The arboretum is taking signups for a new cadre of gardening volunteers.

According to a news release, the arboretum will accept 12 people for a training program that will meet from 9 a.m. to noon every Wednesday, Feb. 2 to March 2.

To participate in the training, volunteers must commit to working one morning each week: on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. The work is not overly strenuous but definitely physical and outdoors, so volunteers must be able to handle the exercise and the weather, according to the news release.

Organizers said volunteer gardeners work with arboretum horticulturists, care for a broad variety of plants and learn new plant care skills, not to mention that volunteers get to meet other gardening enthusiasts — all while enjoying the beautiful arboretum.

Interested in volunteering? Contact Margaret Kralovec, the arboretum’s community outreach manager, (530) 752-1404 or makralovec@ucdavis.edu.

More at the arboretum

Folk Music Jam Sessions — Pull out your fiddles, guitars, mandolins, penny whistles, pipes, flutes, squeezeboxes — you name it! — and join your fellow musicians during the lunch hour for a little bluegrass, old-time, blues, Celtic, klezmer and other world music. All skill levels welcome. Listeners, too! Noon Fridays, Jan. 7 and 21, Wyatt Deck.

Walk with Warren — With Warren Roberts, retired arboretum superintendent. Noon Wednesday, Jan. 12, gazebo.

Twelfth Night — Presented by the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble in conjunction with the Friends of the UC Davis Arboretum. Rob Salas directs this production of Twelfth Night, which the presenters describe as Shakespeare's most musical play as well as greatest comedy. The Davis Shakespeare Ensemble announced that the production will feature a live rock band playing original pieces, with music directed by UC Davis student Richard Chowenhill. 8 p.m., Thursday-Sunday, Jan. 13-16 and 20-23, gazebo — regardless of the weather (organizers said they will bring in heaters for the covered gazebo). $12 for adults, $8 for students, and $5 for children 12 and under. Ticket reservations and more information: (760) 310-0323 davis.shakespeare@gmail.com.

Storytime Through the Seasons: Under the Persian Oak — All ages are invited to explore the natural and cultural world of the Middle East, and discover the diversity of oaks through hands-on activities. 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, gazebo (or 146 Environmental Horticulture in the event of rain).