Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park Names Mark Siegwarth Director

After an extensive national search, Mark Siegwarth has been named director of the Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park in Superior, Arizona. Siegwarth brings a proven record of leadership and vast experience with the Arboretum and Arizona State Parks Service to his new duties.

A former United States Marine officer, he graduated from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, with a degree in economics and from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University with a master's degree in public policy.

Prior to being named Arboretum director, Siegwarth was responsible for a $74 million budget at the Arizona State Parks Service where he served as Assistant Director for Administration.

"This is a time of great challenge and opportunity for the Boyce Thompson Arboretum," said Mary Irish, chairman of the board of directors, during the announcement. "With the addition of Picket Post House and more than 35 acres of new land, the Arboretum is poised to become a nationally recognized institution and center for important plant research.

"We are fortunate indeed to have attracted such a capable director in Mark Siegwarth to lead us forward at such an exciting time," she added.

No stranger to the Arboretum, Siegwarth has served on its board for the past five years, most recently as treasurer. "I believe the Arboretum is one of the great treasures of Arizona," he said. "It is stunningly beautiful and unique in the way it displays desert landscapes from all over the world.

"I plan to work with our very talented staff to make significant strides in research and education on a national as well as international level — paying special attention to making us more accessible to Arizona youth who can benefit so much from exposure to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum," he added.

Located on Route 60, about 45 minutes east of Mesa, the Arboretum was dedicated in 1924 by philanthropist William Boyce Thompson whose vision was to create a center where trees, shrubs and plants from deserts from all over the world would flourish and provide valuable opportunities for research and for learning.

Every year more than 70,000 visitors enjoy the Arboretum's grounds located at the base of Picket Post Mountain, taking advantage of the many programs on offer, including horticulture, butterfly and bird watching, and trail hiking.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum is located just a short drive from Arizona's metropolitan areas on U.S. Highway 60 three miles west of historic Superior. Phone 520-689-2723 or log on ag.arizona.edu/bta for more information.

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