Students from the Urban Forestry-Arboriculture program at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus will showcase their tree-climbing skills in a fun and competitive event on Thursday, April 17. The competition, part of the program’s practical curriculum, allows students to demonstrate their tree-climbing abilities in a real-world setting.
The event will take place at Mayor’s Field in Riverside Park, located on the Western Park tip, opposite the soccer field and behind the softball diamonds. The competition will be held between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with the announcement of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners taking place around 3 p.m. at the Pembroke Campus in the Landing.
The Urban Forestry-Arboriculture program has been teaching students proper tree-climbing techniques for the past year, and the competition provides them with the opportunity to put these skills to the test. In addition to the excitement of the event, the winners will receive prizes that can help support their future careers in arboriculture.
The competition is an exciting culmination for the students as they complete their one-year certificate program, which began in the fall of 2017. The program is designed to complement the well-established Forestry Technician Diploma, a program offered at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus for over 55 years. Through partnerships with the city, students have gained hands-on experience, spending hours climbing trees along the shoreline of the Ottawa River. This training has earned the program recognition in several arborist trade magazines and publications.
As the demand for trained arborists grows, particularly in urban areas, this competition highlights the importance of professional tree management. Many municipalities and private tree removal businesses are now seeking skilled arborists to manage forests and trees in urban settings. The skills learned by Algonquin College students are helping fill this need, ensuring they are well-prepared for a successful career in arboriculture.
For more information about the event or the Urban Forestry-Arboriculture program, contact Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus.
(Written by: Emma Butler)