LTRR Outreach Newsletter 2024
In our first Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research (LTRR) Outreach Program Newsletter, we’re excited to update you on some of our recent activities and new programs, as well as invite you to take part in our 2024 Holiday Giving Campaign, running through December 31, 2024!
Since its April 2023 launch, the Malcolm Hughes Endowment for Outreach has raised over $70,000. This Endowment will support a graduate student Outreach Intern in the spring semester. As the fund grows, our goal is to fund additional Outreach graduate student interns and staff, and new Outreach programs.
This newsletter showcasing our ongoing efforts to deepen public understanding of dendrochronology by connecting with diverse audiences. This edition features a few of LTRR's fall semester outreach activities and introduces Donna Mac, one of our six dedicated volunteer docents. We’re also actively recruiting new docents—click the links to learn more!
Your donation to the LTRR Outreach Program, through the Malcolm Hughes Endowment for Outreach or through our general Outreach Fund, helps create engaging programs for Tucson and beyond. We welcome support of our growing outreach program with a gift of any size!
Donate here
Ace Hardware brings together Girl Scouts and LTRR Outreach Program
Hendricks Elementary 6th graders engage with tree rings to connect science and society
Over three days in October, 75 sixth graders from Hendrick Elementary visited the Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research and took a deep dive into the world of dendrochronology, building on their classroom learning about tree rings, climate, and water use.
Call for New Docents
We are currently recruiting new LTRR Docents, with training opportunities starting in January 2025. Docents are trained volunteers who engage with diverse audiences at the LTRR to foster a better understanding and appreciation of dendrochronology. We welcome adults of all ages, walks of life, and educational backgrounds.
Sit Down with A Docent - Interview with Donna Mac
LTRR docents are a critical component of the Outreach Program. Donna Mac has been a LTRR docent for 7 years. She grew up in Massachusetts, but came to Tucson in 1992. We recently asked a few questions to learn a little more about this familiar face in the Laboratory.
We achieved endowment status in January 2024. This Endowment fund will support a graduate student outreach intern position in the fall 2025 semester. As the fund grows, our goal is to fund additional outreach graduate student interns and staff, and develop new outreach programming.
In addition to the endowment, the LTRR Outreach Fund support program costs including materials for teaching and curriculum development, support for docents and tours, refreshments for Outreach events, supplies for lab demonstration kits and outreach and educational exhibits.
Current priorities for funding include covering transportation costs for in-school classroom visits and school field trips to the LTRR, a summer program, support for additional staff and graduate student interns, and to help cover costs for new exhibits.
Please consider donating to either or both funds!