In the second year of our Timber Project, we are focusing on three iconic tree species across the Pacific Northwest in North America: western redcedar, coast redwood, and yellow-cedar. ​Our goal is to gather 7,000 samples to help our partners at the U.S. Forest Service and Save the Redwoods League.
Do you or someone you know live near (or planning extensive travel through) the public lands of California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Southern Alaska, Northwest Idaho, or Montana?
We are seeking adventurous individuals who pay close attention to detail, follow through on their commitments in a timely matter, ​and are able to regularly communicate with the Adventure Scientists team.
As a volunteer for the Timber Project, we'll supply you with the tools and training necessary to collect tree tissue samples from one of our three focus species. You can choose to sample wherever you'd like, as long as you are following all environmental, safety, and permitting protocols.
These magnificent conifers are found in Northern California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Idaho, and Montana.
Yellow-cedar's range extends well beyond Alaska. We're collecting samples from Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia as well.
Reliant on a mild, humid climate, these enormous trees are primarily found in Coastal California, shown in green on the map.
The Timber Project is divided up into three eight-week sampling periods. You can select the sampling period that works best for your schedule. If you are available to volunteer for multiple periods, we would love your help!
Within a sampling period, you are asked to collect samples of a single tree species. Exceptions will be made in some cases, including if you are traveling to a remote location.
Sample requirements vary between the tree species. Volunteers working with western redcedar or Alaska yellow-cedar will be asked to collect tree cores, cones, and leaves from multiple tree stands. Volunteers working with coast redwood are asked to collect basal sprout samples from multiple tree stands.
All volunteers need to complete online training modules and a comprehensive quiz prior to getting out in the field. We will offer a variety of optional educational webinars and readings to supplement your education.
We will ship your equipment at least one week before your anticipated start date. We ask that you ship your equipment and samples back to us before the end of your sampling period.
Please allow 10-15 minutes to complete the application.