Desert Botanical Garden Unveils 2040 Compass to Launch Bold New Century
May 15, 2026PHOENIX, Ariz. — Desert Botanical Garden today unveiled the 2040 Compass, a once-in-a-century strategic plan designed to build on the Garden’s deep community legacy and position it as the world’s leading destination for desert plants, desert experiences and desert solutions.
The 2040 Compass lays out a bold commitment for the years leading into the Garden’s second century in 2040: to set the global standard for immersive desert plant experiences, expand the Garden’s role as a place where people come together through unforgettable shared experiences, and advance research that scales solutions to help communities like Phoenix thrive in a hotter, drier world.
“The question is no longer whether deserts will shape the future,” said Chris Kline, President and CEO of the Garden. “The question is who will lead it. Desert Botanical Garden chooses to lead.”
Guided by five strategic North Stars, the 2040 Compass will shape the Garden’s future path and establish a framework for global leadership in research, storytelling, visitor experience and community impact.
The five North Stars are:
• Research and scale solutions to the desert’s greatest challenges
• Bring desert stories and impact to life
• Set the global standard for desert plant showcase
• Grow community through shared desert experiences
• Secure enduring operational and financial sustainability
At the center of the plan is a renewed guiding mission for the organization: Bring people together to protect and celebrate the unique wonders of the desert.
The Garden is also advancing a bold long-term vision for its future role in the world: Lead the world in desert plant display and research that delivers real-world benefit and knowledge sharing.
“This is not simply a strategic plan,” said Scott Burdick, Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Garden. “It is a declaration about the role this institution can play for Arizona, for desert regions around the world and for future generations. We believe the Garden can help define the future of desert understanding, desert resilience and desert inspiration.”
The Garden invites the community, partners, supporters and visitors to help shape this next chapter and join in building a globally significant future for desert life.
Read the Full 2040 Compass Report, here
