35th Dendrochronology Field School
University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho
May 22-31, 2026
The 35th Annual Dendrochronology Field School (DFS) will be held at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. The surrounding forests of northern Idaho offer old growth trees from larch, spruce, hemlock, pine and more, as well as fire-scarred pines, old cabins for dating, and complex sites with rich disturbance histories for dendroecology. Registration fees are $1750 US for students and $1850 US for professionals. Join the Tree-Ring Society and save $50 on registration! Your registration fee includes room and board for the entire workshop and transportation to/from the airport. Registration fees are due by April 1, 2026.
REGISTER HERE!
Groups
Introductory:Dr. Grant Harley (University of Idaho)
Ecology:Dr. Justin Maxwell (Indiana University)
Fire History:Dr. Lauren Stachowiak (Eastern Washington University)
Climatology:Dr. Karen King (University of Tennessee) and Richie Thaxton (University of Idaho) Note: Climate group will focus on a seasonal streamflow reconstruction
Dendroarchaeology: Dr. Maegen Rochner (University of Louisville)
Advanced Climatology:Dr. Savannah Collins-Key (University of Alaska Fairbanks) and Zachary Foley (University of Idaho). Note: Advanced Group will focus on Quantitative Wood Anatomy and climate reconstruction.
Questions? Please contact:
DFS Director
Professor of Geographic and Environmental Sciences
University of Louisville
Agenda*
1 - Fri, May 22: Travel Day. Introductions. Split into groups.
2 - Sat, May 23: Field day. Evening lecture: cleaning and sharpening increment borers.
3 - Sun, May 24: Laboratory day/Field day. Evening lecture: Crossdating.
4 - Mon, May 25: Laboratory day. Evening lecture: CooRecorder and Cdendro.
5 - Tues, May 26: Laboratory day. Evening lecture: Detrending and Standardization.
6 - Wed, May 27: Free day with hiking opportunities.
7 - Thurs, May 28: Laboratory day. Evening lecture: Dendro packages in R.
8 - Fri, May 29: Laboratory day. Evening lecture: TBD.
9 - Sat, May 30: Laboratory day. 1pm presentation of projects. Closing celebration.
10 - Sun, May 31: Travel day.
*This is a tentative schedule.
Deliverables - Each group will develop and deliver a presentation to all of the fieldweek participants.
Websites
Dendrochronology Field School: https://sites.google.com/view/nadef; Tree Ring Society Membership: https://www.treeringsociety.org/membership.html
Accommodations
The workshop will be held at the University of Idaho in Moscow. Lodging is dormitory-style with shared bathrooms—please bring a sleeping bag and pillow. Meals will be provided in the campus cafeteria; note any dietary restrictions on the registration form.
Getting There
The first event on May 22 is dinner around 6 PM, followed by introductions by all of the participants, and an introductory lecture. For those driving, dormitory parking at the University of Idaho will be available. For those flying, we will have shuttle buses to bring you from the Spokane International Airport on May 22 and for the return trip on May 31. Please arrange to arrive at the Spokane Airport by 3 PM on May 22 (if possible) so that we can get you to the station in time for the first events. Also, please arrange to fly out from Spokane after 10 AM (if possible) on May 31 so that we have time to get you down to the airport without having to leave the station before 7 AM.
What to bring
PC laptop
Field clothes including boots, hats, and layers for colder weather
Backpack and water bottle(s)
Sleeping bag and pillow w/ pillow case or twin bedding
Bath Towel and Shower Shoes
Increment borer if you have one
Preparation
For those new to dendrochronology, we recommend Jim Speer’s Fundamentals of Tree-Ring Research as an entry point to the discipline.
Code of Conduct
Participants must adhere to the Code of Conduct Policy here: https://www.treeringsociety.org/Code-of-Conduct