Have you ever marveled at a large tree in Stone Park and wondered how old that tree could be? Scientists can determine the answer to that question through dendrochronology. Dendrochronology is the analysis of growth rings in trees to determine a tree’s age. Scientists can also determine past climate patterns by studying the rings.
Bur Oaks are one of the more common species in Stone Park. Oaks are slow-growing and long-lived trees that are a favorite for tree ring analysis. In the 1990’s several Bur Oak trees in Stone Park were sampled by researchers from Rapid City, South Dakota.*
The oldest tree sampled at the park began life in 1796. Perhaps there is an older tree out there that has not been sampled – after all, only 14 trees were sampled out of thousands. You are encouraged to get out and explore the park to find some of the old growth oaks.
Most of the trees sampled in this study were in South Dakota and North Dakota. The researchers found a pine in the central Black Hills that dated to 1281. To read the entire study, go to:
*DENDROCLIMATIC POTENTIAL IN THE NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS
CAROLYN HULL SIEG, DAVID MEKO,ARTHUR T. DeGAETANO and WANMEI NI
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