Canopy Climbing and Forest Education Program

Canopy Climbing and Forest Exploration Program!

!!If you change a person’s perspective, you will change how they think. Vertical Voyages does this by connecting people to our natural resources in a unique and intellectual way. We first used Vertical Voyages in 2012 during our summer camp for 9-12 year olds. The experience was the highlight of the camp and it not only changed how people thought about trees but how they felt. !

Kathy Cavender!Manager Runge Conservation Nature Center!!!

Vertical Voyages - http://www.verticalvoyages.com - 314-477-6008

http://www.verticalvoyages.com

About the Program!!Vertical Voyages has created a successful tree climbing program for several venues in St. Louis. We give participants the opportunity to explore trees from a very unique perspective… from the canopy. As kids we have all climbed trees but then at some point we stop; this is unfortunate, as we can learn much through exploring trees.!!The trees we climb are tall mature trees with broad canopies. We use ropes and safety equipment to ascend into our lofty classroom. Our typical

introductory program is approximately 2 - 3 hours and is specifically designed for novices. The adventure begins with an orientation and ground school. We first introduce everyone to the tree they will be climbing and participants are fitted with personal safety equipment consisting of a tree climb saddle and climbing helmet. After everyone is geared up, our expert instructors will teach climbers how to ascend into the tree using special ropes anchored high in the tree. We do not climb the tree trunk. After ground school, participants use the remaining time to practice climbing and exploring the tree. While in the canopy participants learn about how trees grow and are able to observe how all the branches attach to the main stem of the tree. The view from the top is incredible and provides a very unique look into the parks and forests that we use for our programs. After participants have climbed as high as they desire they are able to descend to the ground with the help of our instructors. We then de-issue gear and close with participants sharing what they observed and learned during their climbing experience.!!!


!A view from 60 feet up in our magnificent White Oak (Quercus alba) at the Wyman Center in Eureka, Missouri.


We first developed this program with the Missouri Botanical Garden in 2011. The Garden was looking for new programs to attract younger visitors and to build awareness of our dependence and connection to trees. Here are a few words from our main contact at the Garden.!!

The Missouri Botanical Garden has worked with Jon Richard and the Vertical Voyages team since 2011, the year the Garden celebrated the U.N. International Year of Forests, with a series of exhibits, events, courses, and community outreach focused on raising awareness of trees and forests close to home and around the world. That year, during the Forest Festival weekend in late April, the Vertical Voyages team enabled visitors to ascend into the canopy of some of the Garden’s most majestic trees. !!Since then, the Garden’s partnership with Vertical Voyages has grown to now include a series of in-depth “Canopy Climb” courses held at both Missouri Botanical Garden and Shaw Nature Reserve. These unique courses are offered to a diversity of audiences, ranging from adults, families, and children to scouts and school groups. While enabling people to learn recreational tree-climbing in extraordinary settings, these courses also infuse natural history, tree physiology, ecology, and conservation into the experience, further advancing the Garden’s mission “to discover and share knowledge about plants and their environment in order to preserve and enrich life.” !!“The Canopy Climb series of courses has added a dimension to the Garden that is attracting visitors who might not otherwise be interested in visiting botanical gardens,” says Sheila Voss, vice president of Education at the Garden. “It’s inviting people to connect with plants in an entirely new way. Just witnessing the look of sheer joy and sense of accomplishment in a climber who ascends to the top of one of our trees is really gratifying. You know they’re never going to forget that.”

Sheila S. Voss!VP of Education, Missouri Botanical Garden!!


Being up in the canopy, participants appreciate how expansive the canopy is and feels. Trees are the largest plants on Earth!!!


Program Specifics!!We provide approximately a two-hour single-pitch climbing experience for 12 climbers per session. The program is designed for first-time climbers, with an emphasis on basic mechanics, climbing techniques and safety, but also includes an introduction to trees, including the diversity of trees among us, and their ecological role in our world. !!Introduction:!!

