Get some exercise while helping at the Arboretum

How are those New Year’s resolutions going? Did you resolve to:

* Get more exercise?

* Spend more time outdoors?

* Volunteer for a worthy cause?

Add “learn about desert plants” – and you have Saturday’s special “Volunteer Day” at the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Gardens.

On Saturday, Jan. 31, the Arboretum needs volunteers to tackle its Desert Collection. From 9 to 11:30 a.m., this crew will give some TLC to the succulents, cactus and other low-water plants in this Arboretum garden, southwest of King Hall.

“Volunteer days are a great way to give back, meet other members of the community who enjoy volunteering and gardening, and experience the therapeutic effects of spending time in nature,” say the organizers. “No prior gardening experience is needed to participate, and everyone over the age of 18 is welcome regardless of your affiliation with UC Davis.

“We are holding an extra volunteer day in January to tackle some projects in our Desert Collection!” add the hosts. “Volunteers will weed undesirable plants and prune back collection plants that are in need of a refresh.”

This is an opportunity to learn which weed is which (and how to deal with them) as well as about care for desert plants. Volunteers should dress appropriately in layers (mornings are cold but warm up) and bring thick garden gloves; desert plants can be spiky. (Avoid wearing knit clothes that snag easily.)

Registration is not required, but suggested.

Parking is free on the UC Davis campus on weekends except where noted (such as events at the Mondavi Center). The closest lot to the Arboretum Desert Collection is Parking Lot 3.

The Arboretum Desert Collection features hundreds of interesting water-wise plants.

“The Desert Collection demonstrates the amazing adaptations to heat and drought that plants have evolved in the arid regions of the Americas,” says the Arboretum staff. “This area features cacti and succulents as well as fan palms, mesquites, and other trees and shrubs.”

For details, directions and advance registration: https://arboretum.ucdavis.edu/events/community-volunteer-day-1-31-26