The Penn-Del Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) will host the Western Tree Climbing Championship in the Allegheny Cemetery, at 4734 Butler Street in Lawrenceville, on Saturday May 7th.  Beginning at 8am, twenty-five of the region’s best male and female arborists will take to the limbs in hopes of competing for the state title, which grants them a chance to climb against other champions from around the world in Sydney, Australia at the ISA Annual Conference.

The competitive games will provide an opportunity for tree lovers to see professional climbers perform skills used in the tree industry where both speed and precision count.  A series of five contest events challenge climbers in the ways of daily work situations: the belayed speed climb, work climb, secured footlocking, throw line event, and aerial rescue.

Do you have what it takes to be a professional tree climber?  This year, the Western Tree Climbing Championship features a Kid’s Climb, inviting aspiring climbers to attempt some of the skills they will see at the competition.  All children are welcome to wear a tree climbing harness and climb with the aid of ropes under experienced supervision.

The Tree Climbing Championship is free, family friendly, and open to the public.  Refreshments from local vendors will be available.  In case of heavy rain, the competition will be held on Saturday May 14th.

For more information contact Matt Erb, Event Chair, at 412-362-6360 or email Matt@treepittsburgh.org.

(photo by Becky Stein of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution)