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Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research

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Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research

The Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research was established at the University of Arizona in 1937. In 1937 A. E.

Douglass, founder of the modern science of dendrochronology, established the Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research at the University of Arizona. The Tree-Ring Lab is recognized worldwide as a preeminent center for the advancement of tree-ring techniques and the broad application of dendrochronology in the social and environmental sciences.

03/17/2026

Dr. Pamela Pelletier has been leading virtual dendrochronology classes for the Romanian Robotics Club—and now that learning has come full circle.

A team of 6th graders from Sibiu, Romania recently qualified for the FIRST LEGO League Robotics National Competition, held March 8 in Bucharest. Inspired by the analogy of tree rings and barcodes, the students designed a prototype that connects a microscope to a device that analyzes images and performs pattern recognition to help date wood artifacts.

While the team didn’t take home the top prize, we are incredibly proud of what the “Robo Tribe” accomplished with their project, The Hidden Artifact. Take a look at the video they created or watch on our YouTube channel! https://youtu.be/Wi46QJhQTnM

03/16/2026

🌲✨ Tree-Ring Day is back!

On Wednesday, March 25, we’re bringing together the LTRR community to celebrate the amazing research happening across all levels — from undergrads to post-docs.

Join us during SEES EarthWeek! to connect, learn, and celebrate the stories our trees are telling. 💚

Let’s grow together — see you there! 🌎🌳

03/15/2026

Join us Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at noon for our next Tree‑Ring Talk with Dr. Neil Pederson: “Testing for Ecological Synchrony in a Muddy Forest Type via Ecological Crossdating: How to Hold on Loosely While Not Letting Go”.

Abstract:

Ecological studies of semi-arid forests have strongly shaped my research in the temperate, mesic forests of the eastern U.S. Observations of synchrony in tree growth and climate responses in these wetter systems have challenged long-held ideas about forest development. Yet the dense canopy, diverse species, and variable climate in mesic forests blur signals of synchrony, making crossdating—a key method for identifying past climate signals—surprisingly difficult. After more than a decade of ecological work, we’ve begun rethinking conventional crossdating approaches, holding loosely to the idea of a perfect chronology but firmly to the principles behind it.

Building on tree-ring analysis, we’re refining methods to better test ecological synchrony. Using a dataset from over 30 old-growth forests across the northeastern U.S., our first analyses in the Adirondack Park suggest that prevailing ecological theory may need revision. But many tests remain before we can confidently say how these “muddier” forests fit into the broader picture of forest dynamics and theory.

📍 Bannister 110 & via Zoom
🔗 Register via Eventbrite (link in bio or https://bit.ly/3ZNBHtp); Zoom link will be emailed. For registration issues, contact [email protected].

03/12/2026

✨ Discover the Attractions!
Dive into science, culture, and discovery at the Tucson Festival of Books 🌵📚

🗓️ Saturday, March 14 – Sunday, March 15
⏰ 9:30 AM – 5 PM
📍 University of Arizona Mall – Science of Tomorrow Tent

Explore hands-on exhibits and interactive experiences from:
African American Museum of Southern Arizona –
Coit Museum of Pharmacy & Health Sciences –
Sky School –
Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research –
Arizona Mining, Mineral & Natural Resources Education Museum –

Come explore, learn, and get inspired by the incredible community!

03/09/2026

🌿 Mark your calendars for Tree-Ring Day 2026!

📅 Wednesday, March 25
🌎 Part of EarthWeek!

A full day of student and post-doc talks, community connection, and tree-ring science that’ll blow your bark off! 🌲💥

Don’t miss this chance to see what’s growing at the LTRR!

03/06/2026

You don't want to miss this event! 🌎 Our Planet is in Peril

Climate change, PFAS contamination, mass extinctions, and the struggle to feed 8+ billion people are pushing our planet beyond its limits. These interconnected crises threaten our future — but visionary thinkers are working on solutions.

Join Mariah Blake, Kenneth Rosen, and Alan Weisman, moderated by LTRR's Dr. Valerie Trouet, for a powerful conversation about the challenges and innovations shaping Earth’s next chapter.

