Arboretum Waterway Fund

We invite you to make a gift to support the Arboretum Waterway Flood Protection and Habitat Enhancement Project.

After years of input, planning, and evaluation, the Arboretum Waterway has been reimagined as a stunning campus jewel that reflects the environmental expertise of UC Davis, provides critical habitat for wildlife, and offers an amazing resource for student and community engagement.

A successful first phase of the Arboretum Waterway Project, completed in 2018, reintroduced waterflow and replanted native vegetation from the Wyatt Deck bridge to the eastern end of the Arboretum Waterway. More recently, a multi-million dollar grant from the California Natural Resources Agency, coupled with additional deferred maintenance funds from the university, enabled us to complete the waterway restoration from Lake Spafford to the far western end of the Arboretum.

Contractors finished reshaping the channel, building weirs, and installing circulation pumps in fall 2024, nearly a year ahead of schedule. The work of staff, students, volunteers, and community partners to establish new riparian habitat along the banks is ongoing.

Donors and partners have helped make this project possible. A state grant and university funds supported the major infrastructure improvements. Community donations during our spring 2025 Waterway Reimagined fundraising campaign helped fund other important aspects of the project, including support for our Learning by Leading internship program. This support enables undergraduate students to gain experience managing and enhancing the waterway ecosystem and supports their work on other environmental projects throughout the Arboretum and Public Garden.

You can give right now using the DONATE button above to help keep the Arboretum Waterway thriving as a vibrant part of our campus and regional community. Gifts of any size are appreciated! For information on larger naming opportunities associated with the Arboretum Waterway project, please contact us.

Your gift will help make our community’s vision for the Arboretum Waterway a reality and sustain it into the future. Thank you!