2025 NAA Intro to Tree Climbing Event

Description

We are excited to announce the 2025 Intro to Tree Climbing Event located on the NCTA campus in Curtis, NE, October 20th – 21st, 2025. This class is open to NAA and non–NAA members and is designed to get you up in the tree and working confidently.

The Tree Climbing Training Workshop is your chance to get hands-on experience and build confidence working in the tree. We’ll start with the basics - gear checks, safety practices, and knot-tying, so you know exactly how to set yourself up for success before leaving the ground. From there, you’ll learn the fundamentals of both Moving Rope Systems (MRS) and Stationary Rope Systems (SRS), giving you the tools to approach climbing with confidence and flexibility.

Most importantly, this is a participation-based training - everyone climbs! With expert guidance, you’ll practice ascending, positioning, and descending safely, all while building the skills you need to take on real-world arborist work. Whether you’re new to climbing or looking to strengthen your foundation, this workshop is designed to get you comfortable in the tree and ready to put your skills to work.

COURSE FORMAT: 

Two days: October 20, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm & October 21, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, with a morning break and an hour lunch off-site.

Class instruction, along with hands-on demonstration and skill building.

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS: 

After completion of the training, NAA Members will be eligible for 7.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

MATERIALS

All required climbing and safety equipment will be provided; however, you are encouraged to bring any personal equipment you may have.

Recommended Materials: Helmet with/ chin strap, ANSI Z87 safety glasses, boots, gloves, and proper climbing attire (including long pants).

Optional but encouraged: Tree climbing harness, climbing rope, work positioning lanyard, and gear you want checked by professionals.

INSTRUCTORS

• Tom Anderson, Wright Tree Service, LLC
• Jorge Cardenas, Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC
• Ann Powers, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Michael Seuferer, Wright Tree Service, LLC