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What's Happening at the Garden

Join us in our gardens on First Tuesday Community Day and Early Bird Saturdays. Or check out one of our Special Events below.

 

  • pincushion proteaFirst Tuesday Community Day. Join us for FREE ADMISSION - Only on the First Tuesday each month.
  • hummingbirdEarly Bird Saturdays. Early sunrise hours in our gardens, access for Arboretum members and volunteers only. Occurs on the 3rd Saturday of each month. (cancelled with heavy rain)
  • No alternative textFirst Saturday Tours have Resumed! Free to members or with PAID Daily Admission, First Saturday Tours give you a great introduction to the Arboretum's plant collections and the wildlife that depend upon them for food and shelter.
  • No alternative textBird Tours (March through November Only) These fun tours focus on the avian community AND the flowering plants they are so attracted to. More details>
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    Hummingbird Month - Whole month of March 

    Come celebrate the beginning of hummingbird migration season with a visit to the Arboretum!

  • sunset in the gardenGift & Wreath Sale - Annual Holiday Event held the Saturday before Thanksgiving. This year the Gift & Wreath Sale will be Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023.
  • red flower green backgroundHOLIDAY SHOPPING: Get gifts for loved ones AND support the Arboretum at the same time! Choose from our nursery’s beautiful plants, unique garden and nature-related gifts, and much more! OPEN Tues-Sun, 10am-4pm.
  • image of raptor Join us for our Annual Raptor Day to meet & learn about these amazing creatures. Usually occurs on a Saturday in July. The next Raptor Day will be in 2024.
  • Photo of Ray CollettRay Collett Lecture Series Inspired by Arboretum founding Director Ray Collett: "People deserve the freedom to enjoy and pursue their own fascination with the natural world." Click on link to see past lectures. Future dates TBA.
  • No alternative textCommunity Science: Garden Phenology Walk. Future dates TBA.
  • edge of large corpse flowerCorpse Flower 2022: In August, 2022, the Corpse Flower was moved back to the UCSC Greenhouses and the expert care of Director Sylvie Childress. Check the UCSC Arboretum facebook or instagram pages for photos & time-lapse video of this remarkable plant.