A New & Improved Online Experience Is Coming to Tohono Chul

A New & Improved Online Experience is Coming to Tohono Chul

We’re excited to share that a brand-new Tohono Chul website is launching next week, designed to make it easier to explore, plan your visit, and connect with us online.

Along with a fresh new look, the website brings some important updates behind the scenes. We’re transitioning to a new system for memberships, ticketing, donations, event registration, and more, bringing these services together to create a simpler, more connected experience for our members and visitors.

What’s New?

You may notice a few changes as we make the transition, including:

  • Fast, easy checkout: Purchase daily admission tickets in advance to easily plan your visit, along with memberships, event tickets, and more through a faster, smoother online checkout experience.
  • Everything in one place: Use the new member portal to manage your membership, update your contact information, view your tickets, and access other important account details.
  • Digital membership cards: Keep your membership card conveniently on your phone using Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, or download it as a PDF.
  • Optional automatic renewals: Choose automatic renewal at checkout to keep your membership active without having to renew manually each year.

While some things may look or work a little differently at first, the same Tohono Chul and membership benefits you love aren’t going anywhere!

What Do I Need to Do?

For most visitors, not much!

Members will need to set up access to the new member portal to view their membership information and digital membership card; we’ll email these instructions to all active members.

You may also notice that your membership number has changed as part of the transition. Don’t worry, your membership level, expiration date, and benefits remain the same.

Have Questions?

We know a new system can come with questions, especially for our members. We’ve put together answers to some of the most common ones below. If you still have questions, please reach out to our membership office at development@tohonochul.org.

A sample of the new digital membership card.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

‣ GENERAL QUESTIONS 

Why is Tohono Chul changing its membership and ticketing system? 
We’re transitioning to a new website that includes improved systems for membership, ticketing, admissions, and retail across all our spaces. This gives our members and visitors a smoother, more convenient experience when purchasing tickets, registering for events, managing memberships, and updating information online. 

What is this new system? 
Tohono Chul will be implementing Veevart, a system designed for museums, gardens, and other cultural organizations. Veevart will bring memberships, ticketing, event registration, donations, purchases, and online account management together in one place. Although the system itself is changing, your current membership and benefits will remain the same. 
 
I liked the old system. Why did it need to change? 
We understand that learning a new system can be frustrating. This transition will allow us to provide more convenient online tools, improve the purchasing and check-in experience, and better serve our members and visitors. Our team will be available to help you become familiar with the new system. 

When will the new system take effect? 
The new membership and ticketing system will launch on August 24, 2026, alongside Tohono Chul’s new website. Additional instructions and important information will be shared with members before the transition. 
 
Does this change the price of my membership? 
No. The transition to the new system does not change the price of your current membership. 
 
Will my membership benefits change? 
No. Your membership level and benefits will remain the same. Only the system used to manage your membership is changing. 
 
Will my current membership still work? 
Yes. Your membership will remain active through its current expiration date, and you will continue to receive all the benefits associated with your membership level. 

Will my current membership card still work? 
Yes. Your membership card will remain active through its current expiration date, and you will continue to receive all the benefits associated with your membership level. 
 
Do I need to purchase a new membership? 
No. Current memberships will automatically transfer to the new system. You do not need to repurchase or renew your membership early. 

‣ MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS & CARDS 

Why do I have a new membership number? 
Our new system assigns a new membership number to each membership account. Your previous membership number will be replaced, but your membership level, expiration date, and benefits will remain the same. 
 
Where can I find my new membership number? 
Your new membership number will appear in your online account and on your new digital membership card. Additional instructions will be provided when the new system launches. 
 
Do I need a digital membership card? 
You don’t need to carry a physical or digital card. When you visit, simply provide your name or email to admissions and they’ll look up your membership. That said, digital membership cards are available as a convenient option and can be stored in your Apple or Google Wallet. If you prefer a physical card, one will be available for a $5 fee in the coming months. 

How do I access my digital membership card? 
After logging into your online account, you will be able to download your digital membership card. You may save it to Apple or Google Wallet. 
 
Can I still use or receive a physical membership card? 
Yes. Physical membership cards will be available for a $5 fee starting with our retail launch in the coming months. Contact our membership office at development@tohonochul.org for more details on how to request one when they become available. 

