We're collecting thousands of leaf, seed, and wood samples to create databases of the chemical and genetic signatures of tree species throughout their ranges. This information will power new tools to reveal the origin of any sample of timber––taking away illegal loggers' ability to sneak poached trees into the world's wood supply.
Our Volunteers
The outdoor community is well positioned to collect tree tissue samples from far-flung locations on a large scale across each species’ geographic range. Hiking, mountain biking, backcountry skiing, rock climbing, whitewater kayaking, and other activities bring our volunteers to places few others venture.
In the map below, see where we've collected samples since 2019.
In the map below, see where we've collected samples since 2019.
The Science
PC: Ed Espinoza, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
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Once collected, our samples will undergo two forms of processing: Mass Spectrometry-Data Analysis in Real Time (MS-DART or DART) and genetic analysis.
DART will reveal distinct chemical signatures in each sample. As the tree takes up water and nutrients through its roots throughout its life, it develops a distinct chemical signature. Recognizing these signatures will allow authorities to identify the geological origin of a sample. |
Genetic analysis reveals the naturally occurring variation and interrelatedness of all trees within a species. It will be used like the DART analysis to identify the origin of future timber samples, and to increase our understanding of the adaptations of the species to particular conditions throughout their ranges. This will allow for better management of existing and expanding forests. The resulting database will yield a "family tree" like no other.
Our Partners
Planning, permitting, analysis, interpretation, and implementation all require the coordinated actions of many players. We are proud to be working with leading organizations in the research, management, and conservation of forests and tree species.
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Our partners at the U.S. Forest Service and elsewhere will use the reference libraries of western redcedar, Alaska yellow-cedar, coast redwood, and bigleaf maple to track the movement of timber through supply chains, enforce anti-poaching regulations, empower responsible buyers, improve sustainable resource management, and help forest managers plan for the varied impacts of a changing climate.
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Our partners at Save the Redwoods League will link genomic information from coast redwood samples with the environmental characteristics of each tree’s site—giving clues about the function of the genetic variation within each species. This information will help guide conservation and restoration strategies across the coast redwood range.
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Hear what the Forest Service has to say about the project!
Richard Cronn, a USDA Forest Service scientist, shares with volunteers how they are helping build one of the biggest and most useful genetic datasets of tree species. The tree samples volunteers are collecting will help the Forest Service combat timber poaching and more sustainably manage our forests.
2019-2020: Three Species, One Massive Effort
Ranging from Alaska to California and as far east as Montana, these three species will be the objects of our efforts throughout 2019. Each one faces its own challenges, and has a biological, cultural, and conservation story of its own.
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PC: Jason Hollinger (CC BY 2.0)
Coast Redwood
(Sequoia sempervirens) The tallest trees in the world, old-growth coast redwoods now occupy only 4% of their historic range. Understanding their genetic diversity will improve forest management and help guard against the negative impacts of climate change. |
PC: Michelle Toshack
Western Redcedar
(Thuja plicata) Not a true cedar, but an arborvitae or "tree of life," this species has provided indigenous communities with countless practical and cultural uses for thousands of years. Its continued value now makes it a target for illegal logging operations. |
PC: United States Forest Service
Alaska Yellow-Cedar
(Callitropsis nootkatensis) A dramatic droop to its branches makes this species instantly recognizable even without seeing the tell-tale color of its wood. Now across large parts of its range, changing climate patterns are causing mass die-offs of this treasured tree. |
