A group of seven people stand smiling in a landscaped garden filled with low, silvery plants and green shrubs. They are outdoors on a sunny day, positioned in a row on the edge of a mulched planting bed with tall trees providing shade behind them. A light-colored building and fencing are visible in the background. — Weed Out Stress volunteers wrap up a productive afternoon tending the garden beds at Cruess Hall, one of several core-campus sites improved during the pilot season.

Weed Out Stress: Gardening That Restores the Campus—and Your Mind

by Katie Ferguson Hetrick
Thu, December 11, 2025

Two student volunteers smile and look at a praying mantis perched on one student’s gloved hand while participating in a Weed Out Stress gardening event outside the UC Davis International Center. — Connecting with nature takes many forms—these volunteers discovered a curious praying mantis while tending garden beds outside the UC Davis International Center.

A few weeks ago, the Arboretum and Public Garden wrapped up its final Weed Out Stress event of the fall, but the momentum is just getting started. The pilot season brought new energy to campus landscapes and gave dozens of volunteers a chance to unwind, dig in, and connect with nature.

Developed by Director of Public Horticulture and Engagement Stacey Parker and Associate Professor Haven Kiers from Landscape Architecture + Environmental Design, the program—scheduled midday so students, staff, and faculty can drop in— brings focused, hands-on attention to campus landscapes. In the process, volunteers step away from screens, spend time outdoors, and experience the restorative benefits that come from working with plants and being immersed in nature.

Filling the gaps

The events fill an important gap operationally as well. With groundskeepers responsible for nearly 40 acres apiece, the level of detail accomplished at these programs isn’t always possible through routine maintenance alone. Thanks to volunteers, the landscapes they target are looking healthier and more polished than ever.

The program also supports a key Finance, Operations and Administration goal to expand community volunteer engagement programs that help maintain and beautify high-profile areas.

Well-being through nature

"Weed Out Stress creates a space for people to slow down, get outside, and push pause on their daily stresses—all while connecting with others and helping our campus look even more beautiful," said Parker.

A volunteer smiles while holding a shovel and wearing gardening gloves and a sun hat during a Weed Out Stress event at the Katherine Esau Science Hall, while another volunteer works on the ground behind her clearing plant debris. — A smiling volunteer pauses while working to rejuvenate the garden beds outside the Katherine Esau Science Hall during a Weed Out Stress event.

Rooted in the Arboretum and Public Garden’s Nature Rx initiative, the program highlights how time outdoors can reduce stress, improve mood, and strengthen social connection.

"You don’t have to be a gardener to benefit from being outdoors. When people get out into the landscape, breathe fresh air, and work side by side, you can see their whole energy shift. Nature supports our well-being in ways you can feel immediately," said Kiers.

Get involved

Weed Out Stress will take a short winter pause and resume in late winter or early spring.

Can’t wait? In addition to Weed Out Stress, the Arboretum and Public Garden offers Community Volunteer Days every second Saturday, which tend to draw a more regional audience. Those interested can sign up to learn more here.

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