City of Davis allocates $40,000 for Arboretum sculptural feature
On October 5, the Davis City Council unanimously approved a proposal to allocate $40,000 for a sculptural gateway feature at the east end of the Arboretum. The Arboretum also recently received grant funding to build a new California Native Plant GATEway Garden at the east end, where the sculptural feature will be located. As part of the project, awkward pedestrian and bicycle connections at the site (above) will be improved. A request for qualifications from artists is currently underway. The qualifications submission deadline is December 12, 2011, with the grand opening projected for October 2012. Congratulations to Emily Griswold, assistant director of horticulture, for spearheading an important partnership that will create a beautiful new amenity and a groundbreaking city-campus collaboration. |
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Arboretum Story
When I entered UC Davis as a freshman in 1939, Putah Creek was lined with cottonwood trees where it crossed the campus. There was discussion about developing an Arboretum and a few plants had been set out near the A Street bridge.
With the encouragement and participation of the Botany department and campus staff, design, planning and planting continued along the creek banks. The early plantings were behind the campus firehouse, where there was access to water for irrigation. There was question whether coast redwood trees would survive in the heat of the Central Valley, and Dr. Elliott Weier was interested to test that case, so seedlings were propagated and planted. Unfortunately, during the Army occupation of the campus from 1942 to 1945, the Arboretum area was neglected and many of the new plantings died. Planting and care started again when the campus was returned to the University.
So when you admire the handsome redwoods and enjoy their cool shade on a hot day, you can appreciate the tenacity of the people and the plants that represent the beginnings of the Arboretum.
Lois Weston Weeth, '43
In honor of the Arboretum's 75th anniversary, we invite you to share stories, reminiscences, and thoughts about your experiences with the Arboretum. Stories will be featured in the newsletter, on our website, and on signs in the garden. To share your story, email [email protected]; include your name and phone number, and a photo if possible. Read some of the stories we've collected.
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Happy Holidays!
Share the Spirit of the Season with a Tribute Gift
Just in time for the holidays, we are pleased to present three new dedication opportunities in honor of the Arboretum's 75th anniversary. Tribute gifts, made to honor a loved one or commemorate a special occasion, help support the Arboretum's plant collections and public education programs. Gifts are fully tax-deductible. To learn more about making a tribute dedication in the Arboretum, please visit dedications.ucdavis.edu or contact Suzanne Ullensvang at [email protected] or (530)752-8324.
Oak Circle of Life Tiles 20" diameter $1,000
Each of the 43 hand-crafted ceramic mosaic tiles represents one part of the life cycle of a mighty oak tree. Together they form an interlocking pattern on the south seatwall at the entry to the Shields Oak Grove.
Redwood Grove Tiles 4" x 4" $750
Dedicate a tile in the Redwood Grove etched with a redwood needle motif and your custom inscription. The tiles will be placed along the back of the south seating walls.
Bench and Plaque 6' bench with 6" x 4" personalized plaque $6,000
New bench sites are now available in the Oak Grove, Australian Collection, and other select areas of the Arboretum.
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Nature's Gallery Court Update
Construction of Nature's Gallery Court is progressing at a steady pace. Contractor Steve Stombler (right), a UC Davis alum, has poured the foundation for the eight-foot wall that will display the Nature's Gallery mural and the L-shaped seating wall that will frame the patio.
You still have time to dedicate a tile or other feature to help support the Arboretum's educational programs. Visit dedications.ucdavis.edu or contact Suzanne Ullensvang at [email protected] or (530)752-8324 for more information.
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Guided Tours in December
Planting for Pollinators Saturday, December 3
2 p.m., Teaching Nursery Learn how your home landscape can provide habitat for native pollinators.
Special guest presenters: Robbin Thorp, "King Bee" professor emeritus of entomology, and Neal Williams, pollination ecologist in the Entomology Department.
Walk With Warren Wednesday, December 14 12 noon, Gazebo
Tour the plant collections with Superintendent Emeritus Warren Roberts
Under the Redwood Canopy Saturday, December 17 2 p.m., Wyatt Deck
Enjoy the peace of the redwood grove on a foggy winter day
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