The Tucson Botanical Gardens was forced to close because of the pandemic, but workers still need to care for the more than 7,000 plants at the facility as well as a variety of butterflies and other animals.
Tohono Chul Park is known for its annual summer Bloom Night featuring the Queen of the Night plant.
Many people are unsure exactly how Tucson will look post-COVID-19, but supporters of two nonprofit gardens have growing concerns about how the sites will fare during prolonged closures at a crucial time of year.
“Many of our attractions and museums in Tucson make most of our money in March, April and May. In the summer it is much quieter, so we live off of the revenue from those three months. To have this happen at this particular time was devastating,” said Michelle Conklin, executive director of Tucson Botanical Gardens.
The pandemic forced the closure of the gardens March 17, resulting in a loss of income from admissions, meetings, classes and weddings. It also lost proceeds from the cancellation of the Ultimate Home & Garden Tour, which was slated to take place April 4.
Closure through June will result in a loss of nearly $400,000 — almost 20% of annual operating costs — for the nonprofit, according to Conklin. About half of the staff of 35 horticulturists, biologists, educators, administrators and others have been furloughed; the remainder are on salary reduction. The force of 150 active volunteers has also been put on hold.
Though the staff has been cut and the gates have been closed, the care of more than 7,000 plants and animals in the 7-acre gardens must continue.
“We have ongoing expenses, including curators to take care of all the butterflies in the Butterfly House and the animals and plants. Plants can die very quickly and we have one of the best cactus collections in the state,” Conklin said. “Many of the cacti and succulents in our collection are irreplaceable. The gardens were opened by a group of volunteers back in the day when you could go to Europe and bring plants back in your suitcase, and we can’t do that anymore.”
The value of the gardens is evident to volunteers such as Carol Anderson, a docent who has been providing guided tours for more than five years.
“The upper Sonoran Desert is one of the most biodiverse regions of the world. We have thousands of species to learn from, whether you are talking about insects, butterflies and birds or flowers and plants or cactus and succulents: The educational journey never stops,” Anderson said. “You often hear, ‘What is that bug?’ and ‘What is that plant?’ The ‘Oooh!’ factor happens a lot, and that is part of the appeal.”
Anderson said that charm is evident for children and adults, as well as for visitors to Tucson and residents alike.
“Lots of folks don’t have the time or energy to get out and walk trails in the mountains, and this gives us nature and science and education here in the city. Whether you are a gardener looking to find plants and flowers for your own backyard or learning what to cultivate for food or crops that are adapted to living in the desert, there are a whole lot of lessons here,” she said.
The unique beauty of the gardens in the inner-city oasis are an added bonus, Anderson said.
“The botanical gardens are magical. In the spring, they are just splendid. There is a sadness in my heart that we can’t go there at this time, when so many of us really need something to lift our spirits,” she said.
Anderson said she is hopeful that the public will come forward to ensure that the gardens will weather the pandemic.
“People in Tucson are so generous. They give more than anywhere else I have very lived. They give because they care and they connect and they know you need to take care of the community. Tucson really shines in that way,” she said.
Tohono Chul Park
On the northwest side of town, supporters are hoping that generous spirit will also help sustain Tohono Chul Park.
The 49-acre park, which originated in the 1970s, has become known for its natural trails featuring hundreds of rare cacti and succulents and multiple themed botanical gardens — hummingbird, penstemon, Sonoran season, “Sin Agua” desert landscaping, streamside, performance, ethnobotanical and more. Tohono Chul also offers a bistro, galleries, a gift shop and facilities for weddings and other special events.
The nonprofit has become renowned for events such as Holiday Nights, with more than a million lights, and the annual summer Bloom Night featuring the Queen of the Night, the night-blooming cereus Peniocereus greggli.
“We have the largest collection of those incredible plants in the world at Tohono Chul. That is an invaluable collection and so emblematic of the resilience, beauty and mystery of our homeland in the Sonoran Desert,” said Christine Conte, executive director of Tohono Chul.
Conte said the pandemic poses a real threat to the survival of the park, which operates on a $2 million budget. Its March closure resulted in the cancellation or postponement of numerous weddings and special events as well as major fundraisers such as the Sonoran Spring Gala and the Spring Plant Sale. The park is exploring municipal and federal emergency funding, but Conte said there is no guarantee of any assistance.
“We are trying to pivot from prosperity to disaster planning as fast as we can and looking at doing more online than ever before, but Tohono Chul is a uniquely multisensorial experience and not the kind of place that normally translates well to online sales,” she said. “It is the discovery, the wonder of new things that are unique to this area, that makes it so special. That also makes it particularly challenging right now.”
Many of the 32 full- and part-time staff members have been furloughed, but crews are still needed to tend the gardens and facilities. Expenses such as insurance and utilities continue as well. The property is also closed to its 300 volunteers and docents, many of whom assist with care of the park on multiple levels.
