By: Lydia Collas

In September 2016, Dana Harris, a student in the Sustainability Science and Society graduate program, attended the 27th annual European Dendroecological Fieldweek in Slovenia. I caught up with her recently to find out about the experience and how it was contributing to her present research.

As a first year Master’s student, Dana is in the early stages of planning her thesis. The research centres on dendrochronology- the method of dating tree rings to analyse past atmospheric conditions. So Dana thought the European Dendroecological Fieldweek provided the perfect opportunity to prepare for her own data collection, “I will be analysing anatomical features and cellular development of the Jack Pine tree species. I attended this workshop to gain the skills necessary to work with the processing techniques for microscopic analysis of wood anatomy.”

The field week gives students the opportunity to work with leading scientists on dendrological issues. Early in the week they split off into small groups to conduct mini research projects, “I worked with the Wood Anatomy team and field leader Alan Crivellaro. We put together a series of research projects that would help our understanding of wood anatomical features and how these structures could be used to research environmental changes in alpine areas.”

The event was held in the Slovenian Alps which provided a picturesque location for data collection, “We travelled from Kranjska Gora to the top of the Sleme mountain where we took samples of 25+ unique species. We looked at the cellular structures by taking thin sections of the stem of the plants and studied the anatomical changes from structurally simple plants like the lycopodium to complex plants like rhododendron.” This work gives rise to some striking images which are produced by adding dye to images seen with the help of a microscope.

Dana said she gained much from the field week “it helped me gain both a deeper and broader knowledge of dendrochronology techniques and research. It specifically helped me learn the baseline tools and techniques for the research I will conduct as part of my thesis.”

Alongside the hard work, there was time for sightseeing too, “I explored the main city of Ljubljana, took a day trip out to Piran on the coast, and visited the Skocjan Caves. My favourite day was when we hiked up the Sleme. At the top of the mountain you could see Austria, and Italy off in the distance, and some amazing views of the Slovenian Alps. We also got to swim in a lake in Kranjska Gora- it was freezing but a nice way to cool off after exploring some of the trails.”

After presenting the research to the rest of the group at the end of the week, it was time to head home to where the university year was beginning. Dana is a student in the Sustainability Science and Society graduate program which brings together students from a range of backgrounds with a great diversity of research interests. For more information on the program, visit www.brocku.ca/ssas.

Dana is very grateful for funding she received to attend this event courtesy of Dr. Michael Pisaric. More information on the event can be found at http://dendro2016.gozdis.si/.

Rosa sp. Cross section. Cross sections are dyed so anatomical features are more apparent for analysis. Here you can see 5 growth rings separated by the row of larger vessels (early wood formation). Photo by Dana Harris.

Getting a lesson in the Tamar Valley in the Triglav National Park. Photo by Dana Harris.

Visitng the Skocjan Caves – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Photo by Dana Harris.