WHEATON, Md – Montgomery Parks in partnership with Casey Trees and Bartlett Tree Experts, is now accepting applications for the Tree Climbing Academy, a week-long, hands-on program designed for adults interested in arboriculture and forestry careers.
From November 3–7, 2025, at Wheaton Regional Park, participants will learn the art and science of tree climbing while gaining practical skills and foundational knowledge in tree care and forestry. The academy provides a unique opportunity to explore the tree care industry from the ground up.
To Apply:
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old
- Interested in starting or continuing a career in tree care
- Able to attend the entire academy
- Preferred candidates are in good physical condition and able to hoist themselves vertically into a tree
- Apply online or by downloading this accessible form
- Application deadline October 3, 2025
- Accepted applicants will be notified by October 10, 2025
“Last year’s Tree Climbing Academy was a huge success,” said Amanda Aparicio, horticulture and urban forestry manager at Montgomery Parks. “We had an awesome group of motivated participants, many of them brand new to climbing, and the talented instructors were able to take them further than expected. With a strong focus on safety and industry best practices, everyone built essential skills and had a great time doing it.”
Academy participants will learn to set ropes, climb trees and traverse limbs safely. There will also be instruction on knots, tree canopy navigation and industry best practices. Candidates who complete the Academy will receive a Tree Climbing Academy certificate and a $500 stipend. Contact friends@caseytrees.org for more information.
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 414 parks. Montgomery Parks is focused on promoting physical activity, social connectivity, and environmental stewardship, especially in diverse and urbanizing areas, with an emphasis on teens, working-age adults, and seniors. Montgomery Parks is a department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems. MontgomeryParks.org
Accessibility
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice/TTY), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Accessibility for more information.
About Casey Trees
Casey Trees is a local nonprofit dedicated to restoring, enhancing, and protecting the tree canopy of the nation’s capital. Founded in 2001, Casey Trees plants over 7,000 trees per year, engages with thousands of volunteers, educates youth in local schools on the importance of environmental stewardship, advocates for tree friendly policies, and acts as DC’s only land conservation trust. Find out more at CaseyTrees.org
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