More Outdoors: At the arboretum

NATURE OUTINGS

• Discovering Creek Critters — Hands-on exploration and other activities, focusing what types of things are living in local creeks, how to assess water quality by looking at bugs in the creek, and, most important, how to play safely in the water. A three-hour hike. All ages welcome, with the organizers saying this program is great for children 9 and up. 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 2.

• 4 Perspectives — Learn how to use all of your senses in the canyon. With Barbara Byrne, who uses the senses of touch and sight in exploring plants and flowers; artist Alison Kent, who looks and listens for birds and other animals; Goran Muhlert, a blind hiker and musician who tunes into sounds and smells; and Ann Noble, professor emeritus in the Department of Viticulture and Enology. Noble is the sensory scientist who developed the wine aroma wheel, which can be used by inexperienced wine tasters to train their brains and noses to connect aromas with the appropriate terms. 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, April 3.

• From the Trail to the Garden: Native Plants and Wildflowers — Many of the the canyon’s plants and wildflowers can also grow beautifully in home gardens and landscapes. Ryan Deering, horticulturist with the UC Davis Arboretum, leads this stroll through the canyon, highlighting the familiar and unusual plants of the reserve with a special emphasis on their potential use in the garden. 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 9

• Watercolors and the Outdoors — How to use watercolors to capture the colors and moods of natural scenery. No experience necessary, just a willingness to experiment with paints and an openness to the surrounding beauty. All painting materials, as well as tea scones, will be provided. Participants should bring blankets, sun protection and teacups. 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, April 10.

• Wildflowers: The Colors of Early Spring — Each month new wildflowers bloom for a brief period and then fade away until the following year. Barbara Byrne leads this walk on the Homestead Trail at the height of the blooming season. 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 23.

• Nocturnal Happenings — What happens when night falls in Stebbins Cold Canyon? On this walk, you will rely on all of your senses to experience the vibrant world of the reserve after sunset. Stories, stargazing and experiential activities along the way to help the participants appreciate the “dark side” of Stebbins. For adults and children 8 and up. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 30.

NATURE’S THEATRE: Nature Play for Kids

Nature’s Theatre invites children to become part of the story and learn from Mother Nature, Professor Planthead and Tiny and Whiny, to name a few.

Each outing is an opportunity to play outside and learn a little bit more about the secrets of nature. All programs run from 10 a.m. to noon, except Mother Nature and the Toddlers (10-11:30 a.m.)

• Mother Nature and the Toddlers (ages 1-4) — Sunday, April 3

• Silly Ol’ Professor Planthead (ages 6-10) — Sunday, April 10

• World of the Small (ages 5-10) — Saturday, April 23

• Starwalker and the Planets (ages 6-10) — Saturday, April 30

• Consumasaurus, the Dragon (ages 6-10) — Saturday, May 7

• Nature Heroes (ages 5-10) — Saturday, May 14

• Glug, Glug and the Water Boss (water play for kids, ages 5-10) — Sunday, June 5

SIGN-UPS

All activities are open to the public. Optional fees: $5 per person or $10 per family. Activities fill up fast; reservations are required. E-mail Jeff Falyn, jfalyn@ucdavis.edu, with your name, address, event date, and phone number and-or e-mail address, and indicate whether you need directions. More information, including the complete schedule.