Learning by Leading™
We believe that students learn best by leading.
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. Internships correspond with the UC Davis academic schedule and are offered fall, winter and spring quarters. Summer internships are offered on an individual basis, in coordination with staff mentors.
Students in this program can graduate with . . .
- Central Valley gardening, drought-tolerant landscaping, habitat restoration and California native plant cultivation experience.
- Knowledge of horticultural best practices, plant propagation, landscaping, education, and community outreach experience.
- Highly-transferable leadership, team-building, and 21st century professional skills.
- Strong mentor relationships with staff experts and earn recommendations to support future endeavors.
- Knowledge organizing events that engage volunteers, visitors and other community members.
- A new network of students engaged in improving our campus outdoor spaces and positively impacting our planet’s environment.
Internship Overviews
Arboretum Ambassadors
This program seeks to empower youth leaders to become effective advocates for the environment through public outreach, environmental and conservation education, and networking through many organizations.
Edible Landscaping
In this program, interns learn a variety of horticultural, project management, and outreach skills as they maintain community-based edible garden projects on campus.
GATEways Outreach
GATEways Outreach interns work closely with Arboretum Staff to support large-scale events such as the Arboretum Plant Sales, and develop their own interactive events for the public.
Museum Education
Museum Education interns research and create interactive, interdisciplinary learning experiences in the Arboretum and Public Garden.
Naturalized Lands and Habitat Restoration
Interns will learn best management practices and the current science of restoring and managing natural systems as well as low water-use, sustainable landscapes using the principles of adaptive management.
Plant Propagation and Nursery Management
Work with professional Arboretum nursery and plant sales staff to gain hands-on experience working in a nursery. Interns will learn methods for propagating a great variety of plants, many of which are unusual in cultivation.
SEE Putah Creek
Our S.E.E. (Steward, Engage, Explore) Putah Creek interns will gain experience in the management and stewardship of natural lands which will provide them with a deeper connection and understanding of the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve and the riparian and upland ecosystems within it.
Sustainable Horticulture
Hands-on training includes irrigation design and installation, planting design, plant selection and installation, and long-term maintenance. Students will also be responsible for leading an independent project.
Waterway Stewardship
Interns will become familiar with land and water management concepts of sustainable environmental design, storm water management, and native habitat restoration in an urban setting.