Science & Outdoors
photo by John Wayne Farber
Kids’ Climb is given two thumbs up.
Climbing to new heights with the help of SSA
The Pointer
jtowl695@uwsp.edu
On Saturday Oct. 10, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point chapter of the Student Society of Arboriculture invited children in the community to experience firsthand, the reason why many students choose to pursue a degree in urban forestry. This past weekend marked the second annual Kids’ Climb hosted by SSA, a specialized program for future urban foresters and those passionate about trees.
SSA has already made improvements regarding the way the event operates in its second year. “Through practice we’re able to get kids up in the tree safely and quickly, and back down again,” said SSA president John Wayne Farber. Perhaps an emphasis should be placed on the descent as everyone knows, while it may be easy to go up, it’s a different story when it comes time to go down. That’s exactly where SSA comes in.
Farber, the newly elected president, has been involved with SSA for three years and has held the positions of secretary and head pruning coordinator within the organization. With a double major in urban forestry and forestry management and a soil science minor, Farber views SSA as a hands-on experience. He has participated in the Kids’ Climb event both years and even had a hand in its creation.
“Despite the weather, we had a decent turnout,” said Farber. About a dozen kids gathered on the front lawn of the Old Main building to learn from the experienced on campus. During the hour and a half long event, a line formed, indicating the eagerness of children in the Stevens Point community to learn from the best and those most willing to teach them.
Two stations consisting of a beginner and an intermediate tree were set up on campus.
Before climbing, parents were required to give their consent by signing a safety waiver. With safety glasses secure, helmets fastened and harnesses tightened, the kids were ready to begin their crash course in tree climbing 101.
Open to the community, the event welcomed back alumni, who came with children in tow.
One child who attended Kids’ Climb last year had been talking about it for weeks according to his parents. “He was the best little tree climber there,” said Farber who recalled that the beginner tree had been too easy for him.
“Kids’ Climb gives kids a feel for arboriculture and urban forestry,” said Farber. “They get a bird’s eye view of what we see everyday.”
From the delight parents took in seeing the joy on their child’s face to those parents who had to pry their children from the tree, the event was a success.
It is safe to say that UWSP is getting a head start in recruiting their future urban foresters.
