April 19th Declared “Tohono Chul Day” By Town Of Oro Valley and Pima County
April 25, 2025April 19th Named Tohono Chul Day
On Saturday, April 19, 2025, Tohono Chul marked a major milestone—40 years of connecting people with the nature, art, and culture of the Sonoran Desert. To celebrate, we hosted a vibrant community celebration on our grounds, filled with live music, docent-led nature walks, engaging wildlife encounters, scavenger hunts for all ages, beautiful art exhibitions, and delicious food and drinks from local vendors. Friends, families, members, and supporters came together to honor four decades of impact in our beloved desert oasis.
One of the most meaningful moments of the day came during the spoken remarks portion of the program. Tohono Chul Board President Koren Manning opened with words of reflection and gratitude, followed by a heartfelt Founders’ Toast led by President and CEO Jamie Maslyn Larson, honoring Richard and Jean Wilson—whose vision and generosity brought Tohono Chul to life in 1985.
The celebration reached a historic high point when Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield and Pima County Supervisor Rex Scott took the stage to present an official proclamation, declaring that April 19 will now be recognized annually as Tohono Chul Day. This special recognition honors Tohono Chul’s lasting contributions to conservation, education, and community enrichment in the region.
We are deeply honored by this designation and grateful for the recognition from the Town of Oro Valley and Pima County. Tohono Chul Day will serve as an annual reminder of our mission and the incredible community that makes it possible.
Here’s to 40 years—and to the next chapter of preserving, celebrating, and sharing the wonders of the Sonoran Desert.
Read the official Proclamation below!
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, on April 19, 1985, Tohono Chul was officially dedicated by Richard and Jean Wilson, who envisioned a place where visitors could find comfort in the natural beauty of the area, appreciate the importance of conserving the Sonoran Desert region, and gain a deeper understanding of its native peoples; and
WHEREAS, for 40 years, Tohono Chul has served as a community sanctuary where nature, art, and culture intersect, providing an oasis of beauty, learning, and inspiration in the heart of Northwest Tucson; and
WHEREAS, founded to preserve the natural heritage of the region, Tohono Chul has enriched the lives of countless visitors through its stunning gardens, art exhibitions, community events, engaging educational programs, and commitment to environmental stewardship; and
WHEREAS, over the past four decades, Tohono Chul has become a cornerstone of the Tucson community, uniting individuals of all ages in celebration of the land, its history, and its future; and
WHEREAS, Tohono Chul continues to be a beacon of conservation and sustainability, preserving the unique biodiversity of the region while inspiring future generations to protect and cherish the natural world.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Pima County Board of Supervisors hereby proclaims the day of Saturday, April 19, 2025, to be “TOHONO CHUL DAY” and encourages all citizens to celebrate and support this renowned institution as it embarks on its next chapter of growth and inspiration.
PASSED AND ADOPTED on the 15th day of April 2025 by The Honorable Rex Scott, Chair, Pima County Board of Supervisors.