Tree climbing competition at Morton Arboretum
On most days, visitors at Lisle's Morton Arboretum gaze up into the endless acres of trees to check out leaf patterns, or perhaps to catch a glimpse of a red-tail hawk or maybe even to identify a screeching squirrel.
But on Saturday, Sept. 26, visitors who look skyward at the woody plant museum at 4100 Route 53 will be focusing on something entirely different: people.
And not just any people, but some of the best tree climbers in the Midwest who will be competing for the title of Best Climber in a competition sponsored by the Illinois Arborist Association.
Organizers say 15 competitors will demonstrate their skills as they maneuver in the trees as part of the contest that starts at 8:30 a.m.
Climbers will perform in five different preliminary events, each designed to test their ability to quickly, professionally and safely maneuver in a tree while performing work-related tree-care tasks. Tree-climbing competitions are designed to simulate working conditions of arborists who work in the field and to provide a competitive learning environment for those working in the industry.
The three climbers who score the highest during the preliminary competition will compete in the Masters Challenge. The winner of that challenge will be named the Chapter Champion and will earn the honor of representing the Illinois Chapter at the International Tree Climbing Championships in March.
Along with the competition, there will be a kid's climb, exhibitors, food and other activities.
For details on the Illinois Chapter Tree Climbing Competition, visit illinoisarborist.org.
If you go
What: Tree-climbing competition sponsored by the Illinois Arborist Association
When: Saturday, Sept. 26; competition starts at 8:30 a.m., competition and family activities continue through the day
Where: Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle
Cost: Free with arboretum admission of $14 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older, $9 for ages 2 to 17, free for younger children and members
Info: illinoisarborist.org