More Outdoors: At the arboretum

Leafless trees and a chill in the air, yes. Snow? probably not. Still, as fall turns to winter, the UC Davis-managed Stebbins Cold Creek Reserve offers quite the setting for the first-ever Caroling in the Canyon nature outing.

"Looking around the canyon in December I get a sense of the entire ecosystem bedding down for the short days and long nights of winter," said Jeff Falyn, who coordinates fall and spring outings at the reserve.

"Caroling in the Canyon is like singing a lullaby to the canyon as it rests for a few months."

The all-ages program is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 11. A few spots remained as of midweek.

Falyn said local musician Keith Cary will lead the caroling, and he will bring handouts with the words for popular holiday songs.

The assembled group will walk less than half a mile, singing along the way, Falyn said.

MORE AT STEBBINS COLD CANYON RESERVE

• Natural History: As If Looking at the Canyon for the First Time — 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4.

• The New Trail — 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18.

• Winter Solstice: Reflection and Optimism — 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19.

SIGN-UPS

All activities are open to the public. Optional fees: $5 per person or $10 per family. Activities fill up fast; reservations are required. E-mail Jeff Falyn, jfalyn@ucdavis.edu, with your name, address, event date, and phone number and-or e-mail address, and indicate whether you need directions. More information.