Diamondback


Comments

  1. Lawrence PoorAugust 19, 2025 at 5:48 PM

    There used to be tiles at Roper Lake near Safford Az. Also the Mckusick family (grandparents )did some Amazing mosaic work throughout Globe and other places Including St Johns Episcopal church

    ReplyDelete

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