AT THE ARBORETUM

Folk Music Jams — Play or listen. Noon today (May 14) and 28. Wyatt Deck.

Plant sale — End of Season Clearance, featuring hundreds of different kinds of plants, most of which have been grown in Davis and which have been shown to thrive in Central Valley conditions. The offerings include newly introduced and unusual garden plants that are hard to find or not available in commercial nurseries, as well as Arboretum All-Stars, the arboretum’s top recommended plants for Central Valley gardens. Join Friends of the UC Davis Arboretum at the gate for a 10 percent member discount and a free plant. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 15, Arboretum Teaching Nursery, Garrod Drive south of La Rue Road.

Tour — Oak Ecology and Diversity, exploring the wide range of tree and leaf shapes and sizes, in the Shields Oak Grove, the arboretum’s most important scientific collection. 2 p.m. May 16, gazebo.

Bicycle tour — What’s New at the Arboretum? Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest developments in the arboretum gardens and learn about exciting plans for the future. Bring your bicycle for an easy, slow ride lasting about an hour and covering less than five miles. 11 a.m. May 22, Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center.

Writers in the Garden — David Robertson, 7 p.m. May 25, and Dorine Jennette, 7 p.m. June 1. Organizers said Robertson and Jennette will read some of their work and talk about the importance of the natural world in their writing. Both events are set to take place on the Wyatt Deck. See separate story.

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”).

AT STEBBINS COLD CANYON RESERVE

NATURE OUTINGS

The Homestead Jamboree —

An impromptu concert under the tall tree canopy at the Stebbins homestead site. Keith Cary and Wyatt Hesemeyer are among the local musicians who plan a jam session of bluegrass, hillbilly and jazz songs, with hikers invited to gather round to experience the sights and musical sounds of the canyon. Bring picnic meals. The hike is 2.5 miles round trip, with a slight grade and a few steps. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 22.

Plant Communities and Habitats — A hike along the switchback trail through creek, oak woodland and chaparral habitats, to the west ridge where scenic vistas of the Sacramento Valley and Lake Berryessa fill the horizon in many directions. Approximately 2.5 miles with an ascent of 1,200 feet. 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, May 23.

North Coast Overnight — At Angelo Coast Range Reserve (north of Mendocino), another unit of the UC Natural Reserve System. The adventure includes an introduction to the reserve, a natural history presentation, and plenty of hiking and exploration. Moderate hiking through redwood groves, mixed conifer-deciduous forest and upland river terraces. Participants are responsible for all travel and food. Suggested donation: $62 per person, including cabin accommodations for Saturday and Sunday nights. May 29-31.

Introduction to Geocaching — High-tech treasure-hunting for hidden containers called geocaches. Learn how to use global positioning satellite (GPS) navigation as you hunt for geocaches within the reserve. Bring your own GPS units and other tools (map, compass, exchange items) or share with others. 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, May 30.

Trust Walk — Hike for a short distance along the homestead trail, then pair up with someone to help you walk a portion of the trail without using your sight. This activity heightens the other senses and creates a unique and lasting hiking experience. 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, June 5.

Star Gazing: Tour of the Night Sky — A 1 1⁄4-mile hike, slightly uphill, to a meadow. This outing fills up quickly, so RSVP early. Wear appropriate clothing for evening; binoculars are optional. 8:30-11:30 p.m. Saturday, June 12.

Loop Trail: Summer Solstice at Sunrise — Five miles of ups and downs with a 1,200-foot elevation gain, on the morning after the shortest night of the year. Many steps are interspersed with breathtaking views. Bring sturdy shoes, at least a liter of water, sunscreen and a snack. 5-10 a.m. Saturday, June 19.

NATURE’S THEATRE: NATURE PLAY FOR KIDS

All programs run from 10 a.m. to noon.

AGES 4-8 — To Be a Tree, May 16.

AGES 6-10 — Glug Glug and the Water Boss (water play), May 23.

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: nrs.ucdavis.edu/stebbins.html.