THE LEAFLET

Last week, Casey Trees, in partnership with Montgomery Parks and Bartlett Tree Experts, launched our inaugural Tree Climbing Academy at Wheaton Regional Park. This exciting program welcomed 22 dedicated trainees, all interested in gaining the specialized climbing skills essential to careers in arboriculture, forestry, and the tree care industry. The academy aimed to reduce entry barriers in the field, help expand the urban forestry workforce, and strengthen partnerships within local communities and industry organizations.

The Tree Climbing Academy has been a long-term vision for Casey Trees, as described by our Executive Director, Mark Buscaino, “We’ve been working on launching a tree climbing academy for a while now—close to a decade—but it was definitely worth the wait. Our strong partnership with both Bartlett Tree Experts and Montgomery Parks is what made this possible, and we couldn’t have assembled a stronger group of professional instructors and motivated trainees. It was inspiring to see everyone’s work, dedication, and enthusiasm throughout the entire week. We look forward to continuing the academy in the seasons to come—opening doors to jobs in the tree care industry to individuals of all backgrounds throughout the region.”

The program drew participants from organizations dedicated to building urban forestry skills and capacity, including Baltimore Tree Trust, Student Conservation Association, Defensores de la Cuenca, and the District Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE). For many trainees, the academy was an invaluable chance to gain real-world experience in a field where practical skills and expertise are often hard to come by.

Expert instructors from Bartlett and Montgomery Parks led participants through an intensive five-day curriculum covering the core skills of safe climbing and tree work. Participants learned to set ropes, ascend trees vertically, and traverse tree limbs—a technique known as “walking” within the canopy. Sessions focused on the proper use of climbing saddles, ropes, knots, and other key equipment, along with industry best practices, which trainees practiced directly in the trees at Wheaton Regional Park.

Beyond technical training, the academy underscored inclusivity and aimed to introduce people from diverse backgrounds to the field of arboriculture. This aligns closely with Casey Trees’ broader mission to increase the growth and sustainability of urban tree canopies across the region while promoting the importance of urban forestry work. By equipping new tree care professionals with these essential skills, the Tree Climbing Academy helped fill an important need in a field where demand for trained arborists and tree care experts is growing.

This academy is also a strategic investment in the future of urban forestry and environmental stewardship in the DC area and beyond. Casey Trees recognizes the need to build a skilled workforce dedicated to protecting and expanding tree canopies, particularly in urban areas where trees play a critical role in improving air quality, managing stormwater, and enhancing community well-being. Programs like the Tree Climbing Academy are a proactive response to this need, nurturing the next generation of tree care professionals and advocates.

Looking ahead, Casey Trees is excited to expand this initiative in future seasons. The academy’s success has created momentum for additional sessions, opening doors for more individuals across the region who are interested in arboriculture but may lack access to training resources. The Tree Climbing Academy reflects Casey Trees’ ongoing commitment to community engagement, workforce development, and sustainable urban forestry, and we look forward to seeing its lasting impact on our urban canopy and the broader tree care industry.  Enjoy some snapshots from the last week in the trees!