BOULDER, Colo. — April 26 marks Arbor Day. People around the world celebrate the holiday by planting trees. The holiday started in Nebraska in 1872. More than 1 million plants were reportedly planted across the state that day.
In 2024, a group in Colorado is showing their appreciation for trees in other ways. Tree Climbing Colorado is reportedly one of the few recreational tree-climbing companies in the country.
Harv Teitelbaum started the company in 2002.
"We've evolved in trees, we used to live in trees," Teitelbaum explained. "I think when we climb in a tree now we reconnect. We feel something ancient and something deep within us that’s very restorative and very calming, at least for me."
Teitelbaum handed the company over to Mitch Magdovitz not too long ago but he still is heavily involved in the company's services. The organization teaches people how to scale large trees through their rope system.
"Almost everybody gets excited when they hear about what I do, and a lot of people want to try it out and, at the very least, they’re excited and curious about it," Magdovitz said as he geared up for the next group of participants. "So it's kind of a magical place where a lot of people experience and I think there’s real science to what’s happening neurologically shifts that change through our literal and visual perspective."
In addition to the excitement and fun of climbing large trees, the group hopes to give people a new awareness of the beauty in nature and find an appreciation for the large organism. On this day, a group from Adam's Camp participated in the festivities.
Adam's Camp is a special needs therapy program for kids and adults.
"I went back out there and I noticed that it was actually really fun," Flash, one of the participants, said. "It’s really easy... it’s kind of just like sliding knots up on the rope basically and it’s really fun."
"The first time I did it it was kind of meh but then I started wanting to do it again because over time it got more fun," Oliver, another participant, added. "I feel like it just make me feel pretty free and open."
Teitelbaum and Magdovitz hope the experience is eye-opening for participants of any age. They know for so many, this is more than a fun day spent in the woods.
"Frankly, I think it’s our evolutionary heritage to go up in the trees," Magdovitz said. "Just to be able to hang out with this giant organism and look around and see a bigger view of the world I live in."
"The modern world intrudes in many ways that doesn't mean we can't grab onto those parts that are still special," Teitelbaum added.
Magdovitz said they also work with Parks and Recreation departments around the region to coordinate climbs. No experience is necessary to try and tree climb. The climbs usually last about two hours long.
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