We introduce each other, give participants a brief overview of what they will do, and in doing so, create a “take off” point for an exceptional program. We also cover “what to do” and “what not to do” for the best and safest experience. !!

Why we climb trees?!! !

We climb trees to appreciate not just their aesthetics, but also to create a connection and better understanding of their significance to us. In addition to providing oxygen, trees play an important role in providing clean air, shade and beauty and for many, a spiritual value. Climbing a tree often leads to a deeper respect for nature. !!

Ground School!!We give each participant an appropriately sized helmet and saddle. After everyone is geared up, our guides demonstrate the Double Rope Technique method for ascending the tree. We believe it’s the safest and easiest-to-teach method of ascending a tree. We conclude Ground School by reminding each participant of their safety responsibilities while climbing. !!

Canopy Climbing Experience!!This is the meat of the program - the climbing. Participants practice what they’ve learned during Ground School and they ascend their climbing system to enter the canopy. We encourage them to look around, learn, and “hang out”. We’ve found that after climbing the tree, climbers have a new and different perspective about their experience — far more powerful than merely reading or watching a demonstration. !!

Conclusion !!Vertical Voyages creates an exceptional “landing” experience to maximize what climbers have just experienced and learned. Climbers share their experience with the group. We link the physical climbing experience with the educational and ecological messages we’ve given, emphasizing the importance of our forest resources. !



Equipment Summary and Appropriate Audiences!!This program is perfect for groups of all ages and abilities (i.e. scout troops, church groups, and home school associations). Here are the general criteria and guidelines we use for our group canopy climbing experiences:!!! ! Program Length: 2 - 3 hours!! ! # of Participants per Session: 12!! ! Age Requirement: 8 and up!! ! Participant to Guide Ratio: 6:1!! ! Provided Equipment:!! ! ! New Tribe Recreational Tree Climbing Saddle!! ! ! Climbing Helmet with chin strap!! ! The “DRT” Climbing System:!! ! ! New England 1/2" Safety Blue Rope!! ! ! 1/2” Leather Cambium Saver!! ! ! 2 Black Diamond Carabiners!! ! ! 7mm Nylon Foot Loop!! ! Introductory Program Outline:!! ! ! Introduction - 5 mins!! `! ! Ground School - 20 mins!! ! ! Climbing Lesson - 15 mins!! ! ! Climb Time - 60 - 90 mins (Climb time is dependent on program !! ! ! length)!! ! ! Descending and Returning Gear - 10 mins!! ! ! Closing - 10 mins!



The Ideal Climbing Tree!!Our best candidate trees are open-grown and between 50 - 100 feet high, with a broad canopy. We prefer hardwoods like white oaks with horizontal branching. In any event, all trees we use are inspected by an arborist and dead wooded prior to climbs. If the tree will be used for multiple programs throughout the year, we recommend mulching the base of the tree and/or frequent rotation. The trees must be accessible by vehicle or ATV. !!We use leather cambium protection when ropes capture limbs to prevent bark and cambium layer abrasions. Ropes are free hanging so they do not rub on the trees. Participants are instructed in the orientation to respect the tree and not damage any part of it during their climbing experience. !

About Vertical Voyages!!Vertical Voyages specializes in creating innovative educational programs that empower individuals to learn new ways of looking at life. We believe that life long learning and taking healthy risk is necessary for personal fulfillment and happiness. Jon Richard founded Vertical Voyages in 2009 and has led thousands of customers in rock and tree climbing. Jon has been climbing been climbing professionally since 1997.!!Jon is a graduate of Cornell University with degrees in Natural Resources and Ecology Environmental Technology. Prior to Vertical Voyages he worked as an experiential educator for the Wyman Center and taught science for 9 years at Chesterfield Day School; both organizations are based in St. Louis, Missouri. Through his years of teaching he saw the need to connect people with the outdoors through adventure. He


Cambium Saver - We protect the branches to minimize our impact on the tree. The cambium saver also allows the climbing system to move more smoothly.

