AT THE ARBORETUM

The Oak Lifecycle — In fall, the oaks are ending their cycle, preparing to drop their seeds and hunker down for the winter. 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 27, gazebo.

California’s Native Plants — A tour of the Mary Wattis Brown Garden, focusing on plants native to California’s Central Valley. Learn why these plants thrive in our regional ecosystem. 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center.

Walk With Warren — Explore the pleasures of the winter garden with Warren Roberts, the arboretum's longtime superintendent, now retired. Noon Wednesday, Dec. 8, gazebo.

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 RESERVE

NATURE OUTINGS

• Loop Trail: What Are You Thankful For? — 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27. (Previous listings gave an incorrect date.) The reserve offers this hike each year the weekend after Thanksgiving, offering participants the opportunity to reflect along the way on what they are thankful for. Five miles, 1,200-foot elevation gain (with many steps). Information about the reserve is presented along the way, as hikers make their way through distinctive changes in plant communities — with breathtaking views in all directions. Look for the waterfalls that come with the rain! Participants are advised to wear sturdy shoes, and to bring at least a liter of water and a snack.

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

• Caroling in the Canyon — 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 11.

• 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.

NATURE'S THEATRE FOR CHILDREN

• Consumasaurus, the Dragon (ages 6-10) — 10 a.m.-noon Sunday, Nov. 21.

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, including details on all activities.