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Arboretum Waterway

group of interns from waterway stewardship harvesting tule

Arboretum Waterway Improved with Tule Transplants

by Indigo Wang
Tue, February 04, 2020

Student Leadership

Tule (Schoenoplectus acutus) offers wildlife habitat for birds and other animals, prevents erosion and adds to the aesthetic appeal of the landscape along the Arboretum Waterway.

Image of two student interns from the Learning by Leading Waterway Stewardship team planting a wild grape cuttings to prevent erosion and create a wildlife habitat along the Arboretum Waterway.

Wild Grapes in the West-end

by Indigo Wang
Wed, November 20, 2019

Student Leadership

Grape work! The barren banks on the west-end of the Arboretum Waterway are now home to wild grape cuttings, thanks to the Waterway Stewardship team.

Arboretum Waterway is Cyanotoxin-Free Once Again!

Tue, October 29, 2019

Community Engagement

Good news!

The Arboretum Waterway has recently been tested for microcystins — the primary cyanotoxin found in the Waterway in August. Results show the toxin is no longer present!

Image of beagle on a leash in the grass.

Cyanobacteria Detected in Arboretum Waterway

Tue, August 27, 2019

Community Engagement

Tests show that cyanobacteria are growing in parts of the Arboretum Waterway. These microscopic organisms can make a toxin that is rapidly lethal to dogs that ingest contaminated water.

Cyanobacteria FAQ

During the Summer of 2021, we tested for and found that cyanobacteria exists in the Arboretum Waterway. Commonly found in bodies of water throughout our state, nation and world, cyanobacteria usually occur in calm, nutrient-rich bodies of water.

Please note that cyanobacterial toxins can be harmful and even life threatening to canines. Do not let your dogs enter or drink the water.

Below are some FAQs related to the recent discovery.

Glitter is litter: Campus offers eco-friendly alternatives at popular photo locations

Mon, May 06, 2019

Environmental Education

The UC Davis campus is providing eco-friendly alternatives to plastic confetti at popular photo locations.

Image of female duck with brood in the UC Davis Arboretum Waterway.

Save the Ducks! Don’t feed them

Save the Ducks!

by Nina Suzuki, waterway steward

Image of water quality survey taker in the UC Davis Arboretum.

Community scientists needed to monitor the Arboretum Waterway

Wed, March 06, 2019

Community Engagement

by Saddy Preza Zavaleta

Calling all community scientists and Arboretum visitors! The UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden has launched a survey to monitor the quality of the Arboretum Waterway and everyone is welcome to participate.

Nina Suzuki Awarded Community Environmental Fellowship

Fri, September 07, 2018

Environmental Education

Nina Suzuki, waterway steward at the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden joins a diverse group of talented educators and conservationists who are using the power of education to help tackle tough issues in their communities and striving to create a more equitable and sustainable world.

Arboretum Waterway wildlife post Phase One construction

Tue, August 21, 2018

Environmental Education

Now that phase one of the Arboretum Waterway Maintenance and Enhancement Project is complete, we are enjoying watching the wildlife explore some of the new features of the waterway.