Learning by Leading

Learning by Leading

We believe that students learn best by leading. In this innovative environmental restoration and education program, leadership skills and real-world experience combine to help our students address the earth’s most important environmental issues. The Learning by Leading™ internship program offers quarter-long and school year-long internships in which students work in a team to solve real-world problems in the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden. 

A collage featuring photos of 1) a student intern driving a tractor in a grassy field, 2) two student interns posing with a white board in a dried grassy field and 3) A group of student interns gathered around someone holding a large whiteboard

Students Lead Habitat Restoration at Russell Ranch

At Russell Ranch, just west of campus along Russell Boulevard, a transformation is underway. What was once grazed pasture and alfalfa field is becoming a thriving native habitat led by UC Davis students and funded by The Green Initiative Fund, or TGIF. 

Composite of two images. On the left a dry landscape with grass and tall dried plants. On the right, three student interns stand among green grasses and flowering plants.

Restoration transforms old north channel of Putah Creek

  • by Scout Mata

Less than half a mile from the recently revitalized west end of the Arboretum Waterway, the dry north channel of Putah Creek is experiencing its own metamorphosis. Here, Arboretum and Public Garden Senior Environmental Steward Miles DaPrato and Learning by Leading™ Ecological Land Management interns are engaged in a years-long habitat restoration effort. 

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