Community Engagement

A message from Director Kathleen Socolofsky to our community

We continue to care deeply about the health of our community and slowing the spread of COVID-19 is our highest priority. For that reason, we are asking all our visitors to follow proper social distancing guidelines if you are visiting the Arboretum and Public Garden spaces such as the Arboretum proper and the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve.
Image of progress on the La Road Bridge construction.

Update: La Rue Bridge replacement

  • by Scout Mata
The La Rue Bridge replacement project is well underway with plans to shift vehicular traffic from the current portion of the old bridge to the completed half of the new bridge in mid-April. Design and Construction Management (DCM) is on track to demolish the remaining half of the old bridge and complete the rest of new bridge by the start of Fall quarter.
Image of the poster notifying visitors to the UC Davis Arboretum that they must practice COVID public health guidance in our outdoor spaces.

Social distancing crucial — inside and out

  • by Scout Mata
We are all in this together.

Visitor instructions, found on signs at popular entrances both at the Arboretum and Putah Creek Riparian Reserve, must be followed when visiting our campus's recreational spaces.
.PDF download

The Arboretum and Public Garden remains open to visitors — as long as they practice social distancing.

A message from Director Kathleen Socolofsky to our community

We hope you and your families are all in good health. We care deeply about the health of our community, and slowing the spread of COVID-19 is our highest priority. For that reason, and in light of the recent campus and statewide orders to shelter-in-place, we are canceling all public events, including our plant sales, until further notice.

A picture of Don McBride.

McBride Family Legacy Lives On

  • by Suzanne M Ullensvang
Don McBride likes digging in the dirt... and giving back to his community. Those interests have led to his passion for volunteering with and supporting the Arboretum and Public Garden!
Image of individual signing up for membership with the Friends of the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden.

Friends Board Recruitment

The Friends of the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden—our community support group that is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2021—has been a tremendous partner in fostering the excellence of our gardens, programs, staff and students. Would you or someone you know be interested in doing more for the Friends?
Image of catmint.

Not Kitten Around: Pruning Catmint

While passing the catmint, I can see it’s time for a haircut. They’re looking rather winter haggard wearing a grayish-brown coat from last years fall line. Nepeta x faassenii, better known as a Catmint, is one of my favorites groundcovers. You can cut this cat back anytime of the year, as hard as you want and as often as you want.
Photo of Salvia leucantha ‘Santa Barbara’ taken in January 2020

Low Down on Leucantha

If it’s January in the Valley and you’ve got a Salvia leucantha (Mexican bush sage) planted in your yard, there’s a good chance it looks very much like this one. I promise you they appreciate a hard cut in the winter.
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