WINDHAM, N.Y. — Last week the Windham-Ashland-Jewett (WAJ) science club got to think about the forest ecosystem in a whole new way! Andrew Randazzo (CCE Environmental Educator) and Deb Valerio (teacher from WAJ) helped familiarize club participants with dendrochronology. Dendrochronology is the study of tree age using tree rings. It is used to understand both tree growth patterns as well as atmospheric and climatic conditions under which the tree is living.
Developing an understanding of dendrochronology helps students paint a big picture. A picture that displays the interconnected nature of the forest ecosystem. Through the use of a Lab-aids’ dendrochronology kit as well as an increment borer students made connections between tree growth, weather patterns and the availability of water. All with a focus on field based instruction and learning.
The WAJ Science club would not be possible without the generous financial support of The Windham Foundation. The next session of the WAJ Science Club will take place in March.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. The programs provided by this organization are partially funded by monies received from the Counties of Columbia and Greene.
4-H is New York’s only youth development program directly connected to the technological advances and the latest research at Cornell University. 4-H participants learn leadership, citizenship and life skills through hands-on projects in three primary program areas: science and technology; healthy living; and citizenship. To find out more about 4-H and youth programs in Columbia and Greene Counties, contact us at 518-828-3346 orColumbiagreene@cornell.edu or visit our website, www.ccecolumbiagreene.org . You can also “Like” us on Facebook…Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties.
—Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties
For more articles out of New York, click here.