Donors drive greater growth across campus

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The UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden has fostered growth across campus thanks to visionary donors who funded key initiatives like our signature Learning by Leading™ internship program, which is developing the next generation of environmental leaders.

This hands-on internship program engages over 120 UC Davis students each year in nine different areas focused on environmental leadership. As an example of this program’s impact, one team of undergraduates is working to adapt the university’s tree canopy so it can thrive amidst a changing climate. They are coordinating tree research and testing by propagating plants, growing seedlings, and planting new species of trees throughout our campus.

In addition, we recently unveiled wonderful donor-funded upgrades to two major student and community engagement hubs within the Arboretum. In 2022, we completed the renovation of the beloved Wyatt Deck to make it an even more vibrant and accessible gathering place for connecting people with arts, culture, and the environment through public programs.

In 2023, we celebrated the opening of the Elizabeth Mary Wolf Environmental Learning Center, a spacious facility for hands-on education and community events. The center is anchored by a dynamic multi-purpose space that connects with the Arboretum’s Teaching Nursery courtyard, where the next generation of environmental leaders and stewards is mentored and developed.

The seeds our donors have planted will continue to bloom for decades to come, allowing us to enrich people’s lives while creating a healthier environment for all.