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Sub Crews
Tree Crew
The Tree Crew is dedicated to caring for the trees of central campus. They strive for tree preservation, with tree removal as only a last resort.
The crew's work is both challenging and important; trees shape the character of campus and Tree Crew shapes the trees. Each pruning decision determines a tree's form and growth for decades to come. Tree Crew's work includes structural pruning, disease control, and removal of dead or damaged limbs and trees. To carry out these responsibilities, the crew is trained in technical tree climbing and advanced chain sawing. They must be able to work well as part of a team in order to execute their work safely. The crew occasionally competes in professional tree climbing competitions.
Current Projects/News
TCIA Expo and Competition!
Early in November this year the Warren Wilson College Tree Crew attended the Tree Care Industry Association's Expo (TCIA) and Student Career Days. The Expo is a great place for students to meet people from other schools as well as people in the Tree Care Industry, whether that is other climbers/workers, trainers, company owners or equipment representatives. One of the Career Days events is a climbing competition for students. Students from across the country meet and compete in a series of arboricultural events. The competition comprises a work climb simulating 'real' work scenarios; a belayed speed climb to demonstrate a climbers capacity for speed; a throwline contest to test throwing speed and accuracy; an equipment check demonstrating knowledge of appropriate gear; and a written arboriculture knowledge exam. And for the first time in the TCIA's history, there were enough women registered this year to warrant a separate Women's division in the competition. To our credit, Sage Waring took third place overall in the Women's Division and Caleb Mende took third place overall in the Men's Division. Also competing this year was Lara Bock who just joined the crew and who performed admirably. Peter Mink also attended but was unable to compete due to an injury. However, he more than made up for this by not only helping out with some of the events but also being the most classily dressed fellow present!
Tree Crew Tryouts!
Tree Crew recently held tryouts for new landscaping members who are interested in being on the Tree Crew in the future. Landscaping provides free chainsaw training and certification as well as instruction in climbing, ropes, and equipment maintenance.
Tree crew currently consists of Caleb Mende, Adam Korman, Todd Gorham, Peter Mink, Lara Bock, and Sage Waring.