The UC Davis Arboretum Waterway Flood Protection and Habitat Enhancement project is nearing a major milestone, with earthwork and infrastructure set to finish in 2024—months ahead of schedule. Originally planned to be completed in November 2025, the revised timeline allows Arboretum and Public Garden teams to focus on establishing native plantings on the Waterways’ banks, testing the newly installed infrastructure and restoring areas impacted by the construction – about a year earlier than expected.

“It’s exciting, but don’t get too excited, yet,” said Nina Suzuki, waterway steward. “We aren’t done, done. Weather could delay some of the tasks we have yet to do, but we’re cautiously optimistic.”

Launched in March of this year, the project increases the Waterway's stormwater capacity by 6 acre-feet and replaces most of the concrete banks with natural earthen ones, soon to be lined with native plants. This phase builds on the work completed in 2018, which improved water flow and reintroduced native vegetation from Wyatt Deck east to the Davis Commons Shopping Center. Funded by a new $5.4 million grant and a $2.5 million university match, the current effort stretches from Lake Spafford to the western Waterway near the Equestrian Center.

What’s Been Completed

So far, major progress has been made on regrading the Waterway channel. Old concrete banks and sediment buildup have been removed, which will give the area a more natural look and improve its ability to handle stormwater runoff. One key transformation is at the west end of the Arboretum Waterway, near Putah Creek Lodge, where the lake has been deepened and the surrounding areas recontoured to create islands and new low-flow channels.

“We're excited about the increased capacity for stormwater storage,” said Suzuki. “The regrading and recontouring will make the entire Waterway system more resilient to flooding, while also creating an ecologically rich space.”

Additionally, underground piping work for the recirculating water supply is now complete. This system is key to keeping the waterway flowing and healthy, even during dry months, ensuring that water can move through the Waterway system more efficiently.

Current Work and What's Next

Between now and early November, construction crews will focus on finishing the concrete weirs throughout the Waterway, which help regulate water levels and flow in strategic areas. Work is also underway to upgrade the outfall at the west end, improving the way water exits the Waterway.

In mid-November, the team will reintroduce water in the Waterway and begin testing the newly installed pump system. This is also when the planting of native grasses and wildflowers will begin, helping to stabilize the newly graded banks and kickstarting the ecological restoration process.

"This project is not just about flood protection—it's about creating a thriving ecosystem in the heart of campus. We are replacing what was once concrete and sediment with riparian and wetland habitats that will support native species, improve water quality, and offer a more beautiful and functional landscape,” said Andrew Fulks, assistant director of the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden.

Finally, the landscape and paving in areas affected by construction will be fully restored, transforming the Arboretum Waterway into the functional, vibrant, educational space worthy of the university and community it serves.

"After many thoughtful years of collaboration with our Campus Planning office, faculty, and other campus partners, this project is becoming a reality,” said Kathleen Socolofsky, assistant vice chancellor and director of the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden. “We are so grateful and look forward to witnessing its continued transformation.”

Community Collaboration

“We’re ahead of schedule thanks to the incredible coordination and shared commitment of everyone involved including our design consultants, contractor, and staff from the Arboretum and Public Garden, Design and Construction Management, and Facilities Management,” said Susan Collopy, project manager for UC Davis Design and Construction Management. “Their dedication has been key to moving things forward faster than we originally anticipated.”

Community involvement has also been central to the project’s success, with the launch of a new Waterway Caretakers volunteer team and other local groups contributing to restoration efforts together with the already well-established Learning by Leading™ Waterway Stewardship student team. Additional opportunities for engagement are planned to allow the community to stay involved as the project moves forward.

To learn more about the project’s progress and future plans, visit the Arboretum Waterway webpage.