Can I continue using my old membership card? 
Yes. You can use your current card until your membership expires. When you renew, you’ll switch to the new digital card or simply provide your name or email at admissions during your visit. 
 
I don’t have a smartphone. Can I still use my membership? 
Absolutely. You don’t need a smartphone or digital card. Simply provide your name or email to admissions when you visit, or purchase a physical membership card for $5 once they become available in the coming months. 
 
What should I do if I lose my membership card? 
Simply provide your name or email to our admissions team when you visit. If you prefer a replacement physical card, you can purchase one for $5 once they become available in the coming months. You can also download a digital membership card and add it to your Apple or Google Wallet anytime. 
 
Do all adults on my membership receive their own digital membership card? 
Yes. Each named adult will be able to receive a digital membership card.  

‣ ONLINE ACCOUNTS 

Do I need to create an online account? 
We recommend activating your online account so you can access your digital membership card, purchase discounted member tickets, renew your membership, and update your information. However, you can still visit Tohono Chul and receive assistance in person if you do not wish to use an online account. 
 
How do I activate my account? 
Members will receive instructions for activating their accounts when the new system launches. Be sure to use the email address currently associated with your Tohono Chul membership. 
 
What if I don’t receive an account activation email? 
First, check your spam or junk folder. If you still cannot find the email, contact our membership office (development@tohonochul.org) so we can confirm the email address connected to your membership and help you access your account. 
 
What should I do if I forget my password? 
Select “Forgot Password” on the account login page and follow the instructions sent to your email address. If you continue to have trouble, contact the membership (development@tohonochul.org) office for assistance. 
 
Do I need to log in every time I purchase tickets? 
Members will need to log in to the online membership portal before purchasing tickets or registering for programs so the system can recognize their membership and apply any eligible member pricing or discounts.  
 
Can I update my contact information online? 
Yes. Once you have activated your account, you can review and update much of your contact information online. You may also contact our membership team for assistance. 
 
Can I manage the other people included on my membership? 
Yes. You can manage the other people included on your membership through your online member portal. 

‣ TICKETS, EVENTS, & DISCOUNTS 

How do I receive my member discount when purchasing tickets? 
Log in to your account before selecting tickets. The system will recognize your active membership and automatically apply eligible member pricing or discounts. 

What if my member discount does not appear? 
Make sure you are logged in using the email address associated with your membership. If the discount still does not appear, contact our membership team (development@tohonochul.org)  before completing your purchase. You can also call (520) 742-6455 x. 246 for assistance.  
 
Can I still purchase admission and event tickets in person? 
Yes. General admission and available event tickets may still be purchased at the Admissions desk. Some programs and special events may sell out, so advance registration is recommended when available. 
 
Do I need to reserve regular garden admission in advance? 
Advance reservations are not required for regular garden admission, but you now have the convenient option to purchase admission tickets online before your visit. Walk-up admission will continue to be available at the Admissions window. 
 
Will I receive a confirmation email after purchasing tickets? 
Yes. A confirmation will be sent to the email address provided during checkout. Please check your spam or junk folder if you do not see it in your inbox. If you have questions about tickets, please reach out to ticketing@tohonochul.org. 
 
Can I show my tickets on my phone? 
Yes. You may present the ticket or QR code from your phone. You may also print your ticket if you prefer. 
 
What if I need to cancel or change my registration? 
Cancellation, refund, and transfer policies may vary by event. Please review the policy provided on the event page or contact the Admissions office for assistance. 

‣ RENEWALS & MEMBERSHIP PURCHASES 

Can I renew my annual membership paid monthly? 
Not at this time. Annual memberships paid monthly will return at a later date. Your current monthly membership remains active until it expires. When it does, you’ll need to renew with an annual membership purchase. 

Can I renew my membership online? 
Yes. You will be able to renew your membership securely through your membership portal. 
 
Can I still renew my membership in person or by phone? 
Yes. Our team can assist you with your membership renewal in person or by phone. 
 
Can I use my membership immediately after purchasing or renewing online? 
Yes. Your membership will be active immediately after your transaction is completed. You’ll receive an email confirmation right away, followed by a second email with your digital membership card so you can start enjoying your benefits.  

 Can I purchase a membership as a gift? 
Yes. Gift memberships will continue to be available online. Be sure to select the gift membership option and provide the recipient information requested during checkout. 
 
