Date: May 31, 2007

Tree Lovers Unite!

Hofstra Hosts 13th Annual Tree Climbing Competition

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY – Hofstra’s arboretum was transformed into a playground for tree lovers of all ages on June 2, 2007 as the campus hosted the New York State Arborists 13th Annual Tree Climbing Competition.

The event, which was held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the quadrangle east of the Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center, north campus, is a safe way for tree lovers, climbers, and planters to exchange ideas, techniques and gain exposure to the latest tree climbing equipment.  And, of course, to have some fun.

Hofstra hosted the competition for the first time in its 22 years as a member of the American Public Gardens Association. 

“I love hosting any green industry event on campus,” said Fred Soviero, director of grounds and landscaping at Hofstra. “This group is particularly close to my passion of trees and so it is that much more special.”

The event was free and the public was invited to watch the state’s best tree workers climb their way to the top. Held in strict accordance with International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) rules and safety requirements, contestants were to finish five rounds of competition: speed climb, aerial rescue, foot lock, throw line, and work climb.  The top three to five contestants will compete in the final, master challenge for an all-expense paid trip to ISA conference in Honolulu, Hawaii July 28 through August 1, 2007.

For more information on the competition, visit www.newyorkstatearborists.com. For information on the Hofstra Arboretum, or to schedule an arboretum tour, please call (516) 463-6623 or visit www.hofstra.edu/arboretum.  

Hofstra University is a dynamic private institution where students find their edge to succeed in more than 140 undergraduate and 155 graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences, business, communication, education and allied human services, and honors studies, as well as a School of Law.