Double-Rope climbing set up


believes we live in a culture that is becoming increasingly disconnected from the natural world and kids are becoming more sedentary. These observations led Jon to launch his Midwest based company. !!Vertical Voyages utilizes the highest standards for the safety and welfare of its participants and has NEVER had an incident. The company has been located in St. Louis since its inception and is locally owned and operated. Jon oversees all company activity directly and utilizes a wide network of independent professionals for support staff. Jon’s high standards of excellence ensure a top notch experience for all participants.!!Our mission is to provide exceptional educational and innovative climbing opportunities to individuals and organized groups. Our programs are designed to challenge individuals to understand the importance of taking healthy risks though climbing rocks and trees. We believe that adventure changes your life. Our motto is Engage Your Mind... Engage Your Body... Expand Your World… !We also offer advanced tree climbing courses and experiences. Camping in the Canopy, Full Moon Nights, and Basic Tree Climbing Courses for Independent Climbers are just a few. For the adventurous climbers we can offer Field Trips to larger old-growth trees in the Northwest. Vertical Voyages is also a full-service Rock Climbing company offering programs in the Midwest and Northeast.!

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!!!!!Our Customers:!Our Canopy Climbing program is offered at many schools, parks, nature reserves and camps in the greater St. Louis area. Here are some of the organizations that have implemented our programs:!!Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO! Missouri Department of Conservation!John Burroughs School, St. Louis, MO! ! Lindenwood University, St. Charles, MO,!Wyman Center, Eureka, MO! ! ! Camp Ondessonk, Ozark IL!


This experience is not just for kids! Our guest pictured here is 77 years young. She came with her granddaughter for a Sunday climb in our 100’ Pin Oak at the Missouri Botanical Garden.


Program Costs!!Annual Taming Fees:!!

Deadwooding and Trimming: $500 (No fee is due if the organization provides this service)!!Arborist Inspection: $250 - $500 (depending on arborist cost)!!

Rope Installation !!Climbing ropes can be left installed for up to 3 days, if needed thereafter on the same tree they must be inspected and re-installed. If ropes will be used for subsequent programs, they will be hoisted out of reach.!!12-Rope Climbing Tree Rope Installation: $250!!

Daily Program Fees:!!We can provide up to four climbing sessions of 12 climbers each per day. Our per session rate is $400.!!

Liability:!!Vertical Voyages has served thousands of customers without a single incident. We carry insurance through the New Hampshire Insurance Company. Please contact us with your requirements.!



Closing Testimonials!!!Awesome! So glad to have this experience right in St. Louis. The beauty and peace of climbing was exquisite. Thank you!!

Susan and Paul Marske!!This was the most unique experience I have ever had! Coming with Nate made it the best date ever! Thank you !

Anonymous !!Wow! A greater appreciation for this beautiful creation!! A very humbling experience to see the world below and think about how many things this tree has witnessed in its lifetime.!

Gina Munn!!Walking along the branches was a great experience. While the rope helped, it was rather eye opening to see I had the balance to stand on the branches without holding onto the trunk or another branch.!

Anonymous!!I really liked the whole thing, but I thought that not being able to touch the ground was fun :)!

Lily Barry, 8 years old, Girl Scout!



Contact us!!!E-mail: [email protected]!Phone: 314-477-6008!Website: http://www.verticalvoyages.com/!!Our Mailing Address:!PO Box 300265!Saint Louis, MO!63130!______________________________________________________________________!!

We used Vertical Voyages for the first time in 2012 during our summer camp. The focus of the camp was Missouri’s forests. The Vertical Voyages’ staff did an excellent job of adding a whole new perspective to the forest. It was the highlight of the camp and made a lasting emotional and intellectual connection for our campers and leaders. Vertical Voyages is a top notch company for providing a unique educational message from an entirely new vantage point.!!

Kathy Cavender!Manager Runge Conservation Nature Center


https://www.facebook.com/vertical.voyages!!https://twitter.com/verticalvoyages!

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Canopy Climbing and Forest Education Program