The Penn-Del Chapter of International Society of Arboriculture will host the Western Tree Climbing Championship in Allegheny Commons, near the National Aviary, Pittsburgh, PA, on Saturday May 22. The competitive games will provide an opportunity for tree lovers to see professional tree workers perform skills used in the tree industry. A series of five contest events challenge climbers in the ways of daily work situations. There is a flyer available that outlines the day’s events, with a map to Allegheny Commons, on the Friends of the Urban Forest site.

“This event brings together seasoned veterans as well as the new climbers. The same skills employed everyday as these tree workers ply their trade are tested in this venue against the clock. A competitor at this event last year went on to win the contest for the entire region in State College, PA,” says David Jahn, event co-chair. The five best performers from the Pittsburgh event vie against winners from the eastern Chapter Championship held earlier in May to determine who will compete at the national ISA Annual Conference, held this July in Chicago, IL.

Twenty five of the region’s best male and female arborists apply safety and science where others try daring and luck in the tree tops. The day-long May 22 contest will begin at 8 a.m. All are welcome to stop by or stay all day to enjoy the events and exhibits free of charge. Food and refreshments will be available for sale.

For more information call Scott Sjolander, Certification Liaison, at Penn State Cooperative Extension at (814) 333-7440, or Caitlin Lenahan, Education and Outreach Coordinator at Friends of the Pittsburgh Urban Forest.