ARBORETUM

MOVING SALE APRIL 12: This weekend's plant sale at the arboretum nursery will feature special clearance tables and a larger discount for members in an effort to reduce inventory as the nursery prepares to move to a new home by the fall.

Organizers said the member discount will be 20 percent -- twice as big as normal. Anyone can join at the gate to take advantage of the discount, and every new member receives a free gift, too.

The sale is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The nursery is near the southwest corner of Orchard and La Rue roads, and parking is free in the adjacent Lot 35.

Other arboretum events:

Tour -- Spring in the Native Plant Garden. 11 a.m. April 12, Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center. Free parking in Lot 1 and the garage south of the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts.

Folk Music Jam -- Play or listen. Noon April 18. Wyatt Deck, adjacent to the redwood grove. Parking $6 in Lot 5, Old Davis Road and A Street.

Bicycle tour -- An easy, slow ride lasting about an hour and covering less than five miles, showcasing recent arboretum improvements. 11 a.m. April 26, Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center. Free parking in Lot 1 and the garage south of the Mondavi Center.

All events are free and open to the public. More information: (530) 752-4880 or arboretum.ucdavis.edu.

STEBBINS COLD CANYON

NATURE OUTINGS

The Song of the Birds: A Journal Approach -- 9 a.m. April 12. Bring paper or a journal and something to write with. All levels welcome.

The Poetry of Nature -- 9 a.m. April 13. Bring paper or a journal and something to write with, so you can jot down your thoughts.

Geology and Climate Change -- 1 p.m. April 20 (at Bobcat Ranch, northeast of Stebbins Cold Canyon; meet at Steady Eddy's in Winters).

Stylish Snakes and Nifty Newts: Reptiles and Amphibians -- 9 a.m. April 27.

A Day in Paradise -- 10 a.m. May 3, along Putah Creek on Tom and Ginny Cahill's land northeast of Stebbins Cold Canyon, with four-wheel-drive vehicles available for shuttles to and from the lunch spot, for people with limited mobility or other special needs. The hike, for people who walk it, is one mile. E-mail your questions regarding your special needs and access.

Watercolors and The Outdoors -- 8:30 a.m. May 4 (at Bobcat Ranch, northeast of Stebbins Cold Canyon; meet at Steady Eddy's in Winters). Leisurely walk to a quiet spot, where color, shadow, and sweeping scenery will be the backdrop for painting. No experience necessary, just a willingness to experiment with paints and openness to the surrounding beauty. For all skill levels. Materials included.

NATURE'S THEATER

Naming Day With Mother Nature -- 9 a.m. April 12. For ages 6-10.

Animal Circle Club -- 9 a.m. April 13. For ages 4-8.

How the Flowers Got Their Colors -- 9 a.m. May 4 (for ages 4-8)

Mother Nature and the Toddlers -- 9 a.m. May 18 (for ages 1-4)

All activities are free and open to the public. 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 and the complete activity schedule for spring and summer: nrs.ucdavis.edu/stebbins.html.

RAPTOR CENTER

FIELD TRIP APRIL 12: Focusing on the natural history of western Yolo County. Organizers said participants are encouraged to bring magnifying lenses and binoculars for viewing rocks, flowers and birds. Participants also should bring bag lunches.

Meeting time is 8:30 a.m. sharp at the raptor center. To get there, take the UC Davis exit from Interstate 80 and turn south onto Old Davis Road. Cross the railroad tracks and turn left onto the paved levee road immediately before the Putah Creek bridge. Follow the levee road for a distance of about a block, then turn left, down into the free parking area.

This event is free and open to the public. If you are interested in going, call the raptor center at (530) 752-9994 and leave a message with your name, the number of people in your party and a phone number where you can be reached in the event of a rainout.