Every year, in August, the International Society of Arboriculture has its International Tree Climbing Championships. Climbers from around the world compete in their local chapter events in hopes of qualifying to represent their chapter at the international level. This year, two of our dear friends and colleagues from local chapters qualified and were able to represent their respective chapters in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

From our home chapter, Brick Riley has represented New Jersey over the years. Brick has become a fantastic climber with the passion and drive to be great. More importantly, he is a dear friend and an all-around great person.

Derrick Martin qualified in the Pen-Del chapter. The New Jersey chapter and the Pen-Del chapter have a unique relationship and often support one another with our respective events. Derrick is also a fantastic Climber, innovator, and all around awesome person.

We have had the privilege of having both of these men work with us to help train our staff with continuing education. We also have other acquaintances in the tree industry who competed, judged, and were technicians. This event is a unique blend of competitive spirit and camaraderie that I think is unrivaled in any other industry. As tree workers who do this for our profession, we understand the day-to-day struggles of working in and around trees. I think that lends itself to our ability to connect with one another as we share the struggle on a day-to-day basis.

Over the years, I have been blessed with some very deep and meaningful relationships across the industry and around the globe. Every time I attend an event like this: a conference, a workday, or some other industry related event, we come to give and volunteer but most times draw more from the experience than we could ever give.

check out the instagram reel

Reflections from the International Tree Climbing Championship 2023