​The text came in just before 11:00am, "another owlet needs renesting. Are you free today?” 

A great horned owlet had recently fallen from its nest. The homeowner had found the little one sheltered near the base of the eastern white pine, its nest 45 feet above. Concerned for its wellbeing and aware of the Wildlife in Need Center (www.helpingwildlife.org) in Oconomowoc, the homeowner called to report the fallen owlet.

Their staff was onsite as soon as they could to rescue the owlet and get it out of harm’s way. Predators like eagles, hawks, foxes, racoons, and cats are common in our area. In addition, the sooner the owlet can be renested the better the chance they’ll receive the necessary care and protection from their parents.
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Taking the First Step

A few years back, a climbing friend had mentioned he was renesting owls. Looking through his photos & videos and listening to his stories was very intriguing. He gave me the details of how I might be able to get involved, but I didn't see enough free time in my schedule to where I could be as responsive as they'd need.

Fast forward to last month, I got a call from another climbing buddy whom I had passed that information along to. He was headed to re-nest 2 fallen owlets, less than a mile from my office.

Being that close, I couldn’t resist the opportunity so I readjusted my schedule to meet them onsite. While assisting my friend on that renest, I had the opportunity to talk with the WINC staff to learn more about their cause and services.
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I was surprised to hear that they had a very short list of volunteer climbers. After seeing the owlets and playing a small role in their renesting, I felt inspired and compelled to finally get on their list.
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Starting the Climb
 
Having a few calls under my belt, I had a general idea of what to expect with the task at hand once I replied to the text. We’ll meet at the property, I’ll climb up to install a sturdy nest basket, then hoist the owlet up and place it in the nest. A straight forward plan.

Apparently great horned owl nests often consist of a few twigs laid over a couple branches right next to the trunk. The ones I have seen are not like what I envisioned them to be (I had assumed they'd be like a robin’s nest just large). I've only seen a couple, but now describe them more as a small, skimpy platform. This is partly why renesting involves installing a sturdy basket where they’ll be less likely to fall again.

Making my way up to the old nest at the top of the tree, I was greeted by a 2nd owlet still in the nest! “I bet you’re wondering, what the heck is this guy doing up here”, I said out loud as if it could understand.

Only one had fallen…or was possibly nudged off the nest given it would have been a little crowded for two. Time for a contingency plan.

​Make Every Interaction Count

With my previous renesting, one of the adults was nearby the entire time I worked to replace its 3 babies. At one time it had flown into the top of a tree 20 feet away, squawking the entire time given I was messing with the nest and babies.

We did not see nor hear either of the adults during this day's renesting, so were unsure if it was going to be successful.

I received a text the next morning, letting me know that the homeowner had confirmed one of the adults returned and was on the nest! Hearing of the family being reunited triggered a flush of emotion. 

I was reminded of The Tale of the Starfish – “You can’t begin to save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference.” After listening politely, the child bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, said, “I made a difference for that one.”

UPDATE: April 28, 2025
The property owner has shared that both owlets are doing well & will be ready to fly from the nest in the coming days!

Benefits of Spending Time Outside

Countless studies support this notion, analyzing how crucial outside play is for us and our children. Further, free-play allows us to foster our creativity and decision-making skills. Children, in particular, benefit as they are developing motor planning skills and trying to discover their interests.

Studies have shown the benefits of spending time in nature is even greater than simply being outside. If you are one who enjoys hiking, camping, hunting, or canoeing, you are probably already aware of nature’s power to make you relax beyond how you feel when you take a walk around your neighborhood.

Reduced stress, improved short-term memory, reduced inflammation, improved concentration, sharper thinking, immune system boosts, and improved mental health are some of the benefits that I have experienced firsthand. I wasn't too surprised when I began looking into and reading studies showing the relationship between children who spend less time in nature and the likelihood they experience attention disorders and depression.

I have worked outside for most of my life. I've also had office jobs where I was lucky if I had a window to look out and take in at least the sunshine if not a landscape. Regardless of your age or what your workspace looks like, we cannot escape the fact that we need time in nature; and free-play.

​Even today, the benefits I receive from tree climbing often exceed that of other activities primarily because I am outside, breathing fresh air and inhaling the essential oils and compounds emitted by the trees and other components of the natural environment. The further away from concrete & asphalt and the larger the forest ecosystem the tree is growing in, the greater the effect.

The climbing process itself heightens your senses and has a profound impact on your brain. You will feel energized once your feet leave the ground, yet you will find peace when you sit back and take in the view. Negative emotions, anxiety and stress will fade away, ushering in positive emotions and a boost in self-confidence and creativity.

​Feel Better. Be Happy.

As much as I love hiking and playing in my gardens, much of my free-play during the summer is climbing trees for fun. Even though I can get in a personal climb during some of my work days, it is the climbing I do outside of work which impacts me the most.

There is no right or wrong way to climb a specific tree, which means you are free to explore as you desire that particular day. One rule: stay tied in on rope at all times…the rest you just make up as you go. Nothing compares to how I feel when I am playing out in the woods, high in a tree. Everything comes into balance. Physically, mentally, emotionally.

For me it is climbing trees. For you it may be hiking. Don’t wait for a doctor to prescribe it. Spend a few hours playing in nature this weekend.
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We were right all along…playing outside is key to a happy life!


Are you ready to reconnect with Nature, your inner-child, yourself? Maybe it's time to join us for a climb?