Hoops for the Arboretum: Santa Cruz Warriors Community Jersey Night

The Santa Cruz Warriors game on Thursday, March 24, at 7 p.m. highlights and benefits the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum. For every $25 ticket sold by the Arboretum, it receives $10 as well as proceeds from a silent auction. The Warriors play the Idaho Stampede in custom jerseys, generously presented by Allterra Solar, and attendees can bid on these during the game in the Kaiser Permanente Arena lobby. Winners will be announced at the end of the game and invited to join the players, who will autograph the jerseys and pose for pictures.

Jessica Fiske Bailey, Arboretum executive director, said she is thrilled with these partnerships. "We are excited to share our mission of conservation and sustainability with the Santa Cruz Warriors audience and attract new visitors to explore the gardens, learn about conservation and sustainability, and become inspired to support us as members, volunteers, or donors," she said.

The UC Santa Cruz Arboretum is a unique oasis. This 134-acre garden features plants from Australia, California, South Africa, South America, and New Zealand. The collections showcase flowering shrubs and trees from Mediterranean climates, such as Santa Cruz here on the central coast, which survive long dry summers with minimal maintenance. Visitors to the Arboretum not only find a variety of water-wise plantings but also enjoy superb nature watching, including numerous colorful hummingbirds. The Arboretum also benefits UCSC students through experiential learning and attracts international researchers across many fields.

To support the Arboretum, tickets can be purchased via phone at at 831-502-2998, at the Arboretum Offices, Norrie's Gift & Garden Shop, and during Hummingbird Days (March 5 and 6).