Learning About Trees in Tacoma (Oh, and a Tree Climbing Competition!)

Sunday, September 26 through Wednesday, September 29, 500 tree experts from across the Northwest will gather in Tacoma for the 31st annual training conference of the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (PNW-ISA).

The conference begins with the thrilling spectacle of a tree climbing competition in Wright Park on Sunday, from 8am until about 4pm. These climbers are professionals, and while the public is not allowed to compete, we are welcome to go cheer, watch and learn. Climbers will compete in five categories: the footlock, speed climb, work climb, aerial rescue and throw line. The winner of this event will advance to an international competition in Sydney, Australia next summer.

On Monday, the PNW-ISA will participate in a Field Day in Point Defiance Park. Demonstrations, educational tours and presentations on a wide variety of tree management subjects will be held, and most are open to the public.

The conference’s final two days, Sept. 28 & 29, will be held at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center in downtown Tacoma.

For more information about the conference visit the PNW-ISA site here. More information about tree climbing competitions can be found here.