🗓️ Sunday, March 15 | 1:00–1:55 p.m.
📍 Student Union Gallagher Theater (Seats 337)
✍️ Book signing to follow at the UA Campus Store Book Sales (Mall)

03/05/2026

LTRR's Dr. Valerie Trouet will be at the 📚 Tucson Festival of Books -- Stories Drawn from Nature

Join Valerie Trouet, Jeremy Collins and Molly Hashimoto for a dynamic exploration of the Western landscape — from wildflowers and ancient trees to the sequoia leaders whose small seeds spark big change.

Through art, science, and story, they’ll reveal how the natural world shapes history, inspires awe, and strengthens our connection to place.

🗓️ Saturday, March 14 | 10:00–10:55 a.m.
📍 National Park Experience Stage (Seats 146, wheelchair accessible)
✍️ Book signing to follow at the National Parks Sales & Signing Area

03/04/2026

🌳 It’s time to register for Tree-Ring Day 2026!

As part of this year’s SEES Student Symposium – EarthWeek!, we’re celebrating tree-ring science on Wednesday, March 25th.

Join us for a day dedicated to sharing research and building community within the Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research! We’ll hear from graduate students, undergraduates, and post-docs showcasing their latest work in dendrochronology and beyond.

🗓️ EarthWeek runs March 23–27, and Tree-Ring Day is the highlight midweek—don’t miss it!

03/02/2026

🌲 Please note: There will be no Tree-Ring Talk for the next two weeks.

We’ll return on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at noon with a presentation by Dr. Neil Pederson:

“Testing for Ecological Synchrony in a Muddy Forest Type via Ecological Crossdating: How to Hold on Loosely While Not Letting Go.”

📍 Join us in person in Bannister 110 or via Zoom.

Dr. Pederson will present in person, and we look forward to seeing you back for this engaging Tree-Ring Talk!

02/27/2026

Joining us from outside the U.S.? 🌎 DISC2026 welcomes international participants and provides a clear timeline so you can align your travel, visa, and housing planning with the course schedule. 🧳📅

Participants from visa‑waiver countries can typically enter using ESTA, while those from non–visa‑waiver countries may need a B1/B2 travel visa, which can have substantial wait times—starting your application now helps ensure you can arrive by May 18. ✈️🛂

Once you’re here, you’ll spend the first week at classic Southwestern tree‑ring sites, then shift into intensive lab work, lectures on core concepts, and discussions of current LTRR research with faculty and invited speakers. 🌲🚐🔬

You’ll leave with real data, practical skills in sampling and analysis, and a network of peers and mentors in dendroarchaeology, dendroecology, and dendroclimatology. 📊🤝 Email [email protected] for questions or UA credit options, and visit the link in bio or https://bit.ly/4bvAXAl to get started. 💻✨

02/25/2026

Level up your wildfire curriculum with the Fire Ecology Learning Lab Educator Workshop, a free, hands-on professional development experience built for K–12 and informal educators in Arizona and New Mexico.

You’ll dig into standards-aligned lessons, ready-to-use activities, and trauma-informed strategies that help students understand wildfire as a natural, complex part of Southwestern ecosystems—without losing sight of community safety and resilience.

This workshop is a collaboration between the Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research and the Southwest Fire Science Consortium , partners who connect cutting-edge fire science with classrooms and communities across the region.

📩 Space is limited—hit the link in our bio to learn more and register, and follow and for more wildfire and fire ecology teaching resources.

02/23/2026

Join us Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. for our next Tree‑Ring Talk with Dr. John Besley: "Being a more strategic, evidence-based science communicator." 🎤🧠

📍 Bannister 110 & 💻 via Zoom
Building on his book Strategic Science Communication, Dr. Besley will share how to get intentional about your outreach by starting with clear “behavioral goals” – what you actually want your audience to consider doing after they hear from you. 🎯

Too often, we jump straight to tactics like “tell stories” or “engage in dialogue,” or focus on vague outcomes like “build trust” or “correct misinformation.” John will unpack how fuzzy goals can lead to ineffective communication and missed opportunities, and how scientists can identify ethical, audience-centered goals that guide smarter choices. ✨

🔗 Register to receive the Zoom link via link in bio or https://bit.ly/4qYoB8A

If you have issues registering, email [email protected] for the link. When you log on, you’ll be in the waiting room until the talk begins. ⏱️📬

Address

1215 E Lowell St
Tucson, AZ
85721

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

+15206211608

Website

http://ltrr.arizona.edu/

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