One hundred years ago, after seeing the impact of starvation in Russia,  Colonel Boyce Thompson set aside land near his mining interests in superior AZ with an intent to improve food production.  The Boyce Thomson Arboretum has since become a renowned global plant collection and world class destination.

In 2023, at the request of non-profit Reap Goodness, the Arboretum set aside 5 acres of pristine Sonora desert for an experiment in sustainable community food independence.  The mission of the Heartland Trial at BTA is to develop a regenerative desert agroforest in Superior, Arizona that nourishes both the land and community.  Through education, empowerment and collaboration, we aim to create an innovative model for resilient food production rooted in the Sonoran Desert's natural abundance  - benefiting community members, nature and future generations.

A group of 10 volunteers has been working with local communities to design and implement this experiment.  After considerable planning and some time just geting to know the land, the leader team has begun its first planting in the form of tall pot seedlings and a monsoon garden (completely dependent upon monsoon for moisture).  But that is just a small part of the potential here.  We've also idientifed at least 25 edible and medicinal plants already established on the Site.

If you'd like to be part of this evolving story, please give what you can to help with the next phase of development which will involve installing a supplemental water storage and distribution system and protecting and planting an array of desert edible plants, as we continue to hold and participate in educational events!