Spring 2014 - Adventure Tree
and Adventure Farm



Climbing High

Climb and Learn


We want to highlight a very special group that we had the privilege to spend an afternoon with. We were honored to host a tree climb for the Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments. On a glorious April afternoon, 21 students arrived at EarthDance Farms in Ferguson to spend an afternoon climbing trees, planting seeds, and building kites.

Climb and Learn


Guy made sure to provide tactile opportunities for the participants to become familiar with the climbing system before they were even off the ground. Guy, Deanna and Ed worked closely with small groups of individuals to ensure that each climber understood how the system worked before they were off and climbing 5, 10, 30, 60 feet up into the treetops each choosing the height that felt best to them. I can't begin to describe how rewarding this experience was for everyone involved. These kids are amazing.

We rejoice in working with special needs climbers, and this was one of our favorite events.



May The 4th Be With You!

Climb and Learn


Our Public Canopy Climb on Sunday, May 4 has a special Star Wars theme. Come and join in the fun. You'll get $5 off the cost of the climb if you wear your Star Wars costume. Don't have a costume? Just bring some item of Star Wars paraphernalia (action figure, DVD case, photo printed from the internet, etc.) for the $5 discount.

We'll see you at the climb. And remember, don't just try to get there - Do, or do not, there is no try!



Girl Scouts and Youth Groups

Climb and Learn


During the winter you'll find us brainstorming new programs for tree climbing and experiential education. We've been doing more and more cooperative group activities and this is definitely a direction where we're motivated to focus more attention.

As a Girl Scouts approved provider of tree climbing programs, there have been many opportunities to think beyond the basic tree climb. You will now find a variety of Girl Scouts Adventure Tree offerings in the Summer Lark programs June 7 and August 2 and this fall in the Lead and Learn programs (Sept 27 - not yet available online).

Here are brief descriptions of some of our programs (we will soon have more information online):
  • Tree Climbing Fun and Adventure: Work towards overcoming challenges as a group and learn cooperation, communication and teamwork. Then have fun climbing a tree together.
  • Benefits of Trees: Trees provide Oxygen for breathing, wood for construction, and so much more. Learn about the many benefits of trees, then climb high into a tree and observe the world from its perspective.
  • Get To Know Your Trees: Develop skills for easily identifying many of the most common trees found in St. Louis and the midwest, and learn some amazing things that make trees so awesome. Then have fun climbing high into a majestic tree.
We are offering similar programs and more to youth groups and school groups. Also check out the school offerings for further ideas. If you would like to take advantage of our educational offerings for a youth or school group then please contact us for more information or to arrange for a program.



Climb High In The Moonlight!

Climb and Learn


Thursday May 8 the conditions will be perfect for a glorious after-dark tree climb in the moonlight. There will be a bright three-quarter waxing gibbous moon high in the sky as we ascend. We'll hang out in the tree and contemplate the heavens, perhaps get a glimpse of a passing satellite or two, then we'll descend in the moonlight. Sign up today before all slots are taken. For more information see Moonlight Canopy Climbs.



Learn How To Tree Climb

Climb and Learn


Spring is finally here, but despite the cold and snowy winter, Adventure Tree has been busy with climbers. During the cold winter months Guy was able to hold several Learn the Ropes courses for arborists. These groups of determined folks battled the cold to complete their training and now are ready to safely climb and do tree work as we enter into the busy spring season.

The Learn the Ropes Course is open to anyone who is interested in learning how to climb trees safely and effectively. While the winter courses were focused more for arborists, this course is designed for anyone who wants to learn tree climbing, either for fun or for work.

This season we are offering several opportunities to learn the skills needed to climb on your own. Please join us for one of the upcoming dates or contact us for customized group trainings. We look forward to working with you.




Upcoming Events


Monthly Public Climbs
Held on the first Sunday of each month 2:00-5:00 PM
Next public climb May 4 at EarthDance Farms. May the 4th be with you!

Moonlight Canopy Climb
Next moonlight climb May 8 from 7:00 - 10:00 PM

Learn The Ropes Course
Learn how to tree climb recreationally or professionally.
Next scheduled course June 2-3 or August 9-10. Contact us to arrange a course.

St. Louis Community College Courses
Next Level 1 Tree Climbing course May 3 at Camp Wyman
Next Level 2 Tree Climbing course May 17 at Camp Wyman

Tree climb on The Land
On Saturday May 31 attend this great event in Grubville, MO (approx 1 hr from St. Louis).
Contact us for more information.

GSEM Larks
Tree Climbing Fun on June 7
Benefits of Trees on August 2

Permaculture Book Club
Wednesday, May 28, 6:30-8:00 PM at Adventure Farm
More info on the Adventure Farm Events Page

Sustainable Backyard Tour
Don't miss this great St. Louis event June 22, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Take a look at the Sustainable Backyard Tour website for more info.



Experiential Education Exchange

Climb and Learn


One of the most exciting community involvement opportunities we have had is helping to start the first Experiential Education Exchange in St Louis and in the country. This fall Guy and a group of dedicated experiential educators at The College School met and planned an open community event. In the initial event other experiential educators in the STL area were invited to meet and collaborate to begin building a support network for those dedicated to the opportunity for all learners to learn by doing.

For the first event Adventure Tree dressed the oak in the College School courtyard in ropes and soon it was adorned with happy adult teachers climbing in a cold drizzly rain. That didn't stop these educators, and along with many other brilliant opportunities showcased at the event the St Louis EEE was born.

We hope to continue to support the growth of this amazing group.

If you are interested in learning more about experiential education or are already an educator who would like to get involved please contact us so we can include you in information as this group moves forward.


Adventure Tree

Adventure Farm

EarthDance Farms

St. Louis Community College
Continuing Education


St. Louis Permaculture Guild
Meetup Group


Midwest Permaculture

Global Organization of Tree Climbers

American Camping Association

Association for Experiential Education

TREE-ba dachi Climbing Academy

The Grove House

Bring Conservation Home
Audubon Society



Great Rivers Museum


Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri