Last year, the UC Davis and regional communities came together to support the Trees for Tomorrow campaign, ensuring that our campus continues to thrive with a diverse and resilient tree canopy. Thanks to generous donations, dedicated volunteers, and passionate student leaders, we have made remarkable strides in planting new trees, enhancing campus landscapes, and creating opportunities for hands-on learning.

Honoring the Legacy of a Beloved Tree

One of the most significant efforts funded by last year’s Trees for Tomorrow campaign took place at Lake Spafford on March 1, 2025, where the Arboretum lost one of its most beloved landmarks—the majestic Japanese zelkova (Zelkova serrata).

For decades, this iconic tree was a favorite gathering place for picnics, wildlife viewing, and quiet reflection. When campus arborists discovered a deep structural crack in its trunk, they explored every possible option to save it. Unfortunately, the risk of failure was too great, and the difficult decision was made to remove the tree.

"Seeing that tree go was heartbreaking," said Emily Griswold, director of GATEways Horticulture and Teaching Gardens. "It was a reminder of the huge impact that even a single tree can have in shaping a treasured landscape. It also reinforced our commitment to planting for the future."

In response, the Arboretum and Public Garden community came together at a festive tree-planting event where students, volunteers, staff, and their families gathered in the heart of the East Asian Collection to plant 28 new trees in the area surrounding where the zelkova once stood. Bakuhatsu Taiko Dan, a student-led Taiko drumming group—whose instruments are traditionally made with zelkova wood—energized the crowd, turning the day into a joyful celebration of environmental renewal.

The newly planted trees–carefully selected to thrive in the evolving climate–will provide shade, habitat, and beauty for generations to come. This effort embodies the spirit of Trees for Tomorrow—honoring the past while investing in a greener future.

Campuswide Impact

The Trees for Tomorrow campaign didn’t stop at Lake Spafford. Over the past year, teams of students, staff and volunteers planted another 118 trees across campus, enriching our urban forest and establishing a more climate-resilient tree canopy for UC Davis.

All these efforts were made possible in large part by the Learning by Leading™ Urban Tree Stewardship team, a group of 15 student interns and leaders who play a critical role in tree planting, care, and community engagement. Their work included organizing:

• Three public tree-planting events, engaging about 70 volunteers
• Three internal Learning by Leading planting events focused on student-led efforts
• Ongoing tree care and maintenance to support newly planted trees

"Planting trees isn't just about improving the landscape," said Griswold. "It’s about bringing people together and empowering students with skills that will shape their careers and communities. These experiences create lifelong stewards of the environment."

Looking Ahead: Waterway Reimagined

Building on the success of Trees for Tomorrow, we’re excited to launch our spring 205 campaign: Waterway Reimagined. This campaign will focus on ensuring the newly reimagined Arboretum Waterway has the foundation it needs to thrive. We’re planning ahead to provide our students with the opportunities and resources they will need to care for this rich ecosystem, all while gaining environmental leadership and outreach experience.

Just as our trees provide essential shade, beauty, and ecological benefits, the Arboretum Waterway is a vital resource that connects people, plants and purpose. 

Learn more about how you can be part of supporting the long-term health of this transformative project.