Tohono Chul Park

Arizona, United States

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Tohono Chul Park in Casas Adobes, a suburb of Tucson, Arizona, began in 1966 when Richard and Jean Wilson started assembling desert land to preserve as a natural greenspace amid urban development.

They initially created simple paths and plant markers on the land that grew into a half-mile loop trail. The park was dedicated in 1985 with the mission to connect people with the nature, art, and culture of the Sonoran Desert and promote wise stewardship of the natural world.

Today, it spans 49 acres and features a botanical garden, nature preserves, and cultural exhibits that highlight native plants and traditional uses by Indigenous peoples, alongside educational programs and community events. The park also includes historic structures like the hacienda-style West House and exhibits such as an ethnobotanical garden and geology wall, offering visitors a peaceful escape to learn about desert conservation and cultural heritage.