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. 

Group of six accreditation team members standing outdoors near a building, with two students, Dyanna Perez and Amelia Swanson, explaining something to the group in front of a modern, green-accented building.

Landscape Architecture Accreditation Team Visits UC Davis

  • by Chiara Zavala

On April 15, the UC Davis Department of Human Ecology hosted a site visit from the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board as part of the re-accreditation process for the university’s Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture program. While accreditation visits are a formal step in maintaining program standards, this one also served as a celebration of student creativity, collaboration, and sustainability in action.

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

Houseplants offered at upcoming fall plant sales

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
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.
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