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90 Years of the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden

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  2. 90 Years of the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden
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Celebrating our 90th Anniversary!

For 90 years, the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden has been a place where people, plants and ideas grow. What began along the banks of Putah Creek in 1936 has grown into a living museum, a beloved community gathering place, and a source of ideas and programs reaching far beyond UC Davis. As we celebrate this milestone, explore the people and moments that shaped the Arboretum, join us for special events throughout the academic year, and discover how we’re building on deep roots to grow a more resilient future.

UC Davis Magazine Feature

Discover how 90 years of innovation are shaping our future!

Read the Article

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Share Your Memories

Share your story or photo and help us celebrate 90 years of memories, connections and moments that have made this place special!

Read Memories & Add Your Own

Become a Member       Make a Donation

Visionary Models for Growth and Impact

Discover how 90 years of strengths in horticulture, education and community engagement have grown into models for more resilient landscapes, stronger communities and the next generation of environmental leaders.

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UC Davis GATEways Project
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Learning by Leading™
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Nature Rx
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Living Landscape Adaptation Plan

Upcoming Events

People lying on mats under wooden pergola in outdoor relaxation session with singing bowls

Rest & Renewal: Fall Sound Bath at the Arboretum

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED: Thank you for your enthusiasm! This event has reached capacity, and registration is now closed. We appreciate your interest and hope you’ll join us for a future event.
  • Oct 17, 2026 @ 10:00am - 11:00am
  • Get Directions
  • Carolee Shields White Flower Garden and Gazebo
  • Event Details
Warren speaks to a crowd in front of Nature's Gallery Court

Walk with Warren

Get ready to immerse yourself in the vivid beauty of the UC Davis Arboretum as you embark on a midday adventure through gardens and collections with your guide Warren Roberts, superintendent emeritus.
  • Oct 21, 2026 @ 12:00pm - 1:00pm
  • Get directions!
  • Shields Gazebo
  • Event Details
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Art in the Garden

Explore hands-on activity stations featuring nature-inspired and collaborative art, including drawing with ink made from oak galls, cyanotyping and contributing to a community quilt.
  • Oct 24, 2026 @ 1:00pm - 4:00pm
  • Map to location
  • Arboretum GATEway Garden
  • Event Details
Student interns pose with plants in the Arboretum Teaching Nursery

Public Plant Sale

Celebrating 90 years:  Deep Roots, Bold Future

  • Oct 31, 2026 @ 9:00am - 1:00pm
  • Get directions
  • Arboretum Teaching Nursery
  • Event Details
Student interns pose with plants in the Arboretum Teaching Nursery

Clearance Plant Sale

Celebrating 90 years:  Deep Roots, Bold Future

  • Nov 14, 2026 @ 9:00am - 1:00pm
  • Get directions
  • Arboretum Teaching Nursery
  • Event Details
More Events

Recent Articles

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Davis Dirt: Deep Roots, Bold Future: UCD Arboretum at 90

Wed, October 14, 2026
Black-and-white photo showing a path through trees to wood shingled buildings and a small wooden bridge on the UC Davis campus.

Happy 90th Birthday UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden

Sun, October 11, 2026
Teal-tinted headshot of smiling man with bold title "GARY MAY CHANCELL-ING"

CHANCELL-ING: The Arboretum’s Legacy of Leisure, Learning, Leadership

Mon, October 05, 2026
Two young people outdoors measuring a turtle's shell with calipers, focused.

Davis Enterprise: Deep Roots, Bold Future: UCD Arboretum at 90

Wed, September 09, 2026
Sunlit field of orange poppies with a single purple wildflower on a green hillside

New Habitat Corridor to Take Root at West Village

Thu, August 27, 2026
Subscribe to Recent Articles

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Contact Us

Arboretum and Public Garden Headquarters:
Valley Oak Cottage
448 La Rue Road
Davis, CA 95616

Mailing Address:
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616

Tel: (530) 752-4880
Fax: (530) 752-5796
Email: [email protected]

More contact information

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