Will my membership automatically renew? 
You’ll have the option to enroll in automatic renewal when you purchase your membership. If you choose not to, we’ll send you email reminders as your expiration date approaches. 

‣ PAYMENTS, GIFTCARDS & DONATIONS 

What payment methods are accepted online? 
All major credit and debit cards are accepted.  
 
Will my existing Tohono Chul gift card still work? 
Yes. Existing Tohono Chul gift cards will still be accepted while we transition them into the new system. 

Can I make a donation through the new system? 
Yes. You can donate through the “Make Your Gift” webpage on our new website, which provides a secure way to support Tohono Chul online. 
 
Will I receive a receipt for my purchase or donation? 
Yes. A receipt will be sent to the email address provided during checkout. Please retain your receipt for your records. 

Is my payment information secure? 
Yes. Payments are processed securely. Tohono Chul does not store your complete credit card information. 
 
Is there a fee for purchasing tickets online? 
Yes. A 3% processing fee is added to online ticket purchases to help cover credit card processing costs. This fee will be shown before you complete your purchase. 

‣ HELP WITH YOUR ACCOUNT OR MEMBERSHIP

Who should I contact about my membership? 
Please contact the Tohono Chul Membership office at development@tohonochul.org or by calling (520) 742-6455 ext. 246.  
 
What information should I provide when asking for help? 
Please provide your full name and email associated with your membership. For security purposes, please do not send credit card information by email. 

Farewell to Gumby: Honoring One of Tohono Chul’s Most Beloved Saguaros

Farewell to Gumby: Honoring One of Tohono Chul’s Most Beloved Saguaros

By Jack Dash, Gardens & Facilities Manager, and Karen Hayes, Assistant Curator & Collections Manager

Last week, Tohono Chul said goodbye to one of its most iconic residents.

Our beloved crested saguaro, affectionately known as Gumby, was a favorite among visitors, volunteers, and staff for decades. Estimated to be well over 100 years old, Gumby spent the last 29 years of his life at Tohono Chul, where he stood as a remarkable symbol of the beauty, resilience, and wonder of the Sonoran Desert.

A Truly One-of-a-Kind Saguaro

Crested (or cristate) saguaros are among the rarest natural wonders of the Sonoran Desert. Unlike a typical saguaro, whose cells divide upward to form a single growing stem, the cells of a crested saguaro divide outward, creating a distinctive fan-shaped crown.

While the exact cause of cresting remains a mystery, one estimate suggests it occurs in only about one out of every 200,000 saguaros. Each crested saguaro develops its own unique form, making every specimen unlike any other.

Gumby’s journey to Tohono Chul began in 1997, when he was discovered growing in a gravel pit owned by Granite Construction Co. To preserve this extraordinary cactus, the company donated him to Tohono Chul. Former Plant Curator Russ Buhrow led the effort, while Catalina Cactus generously donated its time, expertise, and specialized saguaro-hauling truck to safely relocate Gumby to his new home along the Saguaro Discovery Trail.

Following his transplant, Gumby required careful monitoring for two years while he became established. Over the next 27 years, he continued to thrive, even producing new arms from his remarkable crest.

More than just a beautiful specimen, Gumby became a thriving desert habitat. Birds nested in the three cavities carved into his trunk, countless other wildlife found shelter among his arms, and even prickly pear cacti took root in pockets of soil collected high in his crest.

Ecology & Culture of the Sonoran Desert

Saguaros have always inspired awe and appreciation in humans. For the Tohono O’odham and other desert dwellers, the saguaro is a keystone species, not just ecologically, but culturally. The saguaro fruit harvest marks the start of the new year in the O’odham calendar, and the ritual consumption of saguaro wine is an act of reverence that helps produce life-giving summer rains. In some O’odham stories, the saguaro cactus itself began life as an O’odham child, and these plants are considered kin.

O’odham poet and weaver Angelina Saraficio beautifully captured this relationship:

A saguaro cactus stands by my house.
It is our plant and also our friend.
Did you hear that the saguaro cactus is also O’odham?
I heard, and I truly respect it.

