Become a Docent

Get involved today!

Volunteers provide visitors with a unique and personal experience and we are always looking for new volunteers to join our outreach team! There are many ways to get involved and we have a variety of opportunities — from behind the scenes at special events, to becoming a highly trained tree-ring “docent”.

Outreach and Docent Contact:

Pamela Pelletier mailto:pamela@email.arizona.edu tel:520-621-0984

 

Docents

Docents are volunteer educators that are trained to work with a variety of audiences. They work at the Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research with visitors of all ages, helping them learn about dendrochronology and the interdisciplinary research taking place at the Laboratory. Docents must be 18 years of age or older, and must attend at least one of our training sessions offered throughout the year. Docents should be willing to commit to volunteering for at least 6 hours per semester, for at least one year after training is completed. If you are a UofA student, you may also be able to enroll in an independent study course for credit hours.

  • They take tree-ring samples and artifacts to an exhibit and use those props to engage Laboratory guests in conversation.
  • They may provide hour-long tours throughout the exhibit hall and Laboratory.
  • They may assist with special events at the Laboratory or at off-campus events, including educational presentations.
  • They may conduct a presentation in our educational classroom, either with schoolchildren or adults.

Join the Curation team!

The LTRR holds the world's largest and most diverse collection of wood specimens dedicated to dendrochronological research. We are currently part way through an ambitious multi-year project to transfer, organize, catalog, label and store these specimens into our purpose built archive. With many hundreds of thousands of specimens in the collection, there is much work still to do. In addition to the full-time curation team, and part-time student research assistants, there are opportunities for volunteers to assist with this important task. If you are interested in helping, please contact the Curator of Collections - Peter Brewer (p.brewer@ltrr.arizona.edu) for more information.

Behind-the-Scenes and other Volunteer Opportunities

The Laboratory participates in several events throughout the year including the Tucson Festival of Books. We need assistance in the following areas:

  • Ticket Attendants for events such as Open House tours. Duties include explaining Lab tours, directing guests, handing out and collecting tickets.
  • Photographer: Taking pictures of events, asking guests to sign a media release form.
  • Set Up for events: Placing linen on tables, putting signs up, setting up chairs, and other small set up needs.
  • Representation at information tables at events.
  • Miscellaneous duties: include handing out drinking water to staff, volunteers, and vendors; counting tickets; keeping an eye on children; handing out flyers; answering guest questions; and much more!