My interest in trees should come as no surprise to anyone, but there is one arboretum (a.k.a., tree garden) in Balboa Park that particularly encourages my bladder control. The Trees for Health Garden, located near Balboa Drive and Quince Street, features dozens of tree varieties with unique medicinal properties to promote awareness of the value of these remarkable healing plants.

A number in front of each tree corresponds to a descriptive listing in the guide book available at the garden’s entry kiosk or in the Balboa Park Visitors Center. Favoring native, Mediterranean, tropical, and subtropical varieties, the garden includes trees used in traditional healing practices around the world (Mulberry, Jujube, Coffee Berry), as well as those prized for their nutritional properties (Pecan, Bay Laurel, and Pomegranate) and commercial applications (Tea Tree, Willow, Allspice).

While some of the names sound quite tasty, I was especially excited to discover that some trees, such as the African Sausage and African Walnut, even find their way into modern pharmaceuticals. Being a happy dog, my favorite, however, is the Happy Tree. Native to China, it produces a natural alkaloid (camptothecin), which has been used as a cancer treatment.

The Trees for Health Garden offers a scenic detour loop off of Park Trails #1 and #2, as just about any time of year something is in bloom.

Calling all dawgs! Here’s an event just for us: the third annual Bark in the Park at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion this Sunday, April 26, at 2:00 p.m. San Diego’s Civic Organist Carol Williams will play host to hundreds of two- and four-legged friends as they get to strut their stuff on the Pavilion stage as part of the special pet parade. This is the perfect opportunity to don your Sunday best or express your wild and crazy selves—or both!

This fundraising event will also include a free organ concert of pet-friendly music performed by none other than Dr. Williams herself, with inspiration provided by her best friend Ambush (pictured). Dr. Williams has played in some of the grandest venues worldwide, inflecting her energetic presentations of classical pieces with her own brand of charismatic wit and style.

All proceeds from Bark in the Park benefit one of my favorite charities, the San Diego Humane Society.

But don’t take my bark for it; check out this YouTube video for a peek at last year’s event.

You don’t need a sense of smell as sensitive as mine to enjoy the unmistakable fragrance of over 300 lily flowers now on display in the Botanical Building through May 6. Celebrate the season by experiencing this spectacular showcase of the remarkably beautiful flower.

Though it’s my personal opinion that every day should be Earth Day, we are fortunate that the largest free environmental fair in the world takes place right here in Balboa Park! Now in its 20^th year, Earth Fair 2009, on Sunday, April 19, promises to show everyone how we can each do our part to ensure the planet stays inhabitable for all creatures great and small.

The 70,000 attendees, not counting dogs, will be greeted by hundreds of environmentally conscious information booths, exhibitors, and vendors, while musicians perform on numerous stages and a special Kids’ Activity area entertains the little ones. Speaking of kids, be sure to arrive early to catch the Children’s Earth Parade that winds through the Park beginning at 10:30 a.m. Ed Begley Jr., my hero, is the grand marshal!

Being the one time of year I would consider eating a veggie dog, I understand the Food Pavilion is a true vegetarian’s delight. (Fortunately for hardcore carnivores, the Village Grill and many other fine park eateries will be open as well.)

Parking in the Park? Forgetaboutit. Head straight for the lots at City College or the County Administration Building and catch the free shuttle or, better yet, be truly green and take the bus or trolley. For details, visit the San Diego EarthWorks Web site.

You had to know that of all the festivals Balboa Park hosts year-round, there had to be one tailor made for me. And that would of course be Woofstock, taking place this Saturday, April 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the corner of Park Blvd. and President’s Way.

Billed as a festival for dogs and people, Woofstock features live music; food for everyone’s tastes; vendor booths offering unique pet products; my talented canine friends catching discs, playing flyball, and performing freestyle; a playground just for dogs; a groovy 60s costume contest; and a celebrity appearance by Lassie’s best bud Timmy, a.k.a. Jon Provost.

A fun, 1.3 mile dog walk to benefit Canine Companions for Independence kicks off the event at 8:00 a.m. (registration required). Humans need only pay a $5 admission fee to get into all the other activities, while all well-behaved leashed dogs are admitted free. Can’t beat that!