Join us in celebrating the Arboretum's 90th anniversary!

Check out our webpage dedicated to sharing our deep roots and bold future!

Learning by Leading

Learning by Leading

We believe that students learn best by leading. In this innovative environmental restoration and education program, leadership skills and real-world experience combine to help our students address the earth’s most important environmental issues. The Learning by Leading™ internship program offers quarter-long and school year-long internships in which students work in a team to solve real-world problems in the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden. 

Collage of photos of Cate McGuire smiling and surrounded by plants.

Arboretum and Public Garden receives largest gift in 90-year history

  • by Katie Hetrick
A transformational $3.7 million gift from Cate McGuire and her husband Michael Smith honors her memory while establshing support for the Arboretum and Public Garden's Learning by Leading™ program. As the largest gift in the organization's 90-year history, the donation represents a powerful investment in the next generation of environmental leaders.
Headshot of Araya Hopp in the Arboretum Teaching Nursery

Araya Hopp

  • by Araya Hopp
Landscape Assistant & Waterway Stewardship, Apprentice and Co-Coordinator (2023-2026)
Headshot of Talia Levi in the Arboretum and Teaching Nursery

Talia Levi

  • by Talia Levi
Plant Propagation and Nursery Management, Nursery Assistant and Co-coordinator (2025-2026)
A collage featuring photos of 1) a student intern driving a tractor in a grassy field, 2) two student interns posing with a white board in a dried grassy field and 3) A group of student interns gathered around someone holding a large whiteboard

Students Lead Habitat Restoration at Russell Ranch

At Russell Ranch, just west of campus along Russell Boulevard, a transformation is underway. What was once grazed pasture and alfalfa field is becoming a thriving native habitat led by UC Davis students and funded by The Green Initiative Fund, or TGIF. 

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