SHARE YOUR OAK STORIES: Did you grow up playing in a big old oak tree in your back yard? Did you get married beneath an oak? Does your family or culture have special traditions associated with oaks?

The arboretum is creating educational exhibits and programs about the trees in the Shields Oak Grove, and would like to hear stories about how oaks have played meaningful roles in people’s lives —in California and around the world.

Please share your stories via e-mail to aboretum@ucdavis.edu by March 31. Be sure to include your full name and phone number. Emily Griswold, assistant director of horticulture, said the arboretum will use the stories in print, online and in audio or video recordings in education programs.

PLANTS AND MORE AT THE SEASON’S FIRST SALE: The Member Appreciation Sale is scheduled for March 13, with music, refreshments and child-ren’s activities, and arboretum-tested plants, of course. This sale is for members only, but do not despair: You are invited to join Friends of the UC Davis Arboretum (or renew your membership) at the gate, and thereby gain admission.

This season’s other public sales:

• April 10 — Great Plants for Water-Wise Gardens.

• April 24 — Perfect Plants for Pots

• May 15 — End-of-Season Clearance Sale

All sales from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Arboretum Teaching Nursery, Garrod Drive, south of La Rue Road.

OTHER EVENTS

Folk Music Jams — Play or listen. Noon today (March 5) and March 19. Wyatt Deck.

Tour — Spring Preview in the Nursery. 2 p.m. March 7, Arboretum Teaching Nursery.

Tour — Signs of Spring. 2 p.m. March 14, Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center.

Tour — Meet Some California Native Plants. 11 a.m. March 20, Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center.

Tour — All-Stars in the Garden. 2 p.m. March 28, gazebo.

All events are free and open to the public. More information: (530) 752-4880 or arboretum.ucdavis.edu (for directions, click on “Plan Your Visit”).