Dendrochronology & Culturally Modified Tree Talk & Tour

On July 18, 2012, the Historical Society went on a local Dendrochronology & Culturally Modified Tree Talk & Tour, led by Marcy Reiser, Archaeologist with Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests. Earlier on the same day, the Historical Society toured Lady Moon Ranch. Read more about that tour here. Or view the description for both tours here (pdf).

Marcy talking about Dendrochrononology & culturally modified trees to tour participants
Marcy talking about Dendrochrononology & culturally modified trees to tour participants.

The Dendrochronology & Culturally Modified Tree Talk & Tour included driving to the old Lady Moon Trailhead and walking (approximately .9 miles) to view a number of culturally modified trees (CMTs) in the area, and also viewed other historic ruins.

Tree pictured is thought to be a culturally modified tree identified by Marcy
Tree pictured is thought to be a culturally modified tree identified by Marcy.

The Forest Service have dated a number of culturally modified trees (CMTs)—both historic and protohistoric—in the area, including several “peeled trees.” Peeled Trees generally refers to trees where a portion of the bark/cambium layer was removed by Native peoples for a variety of reasons including procurement of food and medicine, territorial markings and ceremonial practices.  The CMTs in this area date between 1635 and 1874.

Marcy taking a core sample to count the rings to determine the age of the tree.
Marcy taking a core sample to count the rings to determine the age of the tree.
The size of each ring determines the climate for each year. The core sampling is taken so that the tree does not need to be cut down.
The size of each ring determines the climate for each year.
The core sampling is taken so that the tree does not need to be cut down.
The core sampling is taken so that the tree does not need to be cut down.