Events' Realm

Desert Botanical Garden is embarking on a new partnership with London-based pioneering artist studio ScanLAB Projects, bringing its groundbreaking visual and technical artwork here in 2025. The exhibit will be a first-of-its-kind in the Valley to connect science and nature at this scale in both indoor and outdoor environments.


In October 2023, ScanLAB Projects, led by cofounders Matt Shaw and William Trossell, started a unique experience for the Garden titled DESERT PULSE — a spatialized installation that displays footage of the desert landscape and desert flora in a remarkably new way using LiDAR 3D scanning.


ScanLAB Projects has selected 15 distinct sites across the Valley and at the Garden. These daily 3D scans will be recorded over a 12-month period. The recorded data will reveal unseen environmental changes — the result of human, natural and industrial processes — all impossible to see with the naked eye or through the lens of traditional cameras. The team will document cactus flowering and fruiting, shifting sediment patterns along the Salt River, recent fire-damaged desert and desert blooms. Locations include a desert development in Rio Verde, a saguaro growth monitoring site near Needle Rock, a recovering fire area in McDowell Mountain Preserve and a working landfill.


Through their specialized rendering techniques, ScanLAB Projects will turn the recorded data into breathtaking visuals that will be exhibited as an impressive multi-screen digital installation to be exhibited amongst the Garden’s plants and trails, as well as its new Exhibits Gallery.


DESERT PULSE is not just artwork, the data collected will contain empirical, measurable facts that can and will be used for research by the Garden’s team of scientists.

Phoenix

United States

Arizona

1201 N. Galvin Parkway

Desert Botanical Garden

Desert Pulse

Fun it up with Yak N Sup!!! We provide the adventure without the hassle.
Paddleboard or Kayak the coves of Canyon Lake in search of waterfalls and streams. This time of year, the snow melt leaves streams that run into Canyon Lake and the outcome is a beautiful sight to see. Our experienced tour guides will show you sides of Canyon Lake even some of the locals haven't navigated. This is an easy, beautiful paddle down inside the non-motorized boat area of Canyon Lake, the best lake in Arizona.
Tour starts at 10:30 a.m. Book online and show up at least 30 minutes prior to your reservation.
Please park in the 3rd row of the parking lot at the marina next to the Dolly Steamboat. Bring your credit card and ID for verification.


 

Events

Happening now

Desert Pulse

Desert Pulse

Chasing Waterfalls 2.5 Hour Guided Kayak and/or Paddle Board Tour

Chasing Waterfalls 2.5 Hour Guided Kayak and/or Paddle Board Tour

Chasing Waterfalls 2.5 Hour Guided Kayak and/or Paddle Board Tour

Happening today

Desert Pulse

Desert Pulse

Chasing Waterfalls 2.5 Hour Guided Kayak and/or Paddle Board Tour

Chasing Waterfalls 2.5 Hour Guided Kayak and/or Paddle Board Tour

Chasing Waterfalls 2.5 Hour Guided Kayak and/or Paddle Board Tour

GOLDEN TEST EVENT [DO NOT USE]

GOLDEN TEST EVENT [DO NOT USE]