The campus feels brisk and vibrant this November, with the cold mornings and changing leaves. There are many examples of faculty and students outdoors in action. Students with the Draft Horse and Driving Club have brought joy to many with their horse and carriage rides, giving our community a chance to connect with Olive, a gentle Percheron. At the Student Farm, students taking a course on the biology and conservation of wild birds measured and recorded characteristics and practiced handling golden-crowned sparrows, house finch and yellow-rumped warblers. For some students, it was their first time holding a bird in the palm of their hands.

This month I was excited to join the recent groundbreaking for the USDA’s new Agricultural Research and Technology Center, a facility located in Davis that will feature specialized labs, greenhouses and research space to tackle key issues in agriculture and capitalize on partnerships. I also had the pleasure of welcoming guests at the second California Germany Agrivoltaics Conference—an event that brought people together from around the world focused on helping us rethink how we grow crops and produce electricity.

In addition to celebrating birds and horses, we have several stories highlighting the diversity of our work with domestic breeds and wildlife, including new research that shows how large grazing animals like caribou impact the timing and growth of Arctic plants, which gives insight into how climate change will affect that region's unique ecosystems. We have a new Intentional Genomic Alteration Innovation Center to focus on genome editing of livestock to support science-based regulations that demonstrate the safety of the technology. We also have a deeper understanding of how mountain lions avoid interactions with humans by adjusting their nighttime behavior.

This month I want to celebrate two accomplished professors: Ben Montpetit, associate professor and department chair with the Department of Viticulture and Enology, was recently appointed the Richard M. Kunde endowed chair, which is named for a storied alum and pioneering Sonoma County grape farmer; and Clare Cannon associate professor with the Department of Human Ecology earned two new roles—author for a section of the federal Sixth National Climate Assessment that focuses on the impacts of climate change on rural communities, and faculty advisor in the UC Davis Office of Public Scholarship and Engagement to help develop a program that provides faculty support to colleges, schools and departments on campus. Congratulations to both!

As we slow down for Thanksgiving break, I hope you all make time to enjoy a moment of peace and reflection with friends and family.