Tohono Chul will unveil “Sonoran Oasis,” a new master plan that establishes a long-term vision for the beloved 49-acre public garden, at a public open house event on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. Rooted in Tohono Chul’s 40-year legacy and shaped by more than 800 community voices, the plan thoughtfully reimagines how visitors will experience the gardens with more
opportunities to explore, learn, gather and connect with the beauty and culture of the Sonoran Desert.
“The master plan will allow Tohono Chul to grow its reach and sustain itself while continuing to cultivate a sense of wonder rooted in this place and this community,” said Koren Manning, board chair of Tohono Chul.
“This master plan honors the extraordinary legacy of Dick and Jean Wilson, who had the foresight to protect this special place and share it with the community,” said Gayle Mateer, chairperson of the Master Plan Committee. “It carries their vision forward — preserving what people love about Tohono Chul while ensuring it remains vibrant, welcoming and relevant for generations to come.”
“Sonoran Oasis” is the vision for how Tohono Chul’s gardens, buildings, pathways, programs and infrastructure will be protected, enhanced and renewed over the course of the next 10 to 15 years. The master plan is built upon the garden’s historic roots, sense of place and core purposes established by the Wilsons. The plan ensures that the gardens, arts, education programs, accessibility and community remain at the heart of Tohono Chul’s future.
“This plan was shaped by the people who know and love Tohono Chul,” said Jamie Maslyn Larson, Tohono Chul CEO. “More than 800 visitors, members, volunteers, staff and community partners shared their ideas through surveys, workshops, conversations and public open houses. Their voices helped us understand what must be preserved, what can be strengthened, and how Tohono Chul can serve our community now and in the future.”
Foundational pillars of “Sonoran Oasis” include:
Creating a memorable arrival that immediately immerses guests in the Sonoran Desert.
Developing visible, vibrant spaces with expanded amenities for gathering, dining, shopping and exploration.
Protecting and restoring native landscapes while creating more immersive, shaded gardens and walkways.
Preserving and rehabilitating historic buildings, including the Bistro, Exhibit House and Lomaki House.
Strengthening connections to place by framing views of the Catalina Mountains and the broader Sonoran Desert.
Improving wayfinding, comfort and accessibility through universally accessible paths, clear routes and recognizable destinations.
Expanding facilities and gardens for nature-based education and discovery for all ages.
Creating more functional facilities for staff, volunteers and behind-the-scenes operations.
The plan is led by Unknown Studio, a nationally recognized landscape architecture firm, in collaboration with local partners PMM Architects and Bowman Engineering. Sundt Construction provided construction expertise, while Canopy Strategic Partners supported business and financial modeling. Together, the team brought creativity, expertise and a deep understanding of Tohono Chul’s unique qualities to the planning process, translating the community’s aspirations into an inspiring and pragmatic vision for its future.
Today’s horticultural challenges, including drought, increasing heat and a more volatile climate, require new approaches to creating resilient gardens and landscapes. For Tohono Chul, that means shifting away from showcasing plants as isolated specimens and toward layered, interconnected plant communities. In these living systems, native and ecologically relevant plants work together to support wildlife, conserve resources and create landscapes better equipped to thrive in a changing climate.
With the long-term vision established, Tohono Chul will now begin refining the first phase, establishing project priorities, and developing funding and implementation strategies. “Sonoran Oasis” will unfold thoughtfully over the next 10 to 15 years, with individual projects evaluated, funded and implemented in phases as resources allow. This approach will balance the vision for Tohono Chul’s future with long-term financial and operational sustainability.
Throughout October, Tohono Chul leadership will share the master plan with the community through several events, including an update to the Oro Valley Town Council on Wednesday, Oct. 21, and a public open house on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Tohono Chul’s Garden Pavilion.
For more about Tohono Chul, visit www.tohonochul.org.
