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.

Image of four young women behind a newly planted tree. All are wearing UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden t-shirts and stand in front of a backdrop that includes Lake Spafford and a lush landscape.

From Roots to Ripples: How Community Donations Transform the Arboretum and Public Garden

by Katie Ferguson Hetrick
Mon, March 31, 2025

As we prepare for our annual spring fundraising campaign, we wanted to give you an update on how vital community donations are. Last year, the UC Davis and regional communities came together to support the Trees for Tomorrow campaign, ensuring that our campus continues to thrive with a diverse and resilient tree canopy. Thanks to generous donations, dedicated volunteers, and passionate student leaders, we have made remarkable strides in planting new trees, enhancing campus landscapes, and creating opportunities for hands-on learning.

Miles DePrato and Mara Feldman working in the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve

Support for Learning by Leading Ecological Land Management Team

Wed, December 11, 2024

Student Leadership

Mara Feldman, an environmental science and management major, joined the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden’s Learning by Leading™ internship program to further her plant knowledge and gain hands-on experience. Along the way, she developed valuable leadership skills.

Collage of photos of raindrop peperomia, tree philodendron and ponytail palm

Houseplants offered at upcoming fall plant sales

Fri, September 27, 2024

Community Engagement

For the first time this fall, the Friends of the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden Plant Sales will be offering a few houseplants alongside our renowned inventory of attractive, low-water, region-appropriate perennials for outdoor gardens and landscapes. This exciting new addition caters to a growing interest in indoor gardening, with a special focus on providing additional options for plant enthusiasts, including students.

Tracy Qiu, Carmia Feldman, Kathleen Socolofsky, and Michelle Provasnik pose with APGA award plaque

Learning by Leading Program Wins Top Honors

by Katie Hetrick
Fri, July 12, 2024

Environmental Education

The UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden's Learning by Leading™ program has been awarded the prestigious Program Excellence Award by the American Public Gardens Association. The accolade recognizes the innovative and impactful nature of the program, which has been instrumental in shaping the future of environmental and public garden leaders.

Image of UC Davis grad in cap, gown and stole waving blue and gold streamers in front of the brick UC Davis monument.

Glitter is litter: Grads Asked to Use Eco-friendly Photo Props and Backdrops

Wed, May 22, 2024

Environmental Education

Reminder: Glitter is litter! To create the perfect graduation photo, many students and photographers take advantage of props like plastic confetti and glitter. The problem is that any confetti left on campus grounds will eventually flow through storm drains and end up in the Arboretum Waterway and Putah Creek.

Preparing for ‘The Phenology Garden’

by Katie Hetrick
Mon, October 30, 2023

In partnership with UC Davis' Department of Entomology and Nematology distinguished expert, Dr. Emily Meineke, we have started laying the foundation for the creation of a Phenology Garden to examine how alterations in water availability affect interactions between plants and herbivores, like insects.