UC Davis Oaks

Peter J. Shields Oak Grove

More than 80 kinds of oaks are found in the Peter J. Shields Oak Grove, including a fine collection of oaks native to the western United States and many trees that are rare in cultivation. With its open vistas and wide sweeping lawns, the grove is a popular retreat for students and visitors.

Halloween comes early for Arboretum oaks

If you’ve strolled through the Arboretum lately then you’ve probably noticed intermittent ghost-like gloves covering the tips of oak tree branches. No, those are not DIY tree decorations; they are wasp collection receptacles and all are a part of an independent study project being conducted by undergraduate entomology major Laurie Casebier in collaboration with UC Davis’ Bohart Museum of Entomology.

Explore the Peter J. Shields oak grove

Thanks to Dr. John M. Tucker, professor of botany, director of the Arboretum (1965-66 and 1972-84), and a prominent oak researcher, the UC Davis Arboretum is home to one of the largest and most diverse oak collections in the country, focusing on trees from the southwest U.S., Mexico, and the Mediterranean region. Our collection includes about 100 species, varieties, and hybrids.

400 new oak trees planted in campus Riparian Reserve

In the past few weeks the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve, has hosted two different service organizations interested in conservation and habitat restoration. Wild Campus, a student group whose mission is to engage students and the community in the conservation of native wildlife, planted 100 oak trees amongst Eucalyptus trees slated for removal on the reserve. The area, now renamed Wild Campus Grove, will be cared for by the student group which received saplings from the Sacramento Tree Foundation.