This October 22, 2026 feature from the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden looks back on its Summer Landscape Assistant program, in which 13 students spent the summer mulching, weeding, and power washing buildings across campus while photographing their work. They worked alongside staff from Grounds and Landscape Services and Building Maintenance Services and learned from longtime volunteer gardeners. They also took part in weekly leadership trainings through the Learning by Leading™ program. Along the way, students gained practical skills, a broader view of how the campus operates, and ideas about possible career paths, all while helping make UC Davis a more beautiful and welcoming place.
The UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden is transforming six acres in West Village into the West Village Habitat Corridor, a native habitat of California meadows, oaks, and shrubs.
The Arboretum turns 90 this year, but it almost didn't. A new UC Davis Magazine feature explores how generations of students, staff, faculty, volunteers and supporters transformed an underfunded garden into a beloved campus jewel and living laboratory—pioneering ideas that now advance climate resilience, student well-being and environmental leadership far beyond Davis.
Summer 2026 marks the beginning of the Physical Sciences District Improvements, a long-planned effort to transform aging pathways, landscapes and former construction staging areas into welcoming, well-defined spaces that improve safety, circulation and the overall campus experience.
UC Regents have approved a $55 million component of the Big Shift, funding the installation of thermal energy storage and heat-recovery technology to cut fossil fuel use and lower utility costs.
Beginning mid-January 2026, UC Davis Facilities Management’s Custodial Services will adjust the frequency of services in conference rooms (from daily to weekly) and research labs (from daily to twice weekly).
When Student Affairs reached out to Facilities Management for help with another renovation, it was the continuation of a trusted partnership built over years of collaboration. This time, the focus was on supporting the Strategic Asian Pacific Islander Retention Initiative (SA/PIRI), a program dedicated to empowering students through mentorship, advocacy, and cultural connection.
Affectionately known as “Touchdown Tower,” this 162-foot utility landmark just completed a full restoration and now features two UC Davis logos and programmable LED lighting, transforming it into a new symbol of Aggie pride.
UC Davis Facilities Management has completed upgrades to the traffic signals at the intersection of Mrak Hall Drive and Old Davis Road, restoring them to full operation and installing new Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) devices.
Beginning Sept. 1, the Wastewater Treatment Plant will be closed to non-authorized staff. Large items will no longer be allowed to be dropped off at the site.
This season, a coordinated effort led by Facilities Management’s Arboretum and Public Garden and Building Maintenance Services teams is giving building entrances across campus a much-needed refresh, with a combination of pressure washing and landscape touch-ups.
