AT THE COMMUNITY GARDEN

The public is invited to come out to the Experimental College Community Garden on March 14 for a potluck and a tour of the “world-class organic garden” (March 15 as a rainy day backup date.)

“This is a great opportunity to explore the possibilities with our new garden and activities coordinators (Lauren Cockrell the former and Skyler Blakeslee the latter), talk shop with the outgoing garden coordinator (Tim Quick), and to just discover the EC Garden — it’s amazing out there,” the organizers said.

The free event is set to begin at 1 p.m. People are asked to bring food or drink, or just yourself. Organizers said pizza will be served at the the start of the event, first-come, first-served.

The tour is scheduled from 4 to 5 p.m. “Walk the trails, explore various organic gardening techniques demonstrated in individual plots, witness spring in the garden and glimpse the modern urban homestead,” the organizers said.

The EC Community Garden is off Orchard Park Drive, near the Student Farm, southwest of the Domes.

AT THE ARBORETUM:

SEASON’S FIRST PLANT SALE

Plant sale — Member Appreciation Sale, with music, refreshments and children’s activities. This sale is for members only, but do not despair: You are invited to join Friends of the UC Davis Arboretum (or renew your membership) at the gate. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. March 13, Arboretum Teaching Nursery, Garrod Drive, south of La Rue Road.

Tour — Signs of Spring. 2 p.m. March 14, Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center.

Folk Music Jam — Play or listen. Noon March 19. Wyatt Deck.

Tour — Meet Some California Native Plants. 11 a.m. March 20, Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center.

Tour — All-Stars in the Garden. 2 p.m. March 28, gazebo.

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”).
 

NATURE OUTINGS

Plants: The Race to Reproduce — The dazzling array of reproductive strategies is best seen in early spring, when dozens of species flower simultaneously. 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 20.

Follow a Raindrop — A hike along the Homestead Trail to Cold Creek (1.5 miles round trip) and then to an overlook for a view of reserve’s watershed, Lake Berryessa, Monticello Dam and Putah Creek (two miles round trip). 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, March 21.

The Medicinal and Edible Landscape — A program on plants with healing properties. 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 27.

Discovering Creek Critters — A three-hour hike with a program on life forms, how to assess water quality by looking at bugs in the creek, and most important, how to play safely in the water. All ages welcome.

9 a.m.-noon Sunday, March 28.

The Song of Birds — What is the significance of the calls and songs? And what memory or image do such sounds stimulate in the listener? Bring paper or a journal and something to write with. All levels welcome. 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 3.

The Explorers: Both Young and Old — A hands-on adventure in the canyon. This outing is geared toward children, 10 years old and up.

9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 10.

Watercolors and the Outdoors — No experience necessary, just a willingness to experiment with paints and an openness to the surrounding beauty. All materials, as well as tea and scones, will be provided. Participants should bring blankets, sun protection and teacups. 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, April 11.

Wildflowers: The Colors of Early Spring — A walk along the Homestead Trail at the height of the blooming season. 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 17.

NATURE’S THEATRE: NATURE PLAY FOR KIDS

All programs run from 10 a.m. to noon, except for Mother Nature and the Toddlers, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

AGES 1-4 — Mother Nature and the Toddlers, April 17.

AGES 4-8 — Winter Won’t Go, March 20. Birdman, April 3. Animal Circle Club, April 11. Nature Heroes, May 2. To Be a Tree, May 16.

AGES 6-10 — Starwalker and the Planets, April 10. World of the Small, April 25. 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 and the complete schedule: nrs.ucdavis.edu/stebbins.html.