“Most of our volunteers are in their retirement years, so they are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, which is another consideration. Many of our staff are also in the vulnerable categories,” said Conte.
Like the public and private sectors, Conte said nonprofits such as Tohono Chul are finding it difficult to plan for the future. She emphasized that the park will rely on science and considerations of health and safety for the staff and the community in deciding when and how to reopen.
“We had the recession in 2008 and 2009, but this is a crisis of magnitude far beyond what anyone could have anticipated. It is something that didn’t come on slowly or with certitude of when we can expect more regular operations. Nor does it give us certainty that if we open up, whether we will have to retreat and close things down again,” Conte said.
In the meantime, she is asking that the public consider making a donation of any size to Tohono Chul. An anonymous donor will match gifts up to $150,000 for the park.
“We understand that everyone’s situation is different. People have a lot in front of them and many have urgent needs with health care, food and shelter. For those who are able and who wish to see places that they love — like Tohono Chul — survive, now would be a lovely time to think about a gift. There is nothing more we want than to be there for you after we all come through this,” Conte said.
Tucson in photos, coronavirus pandemic
Susan Hillman chats with her mother Betty Hillman via telephone, April 9, 2020, Tucson, Ariz. Eighty-five year old Betty Hillman is in long term skilled care and Susan is unable to visit due to COVID-19 restrictions on nursing home facilities.
Tucson in photos, coronavirus pandemic
Susan Hillman chats with her mother Betty Hillman near a photo of Betty and her husband, Susan's dad, Bill, circa 2105, April 9, 2020, Tucson, Ariz. Eighty-five year old Betty Hillman is in long term skilled care and Susan is unable to visit due to COVID-19 restrictions on nursing home facilities.
Tucson in photos, coronavirus pandemic
Ben Forbes, left, owner of Forbes Meat Company, helps Jeronimo "Mo" Madril, right owner and executive chef of Geronimo's Revenge, wrap up tortilla's for to-go carnitas for Forbes Meat Company and Geronimo's Revenge's "Carnitas for the community" at Thunder Canyon Brewery, 220 E. Broadway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz., on April 6, 2020. Forbes Meat Company and Geronimo's Revenge partnered to help the restaurant community by offering free carnitas to those affected by the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). They will be making to go carnitas every Monday in April starting at 2pm until all the to go packs, roughly 60, are all gone. Forbes wanted to find a way to help out the restaurant community. "They are struggling and my business is exploding," said Forbes.
Tucson in photos, coronavirus pandemic
David Clark, left, out of work bartender, and Jeronimo "Mo" Madril, owner and executive chef of Geronimo's Revenge, practice social distancing while waiting to give out carnitas for Forbes Meat Company and Geronimo's Revenge's "Carnitas for the community" at Thunder Canyon Brewery, 220 E. Broadway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz., on April 6, 2020. Forbes Meat Company and Geronimo's Revenge partnered to help the restaurant community by offering free carnitas to those affected by the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). They will be making to go carnitas every Monday in April starting at 2pm until all the to go packs, roughly 60, are all gone.
Tucson in photos, coronavirus pandemic
Steve Tracy, Thunder Canyon Brewery co-owner and brewer, fills up 16oz bottles of locally made hand sanitizer at Thunder Canyon Brewery, 220 E. Broadway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz., on April 6, 2020. Thunder Canyon Brewery, along with a few other local distilleries, are making United States Food and Drug Administration approved hand sanitizer for hospitals, first responders and the public in response to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). "Whatever I have, I am turning into hand sanitizer," said Tracy. "We are going to keep making it as much as we can."
Tucson in photos, coronavirus pandemic
Steve Tracy, Thunder Canyon Brewery co-owner and brewer, fills up 16oz bottles of locally made hand sanitizer at Thunder Canyon Brewery, 220 E. Broadway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz., on April 6, 2020. Thunder Canyon Brewery, along with a few other local distilleries, are making United States Food and Drug Administration approved hand sanitizer for hospitals, first responders and the public in response to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). "Whatever I have, I am turning into hand sanitizer," said Tracy. "We are going to keep making it as much as we can."
Tucson in photos, coronavirus pandemic
David Sbarra, a psychology professor at the University of Arizona, points his webcam at his children Margot, 9, and Mateo, 12, as he begins his introduction of his office hours for a class he now conducts over Zoom in his living room while teaching from home, on April 7, 2020.
Tucson in photos, coronavirus pandemic
Ben Elias, manager at Westbound, center, helps Dustin Schaber with his pickup order on April 8, 2020. Due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) only two customers are allowed in the shop, located at the MSA Annex, at the same time and all orders are to-go.
Tucson in photos, coronavirus pandemic
Laura Tanzer, a local fashion designer, posted on Facebook that she will make masks for $5.00 each on April 5. Tanzer thought she would receive a couple of dozen orders, but, within 24 hours she heard from over 200 people. Tanzer is now working out of her shop in downtown Tucson making masks that also has a filter sowed into them. Tanzer is wearing one of her masks as she sows on April 8, 2020.
