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.

At Stebbins Cold Canyon

• 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.