A giant white oak tree in Atlanta, Georgia, was draped with unusual ornaments on January 16. Twelve smiling climbers dangled from ropes at different heights among the branches. They were in a beginning tree-climbing class at Founder's Grove, part of Tree Climbers International (TCI). The organization teaches people how to climb nearly any tree, from a backyard maple to a giant sequoia, without getting hurt or harming the tree. It is one of several recreational tree-climbing groups around the world that help climbers go out on a limb.
Peter "Treeman" Jenkins started TCI in 1983. Jenkins is an arborist, or tree surgeon--an expert at keeping trees healthy. He wanted to share with others the thrill of looking down at the world from high in a treetop. But he saw that using the tools and ropes that rock climbers use could damage trees and wasn't safe for tree climbers. He began to teach people how to use the tree-friendly ropes, harnesses, helmets, footwear and other gear that tree surgeons use.
Now he and a team of TCI instructors are teaching safe climbing techniques to beginners and seasoned climbers, kids and adults. Tree climbers get together and travel to especially challenging or beautiful trees. Climbers have organized treetop birthday parties. Some even spend the night swaying from a high limb, safely tied to a hammock. "It's a magical experience," says Jenkins. "Time is suspended, and dreams are vivid, colorful--and bizarre."