Tucson in photos, coronavirus pandemic
Oro Valley Hospital chief administration officer Erinn Oller talks with Fang, a local organizer with the Chinese-American COVID-19 Relief AZ group, which donated 6,000 masks, on April 9, 2020. Additional mask donations are planned as soon as shipments arrive.
Tucson in photos, coronavirus pandemic
Healthcare workers line up for their 2 free Sonoran hot dogs and a drink from BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs in the parking lot of St. Mary's Hospital on April 10, 2020. The owner, Benny Galaz, is giving free food to healthcare workers at Tucson area hospitals for the next several weeks as a way to say thank you for their hard work during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.
Tucson in photos, coronavirus pandemic
Benny Galaz, owner of BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs, cooks up Sonoran hot dogs in the parking lot of St. Mary's Hospital on April 10, 2020. Galaz is giving free food to healthcare workers at Tucson area hospitals for the next several weeks as a way to say thank you for their hard work during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.
Tucson in photos, coronavirus pandemic
Healthcare workers line up for their 2 free Sonoran hot dogs and a drink from BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs in the parking lot of St. Mary's Hospital on April 10, 2020. The owner, Benny Galaz, is giving free food to healthcare workers at Tucson area hospitals for the next several weeks as a way to say thank you for their hard work during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.
Tucson in photos, coronavirus pandemic
A man uses the taped off exercise station in Reid Park as an anchor for his band workout, April 8, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson in photos, coronavirus pandemic
Alicia Roseanna, 9, fourth grader at Esperanza Elementary School, grabs a sheet of paper while listening to her teacher, Rachel Watson, and her classmates inside her home in Tucson, Ariz. during Watson's online class on April 7, 2020. Due to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) closing down schools and universities, teachers and students have been forced to schedule and participate in classes online for the remainder of the school year.
Tucson in photos, coronavirus pandemic
COVID-19 survivor, Glen Reed, poses for a photo looking out from the room he's using for isolation from his family in his home, April 10, 2020, Tucson, Ariz. Reed spent nearly a month in the hospital including weeks in ICU on a ventilator.
Tucson in photos, coronavirus pandemic
ER and EMS workers run through a drill practicing how to process an incoming patient experiencing a respiratory emergency at the Tucson Medical Center's Emergency Room, on April 10, 2020.
Tucson in photos, coronavirus pandemic
Tucson Fire Paramedic personnel prepare to run a drill at the Tucson Medical Center's Emergency Room, on April 10, 2020.
Tucson in photos, coronavirus pandemic
The CDC recommends Americans wear a facial covering when out in public, part of an effort to reduce the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Above, shopping for spring blooms at Tucson’s Green Things Nursery.
Tucson in photos, coronavirus pandemic
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) signs taped onto dorms at the Babcock Dorms. The rooms located at 1717 E Speedway Boulevard may be used to house hospital workers from Banner - University Medical Center if they need to be quarantined due to COVID-19.
Tucson in photos, coronavirus pandemic
Alex Swain, a member of Beloved in the Desert - Tucson's chapter of the Episcopal Service Corps, packs the trunk of his housemate's SUV in the parking lot of Fry's on 2480 N Swan Road after grocery shopping for an elderly man, on April 3, 2020. Swain and his housemates have volunteered to shop for elderly and at risk populations as people quarantine and stay at home during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Tucson in photos, coronavirus pandemic
Julisa Montano, a bus driver with Sunnyside Unified School District, gathers up the last few meals to hand out to students outside of Gallego Primary School, on April 7, 2020. The school district is distributing meals and has wifi available for students to use for school.
Tucson in photos, coronavirus pandemic
A table is taped off at Fred Enke Golf Course, 8251 E. Irvington Rd., in Tucson, Ariz., on April 5, 2020 due to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). With a rise in the amount of people participating in golf, due to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), Tucson City Golf is taking extra measures to keep people safe such as sanitizing golf carts after each use and social distancing.
Tucson in photos, coronavirus pandemic
Rich DelVecchio, Fred Enke Golf Course employee, sanitizes a golf cart at Fred Enke Golf Course, 8251 E. Irvington Rd., in Tucson, Ariz., on April 5, 2020. With a rise in the amount of people participating in golf, due to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), Tucson City Golf is taking extra measures to keep people safe such as sanitizing golf carts after each use and social distancing.
Tucson in photos, coronavirus pandemic
Golfers practice social distancing while on the driving range at Fred Enke Golf Course, 8251 E. Irvington Rd., in Tucson, Ariz., on April 5, 2020. With a rise in the amount of people participating in golf, due to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), Tucson City Golf is taking extra measures to keep people safe such as sanitizing golf carts after each use and social distancing.
Contact freelance writer Loni Nannini at ninch2@comcast.net
In this Series
April's Tucson-area coronavirus coverage: 1,200+ Pima County cases, stay-home order extended
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