AT THE ARBORETUM

• Folk Music Jam Session — 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 Friday, Dec. 10, Wyatt Deck.

• Why Do Some Trees Lose Their Leaves? — A look at the difference between evergreen and deciduous trees in the Shields Oak Grove. 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, gazebo.

All programs 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

• Caroling in the Canyon — 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 11. Read more about this event.

• 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.