The calendar says "October," the arboretum says "Oaktober," beckoning visitors for a tour of the oak collection, one of the largest in the nation, at the time of year when the trees are preparing to drop their seeds and hunker down for the winter.

In describing the It's Oaktober! tour, the arboretum staff said: "Learn more about the stages in the life of an oak and check out the great diversity of oak tree shapes, sizes, leaves and acorns."

The tour is set for 10 a.m. Saturday (Oct. 1), starting at the gazebo.

Then, on Sunday (Oct. 2), the arboretum presents a Turtle Talk and Tour suitable for the whole family.

Professor Brad Shaffer, professor, Department of Evolution and Ecology, and director, center for Population Biology, plans to discuss research on the interactions between the arboretum waterway's native western pond turtle (a declining species) and non-native, exotic turtles (many of them former pets, released into the waterway).

The program also includes a tour of favorite turtle basking spots.

The turtle program is scheduled from 1-3 p.m., starting on the Wyatt Deck.

More at the arboretum

A Midsummer Night’s Dream — Presented by the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble in partnership with the Friends of the UC Davis Arboretum. 8 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 29-Oct. 2, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, gazebo. See separate story.

Folk Music Jam Sessions — 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, Sept. 30, and Oct. 14 and 28, Wyatt Deck.

Poetry in the Garden: Vanessa Niño-Tapia and Francisco Dominguez — Noon Wednesday, Oct. 5, Wyatt Deck (or, in the event of rain, 148 Environmental Horticulture). See separate story.

Opening Night: Readings by Creative Writing Faculty — 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, Wyatt Deck (or, in the event of rain, 126 Voorhies Hall). See separate story.

Plant Sale: Growing a Green Future — Focusing on sustainable gardens, with an inventory that includes Arboretum All-Stars, and houseplants and exotics from the Botanical Conservatory. Ten percent discount for members of Friends of the UC Davis Arboretum and the Davis Botanical Society. People are invited to join at the gate — to receive the discount and a free plant, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9, Arboretum Teaching Nursery.

Science Café: Medicines from Nature — Drugs that Changed the World — With Professor Ted Molinski of UC San Diego's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. An informal talk in which Molinski nwill provide an overview of the development of medicines from plants and other natural sources, and discuss the historical impact of this research and several recent breakthroughs that have helped lead to cures for diseases. 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, Wyatt Deck. Followed by a reception with light refreshments and the opportunity to chat with the professor. Co-sponsored by Jared Shaw, assistant professor, UC Davis Department of Chemistry.

Knowing Our Native Plants — About the diversity, adaptability and beauty of California native plants. 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, Wyatt Deck.

Halloween Walk with the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble — 8 p.m. Wednesday-Monday, Oct. 26-31, Shields Oak Grove (across from the gazebo). See separate story.

All programs are open to the public, and all are free except A Midsummer's Night Dream and the Halloween Walk. More information: (530) 752-4880 or arboretum.ucdavis.edu (for directions, click on “Plan Your Visit”). 

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