The college’s Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation hosted the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture’s annual Tree Climbing Championship on the grounds of the veterinary school in April. Arborists from Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia competed for top scores in climbing events that test their speed, agility, and safety.

“The skills competitions emulate work practices,” explained Associate Professor Eric Wiseman. “All of these competing arborists are professionals. These events are meant to highlight their good technique and safety practices.”

Events included a work climb, which tests the competitor’s ability to move about the tree using a climbing line and saddle/harness; an aerial rescue event, a timed event that tests the competitor’s ability to climb to and safely lower a climber who is unable to descend without assistance; and a belayed speed climb, which tests the competitor’s ability to climb a predetermined route from the ground to about 60 feet up a tree using a belayed climbing system for safety.

Among the finalists were natural resources conservation alumni Jeff Inman (’11) and Mary-Ellen Burnette (’15), both with Bartlett Tree Experts. The overall male and female winners will represent the Mid-Atlantic Chapter at the International Society of Arboriculture’s International Tree Climbing Championship at the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C., in July.

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