Courtesy of the Missouri Botanical Garden
On select Sundays this fall, Missouri Botanical Garden and Shaw Nature Reserve will be hosting 90-minute Canopy Climbs. Led by certified tree-climbing instructors, each session will allow participants the opportunity to ascend into a tree canopy where they can sit on branches or suspended chairs, lie in hammocks, or even attempt limb-walking. From this unique vantage point, climbers can enjoy a birds-eye view of the surrounding gardens and sights.
Besides the view, guests will also get a lesson in ecology from their instructors.
“Many of these folks are also arborists, so they know how trees work,” says Sheila Voss, vice president of education at Missouri Botanical Garden. “It’s not rock-climbing.”
The idea for Canopy Climbs began during last year’s celebration of the U.N.-designated International Year of Forests. Because the climbs were so popular, Voss and others decided to offer it as a regular program.
“A lot of people will do it together,” says Voss. “Families can do it. Several couples did it as a date. Just having that focused together-time when they’re up in the tree can’t be replicated.”
In addition to the fun of climbing high into the forest, Voss hopes the Canopy Climbs will give visitors a new appreciation for trees.
“The trees here in St. Louis provide an urban forest, and that canopy absorbs so much rainwater, it keeps our storm water in check, and it leaves our air cleaner,” she explains. “There are countless benefits of trees. It really is something. The ecological services—my gosh, there are too many to mention.”
The upcoming Canopy Climbs will join the Missouri Botanical Garden’s existing lineup of tree-related educational opportunities, including classes on tree identification, planting, pruning, and care.
“It definitely goes way beyond, ‘Hey, let’s set you up on some ropes and put you up in the air,’” she says. “When people know more about trees, they’re that much more attached to them. They’re inclined to do things to help that tree. We are hoping that the experience itself broadens their horizons about trees.”
So grab the kids, strap on a harness, and head for the top.
“It’s not your everyday class,” says Voss. “I sure hope it’s a memory.”
Climbs will be held at both the Missouri Botanical Garden and the Shaw Nature on Sundays Sept. 16, Sept. 30, Oct. 14 and Oct 28. Sessions will begin at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. Each 90-minute session is limited to 12 climbers who must be at least 8 years old. The cost is $43 per climber. Child price includes admission for an adult chaperone.
For more information, visit mobot.org.
