Another Day Another Byline - UC Davis Arboretum Trail Tour with Dean Dillard

When my relative, Jerry Hagstrom, visited me in my new home town of Sacramento, he was encouraged to set up an interview with Helene R. Dillard, the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Science at the University of California, Davis. Due to COVID protocols, Dean Dillard could not invite Jerry into her office for a traditional sit-down interview. Instead of simply arranging a Zoom chat, she offered to give him a tour of campus. 

Once upon a time, I had considered the hydrology Bachelors of Science program at UC Davis, so I was personally excited to hear about this opportunity. When the Dean confirmed that Jerry could bring a photojournalist-chauffer-glorified bag-holder, I immediately asked for the day off work.

Dean Dillard met us in front of Mrak Hall in a crisp gray pant suit, bright blue School of Ag mask, and sneakers. She started the tour at Lake Spafford--a biological resource, recreational/ aesthetic amenity, and the widest portion of the Putah Creek. We found the trail to be relatively empty until we reached the Shovel Gateway, a 2013 art installation by Christopher Fennel that symbolizes the partnership between the City of Davis and the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Gardens. At the point, the number of joggers, bikers, and walkers noticeably increased, so we doubled back onto main campus. As we looked at the various buildings and facilities of the agriculture school, we heard about Dean Dillard's inspiring career journey. I made sure Jerry could get some exclusive interview time AND earned my various Bylines by chasing down and photographing plants and bugs and cows (for more, see the March 15, 2021 edition of The Hagstrom Report).

We wandered the water-front trail all the way to the arboretum before making the loop around to the other side of the trail/water. I really liked the Nature's Gallery art installation (pictured left). The tiles were raised and multi-dimensional, so in addition to the bright colors, one could get a feel-by-touch experience examples of the insects and drought-tolerant plants that a visitor could find n the Ruth Risdon Storer Garden. I was pleased to get a photo taken with Jerry there. =)

It was a delightful two hours and overall wonderful volunteer experience.