Digital Membership Cards

Upcoming Transition to Digital Membership Cards

As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and convenience, the Friends of the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden will soon transition from printed membership cards to digital membership cards. With a digital membership card, you’ll be able to easily add your card to your smartphone’s digital wallet for quick access whenever you shop at our plant sales, need to present it at other partner nurseries, or show it at other public gardens for free admission or other discounts as part of the American Horticultural Society’s Garden Network program (AHS Garden Network - American Horticultural Society).

This change will ultimately help reduce paper and plastic waste while making it easier to keep your membership card with you wherever you go.

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions at the bottom of this page! 

Thank you for your continued support of the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden and for helping us grow a more sustainable future together.

What you can expect:

  • Soft transition in 2026: Starting in summer 2026 and continuing throughout the year, upon renewing your membership, you will receive your physical membership card(s) in the mail. On the back of your card(s), you will have a QR code that you can scan with your phone to add to your digital wallet. 
  • Full transition 2027: Starting in summer 2027, all members will be transitioned to a digital membership card. Physical cards will only be provided if requested. 

Why we’re making the change:

  • Sustainability: Eliminates printing and mailing materials
  • Convenience: Your card is readily available on your phone
  • Cost savings: Reduces annual expenses for printing, mailing, materials, etc. 
Mockup of a phone with a digital Arboretum membership card on the screen.

Design subject to change based on membership level

FAQ

  • Why are we transitioning to digital membership cards? 
  • The digital membership card offers several key benefits. It supports sustainability by eliminating the need to print and mail physical materials, adds convenience by keeping your card readily accessible on your phone, and delivers cost savings by reducing ongoing expenses related to printing, mailing, and other materials.
  • Why aren’t we going fully digital now?
  • We’re introducing digital cards gradually to make sure the transition is smooth for everyone. Some members still rely on physical cards. This phased approach lets us test, improve, and ensure the digital experience works reliably before retiring physical cards.
  • What do I need to do?
  • Very little. When you renew or join as a new member, you’ll receive a physical card in the mail. On the back will be your personal QR code to scan using your phone’s camera. Once you add it to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, you’re all set! 
  • How do I download Google Wallet for my Android phone? 
  • You can install Google Wallet the same way you install any other app. For detailed instructions, see our Instructions for Android Users.
  • Why can’t I scan my QR code with my phone? 

  • Some scanners have difficulty reading QR codes from phone screens, but a few quick adjustments usually fix it. Try the following:

    • Moving your phone slightly farther away from the QR code
    • Tilting your screen to reduce glare
    • Increasing your screen brightness
  • What if I have a second member? 
  • Since each member receives their own physical card in the mail, the second member can simply scan their own card using the QR code printed on it. That will generate their personal digital card for their device.
  • Why is my banner photo at the bottom of my screen? 
  • This is normal. Digital wallet apps display card artwork differently depending on the app. Some place the banner image at the bottom as part of their standard layout. Your card is still valid and fully functional. It's just a visual formatting choice by the wallet app.
  • What do I do with the barcode? 
  • At this time, the barcode has no functionality. It is included as part of the card design.
  • How do I find the member resource links on the back of my card?
  • To get to the back of your digital membership card, while viewing the front of your card, select the three dots in the upper right corner. You’ll find quick-access links and additional member resources there.
  • Can I turn off/on notifications?
  • Yes! On the back of your card, you can manage notifications at any time. Just open your digital membership card, go to the back of your card, and toggle the notifications on or off based on what you prefer. 
  • What happens if I don’t install the digital card after I receive a new paper card?
  • If you don’t scan the QR code to add your digital membership card to your digital wallet right away, nothing changes for now. We’re in a transition period, so your paper card can be used as normal. However, starting in summer 2027, all members will receive a digital card, and paper cards will only be available upon request. As such, we highly encourage you to start familiarizing yourself with the new digital card platform. We’re here to help during this transition! Check out the other Frequently Asked Questions for further assistance. Having trouble downloading Google Wallet? Check out our “How to” here!