Gumby Lives On

It is easy to love a saguaro, and it is natural to mourn the passing of these desert giants. And yet, in nature, death is never the end. As Gumby begins the long process of decomposition, he will form a so-called “rot-pocket”, a crucial source of water in an arid environment. Slowly but surely, the decades of moisture stored in this plant’s cells will be distributed back to the ecosystem. Fungi, bacteria, and insects are already at work on the rotting flesh of this cactus, turning the sweet-putrid ooze into new life.

Our gardens team will document this cycle, and our docents and volunteers will share this knowledge with our visitors, ensuring that even in death, Gumby remains a part of the Tohono Chul family.

By Jack Dash, Gardens & Facilities Manager, and Karen Hayes, Assistant Curator & Collections Manager

Celebrating 10 Years of 10×10: An Annual Fundraiser Art Exhibition

Tohono Chul’s 10×10 Fundraiser is Turning 10!

Tohono Chul’s annual 10×10 | A Fundraiser exhibition is entering its 10th year since its inception. If you have visited the galleries between March and May, you might have been caught up in the frenzy and excitement of this exhibition. Each piece is no larger than 10 inches by 10 inches in any dimension, priced at $100, and can be taken home immediately upon purchase!

During the 10 x 10 Exhibition, the Entry Gallery never looks the same on any given day, with new works constantly being revealed. Artists who have exhibited with us the previous year are invited to participate, providing a wide range of sculptures, paintings, prints, photographs, and mixed media works. There is something for everyone in 10×10!  

10×10 was adapted from two previous annual traditions: Holiday for the Park (1993 – 2012), an ornament exhibition and sale, and Small Works (2013 – 2015), an invitational exhibition featuring artwork no larger than 12 inches in any dimension and not to exceed $250 in price. The goal of modifying 10×10 into its current format was to support the local artist community by featuring artwork at an approachable price point of $100. And boy has it worked!

Since 2016, we have sold 1,345 pieces of artwork created by 191 artists. 50% of each sale goes back to the creative economy.

Each piece is no larger than 10 inches by 10 inches in any dimension, priced at $100, and can be taken home immediately upon purchase.

A Little Friendly Competition

In recent years, 10×10 artists have enjoyed some friendly competition trying to outdo one another to become the top seller for that particular year. Others compete with themselves and hope to sell more than they did the previous year. 

Top Ten 10 x 10 Sellers:

As 10×10 celebrates its tenth year, it remains one of Tohono Chul’s most anticipated annual exhibitions. Every purchase supports both the participating artist and Tohono Chul’s arts programming, making it a true celebration of creativity, community, and the power of collecting original art.

Whether you’re a longtime collector or discovering the exhibition for the first time, you never know what treasure you’ll find. With new artwork appearing throughout the exhibition, no two visits are ever the same.

Written by Karen Hayes, Associate Curator & Collections Manager

Image: clockwise from top left: Phil Lichtenhan, David Adix, Veta Carney, C.J. Shane

A Matching Gift in Memory of Stephan & Linda Jones

This year, we are excited to announce that each 10×10 purchase will be doubled by a matching gift of up to $15,000 in memory of Stephan and Linda Jones. This means that if we sell 150 pieces, then Tohono Chul will receive an additional $15,000!

The exhibition will open in conjunction with Tohono Chul’s I Heart Art celebration on Saturday, February 28, and run through May 24, 2026. Be sure to stop by the gallery and check it out!        

About Stephan & Linda Jones

In 1999, Iowa natives Stephan and Linda Jones adopted Tucson as their second home after many years working and raising their family in Des Moines. They found inspiration in the beauty, majesty, and history of the Sonoran Desert region.

After a career in the financial sector, Stephan found the perfect outlet to focus his enthusiasm for their new home at Tohono Chul. Stephan joined the docent program to not only share, but also to learn. When working in the park, he loved to discuss the flora and fauna with anyone who cared to listen. He particularly enjoyed working with young people to pass on the importance of being a good custodian and global citizen of our natural world.

Besides raising their two children, Linda was a talented and passionate musician. At an early age, she started playing the piano, which led to a lifelong involvement in music and arts, teaching and volunteering with various groups, including the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. Linda and Stephan had great respect for nature, art, and music. This came together in their support of various programs at Tohono Chul.

Tohono Chul was frequently the place for visiting family and friends to gather, have lunch, wander the grounds, and have life discussions. The Jones and Bening families are honored to continue Stephan and Linda’s legacy in continuing support of Tohono Chul.