Climbing Club Monthly Experiences

Club climbs are designed for those people who are ready to take their climbing experience to a level beyond what they can reach in our Rec and Open Climbs. Club members are able to spend tree-time the way they want: swinging, reading, working on skills, socializing, or just hanging out on rope.
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     Limited capacity: We will have at least a 1:1 rope to climber ratio, meaning no lines to get on rope!
     Learn more: We will offer a dedicated experience/lesson each month (see below) to introduce climbers to different aspects of recreational tree climbing. Climbers will have the opportunity to try new gear and techniques, and climb alongside a tree climbing adventure guide.

APRIL

Retzer Nature Center
April 19th
​White oaks
Topics: Understanding Climbing Equipment & Climbing System / Climbing a new tree!
The Experience: This is the first time recreational tree climbing will be allowed at Retzer Nature Center! Be among the first people to climb into this pair of white oaks which are tucked in the middle of a stand of pines.
   Climbers will be introduced to the climbing equipment: including the saddle, helmet and climbing system. Learn why this climbing system is the system we use and its characteristics.

MAY

Mukwonago Park
May 17th
White oak
name: Pearl
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Topics: Multi-pitch climbing
The Experience: The perspective from the top of the tree, with your head within feet of the uppermost leaves is breathtaking as you look out upon the distant horizon or back down the trunk to its firm footing in the ground below.
   In order to reach the top of a tree, professional climbers often need to install a new climbing rope higher in the tree once they are at the top of of their original climbing rope. Feel the sensations of switching over to a new climbing rope and climbing higher.

JUNE

Horeb Spring Park
June 28th
Swamp white oak
name: Wilton
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Topics: Hammocks and Heights
The Experience:  This month's climbing tree is growing on a hill. The perspective of climbing such a tree provides climbers with the feeling of being much higher than they are when looking down-slope.
   Hammocking is relaxing. Doing so at 30' above the ground is a unique experience and a great way to enjoy the afternoon. Get a taste of what draws people to treetop camping!

JULY

Woodfield Park
July 19th
Bur oak
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Topics: Ancient Oaks & Limb-walking
The Experience: Ancient trees are those which are remarkably old for their species. Climbing the oldest of trees is not often advisable given the nature of aging. This month's climbing tree is closer 200-250 years old and still in its prime. It is an impressively large tree with spreading branches that swoop to the ground.
   Being able to spend time with such a tree is a moving experience and sure to impress considering it sprouted from its acorn long before Wisconsin became a state. The massive spreading branches provide the perfect opportunity to work on limb-walking.

AUGUST

Cutler Park
August 16th
Black walnut
​name: 
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Topics: Tall Trees & Advanced Climbing Systems
The Experience: This black walnut is one of the tallest trees we climb and provides the highest climbing route at just over 50' (for perspective, the majority of climbing routes during our climbs tend to be between 20' to 40'). Climbers will have the opportunity to climb one of the 50' ropes if they'd like.
   When climbing tall trees, think of redwoods that reach 250' to 380' tall, climbers tend to prefer an alternative climbing system as to the one we typically use. These alternative climbing systems require more equipment and employ a different climbing technique. Try one of these advanced systems for yourself.

SEPTEMBER

Menomonee Park
September 13th
White oak

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Topics: Forest Climbing & Nature Therapy
The Experience: If you enjoy hiking through the woods then you'll love climbing in them! Climbing trees in a wooded setting has a different feel than climbing trees in parks. It is a great way to experience Nature and the enhanced energy levels of the forest ecosystem. Climbers will be introduced to the concepts of Nature therapy and Forest Bathing/Shinrin Yoku.
   This tree allows climbers to work on limb-walking and revisit the multi-pitch climb experience.

OCTOBER

Glacier Cone Park
October 18th
Bur oaks
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Topics: Nature Journaling & "Free Climbing"
The Experience: This month's climbing trees stand atop a hill created as the glaciers retreated a few years back. With nearly a 360 degree view of the surrounding community, climbers enjoy the enhanced sense of height in addition to the changing colors of the trees in the distance.
   With views like this, I am moved to climb with a journal as I sketch or write about the random inspirations that enter my mind as I reflect upon the past climbing season. The tree's branching structure provides climbers the opportunity to work on one of the more challenging aspects to climbing as they switch back and forth between "free-climbing" using the branches and climbing the rope. Climbers will be able to utilize the skills they've developed through the year as they are constantly transitioning between the 2 styles of climbing. 

NOVEMBER

Fox River Parkway north park
November 15th
Bur oak
Topics: First Humans to Climb this Tree!
The Experience: Have you ever wondered what it would it feel like to have been one of the explorers to first discover a new place? Whether you've realized it or not, treetop explorers are able to enter such locations thanks to rope and saddle. Many tall trees may have long since lost their lower branches which means that the tree as it exists today was able to grow many new branches and develop an entirely new crown that did not exist years ago. 
   After first meeting this tree 6 years ago, I have finally gained permission to climb it and have decided to wait to climb it until we go together! The tree stands off the beaten path & given the surrounding wetlands and Fox River flowing past, I can't wait to see what the view is like from the top,