quarta-feira, 24 de março de 2010

PROGRAMA "CARONA" GRAVA MATÉRIA SOBRE ESCALADA EM ÁRVORES EM UBERLÂNDIA




Eu já gostava do Programa "Carona" da TV Integração, afiliada da Globo em Uberlândia, e agora tenho motivo para gostar ainda mais!!! É que o Programa abriu espaço para a divulgação da escalada em árvores em Uberlândia e fez uma matéria comigo... Ainda não há data certa para exibição mas assim que tiver essa informação divulgarei por aqui!!! Por enquanto fiquem com as fotos da equipe se preparando para a gravação e também fotos da apresentadora Cecilia Ribeiro, após receber instruções sobre as técnicas e equipamentos, mandando muito bem em sua primeira experiência escalando uma árvore! Parabéns a equipe e obrigado pelo espaço para divulgar esta atividade em Uberlândia!!

Abraços e boas escaladas,

Alexandre Coletto da Silva

segunda-feira, 22 de março de 2010

Arvorismo ou arborismo???







Breve História do Arvorismo

Os biólogos desenvolveram algumas formas de ter acesso para pesquisar o ecossistema da parte alta de matas e florestas, o Arborismo é uma delas. O termo Arborismo faz menção à prática de cuidados, de estudos e pesquisas de árvores incluindo suas copas. Já o termo Arvorismo faz referência à prática de lazer nas árvores. O Arborismo surgiu de fato nos anos 80 e utilizando-se dos equipamentos e técnicas alpina e verticais, mais estrutura de plataformas, pontes, tirolesas e cabos aéreo no alto das árvores, porém não em suas copas, biólogos conseguem acesso necessário para suas pesquisas. Os pesquisadores iniciaram esta prática tanto na Amazônia quanto nas florestas da América Central. O Arvorismo surge como opção de lazer em contato com a natureza e não tem nada de esporte nesta atividade, podendo ser contemplativo ou acrobático. O circuito contemplativo é formado apenas por pontes pênsil, é mais simples do que o arborismo e o indivíduo não necessariamente se utiliza de equipamento de segurança tendo como objetivo a distração, observação e contemplação do ecossistema. A Costa Rica viu nesta modalidade um filão para explorar o ecoturismo. Possui o maior circuito do munto e foi um dos pioneiros. O circuito acrobático surgiu da mistura do Arborismo e de obstáculos de treinamento das forças armadas (adaptado em seu grau de exigência, para o lazer) utiliza pistas que podem explorar a emoção, o medo, o equilíbrio, a superação de limites, o companheirismo (quando feito em grupo), confiança e auto-confiança, avaliação de risco, etc. É obrigatório o uso de equipamento de segurança .Por estes fatores, empresas buscam o circuito acrobático para realizar treinamento com seus funcionários, visando diversos aspectos para melhoria de desempenho do grupo. Nessa modalidade vários países reclamam sua paternidade, Inglaterra, França, Espanha, USA, Costa Rica, mas a França e a Nova Zelândia estão na vanguarda e idealizaram a atividade, não com conotação esportiva, mas como uma atividade de lazer eco turística. O primeiro percurso implantado no Brasil, sobre postes de madeira foi em 2001, em Brotas. Em Brasília e entorno surgiu 2 anos depois. O primeiro arvorismo foi montado em árvores do pátio do colégio Makenzie em junho de 2003 para um evento que durou alguns dias, depois foi retirado. A Chapada Imperial e a Pousada dos Angicos foram as primeiras a montarem um circuito fixo no DF.

LAERTE CARDOSO..

Já a alguns tempos, venho tentando subir em Jequitibá que existe perto de minha casa. Na região de uma cidade vizinha da minha. Moro em Alfenas MG e a arvore é em Serrania MG a 20km. A arvore tem + ou – 35 MT. Meu meio de transporte é uma bicicleta, eu ponho uns alforjes, e La levo meus equipamentos. Eu já fui com meus equipamentos de montanhismo na base dela uma vês, levei também um estilingue com uma passa de metal para arremessar em um galho, consegui, mas a linha de náilon era muito fraca e estourou. Eu só posso ir até ela só nos finais de semana, e não tenho tido muita sorte, pois tem chovido quase todos os finais de semana, e os equipamentos são muito pesados para ficar carregando de bobeira assim, sem falar que os ascensores “um equipamento de subir em cordas” não são meus. Mas tenho esperança de subir esta arvore nesta próxima semana!!!

FONTE: http://emiliotaturana.blogspot.com

domingo, 21 de março de 2010

Cidade do Rio ganha primeiro circuito de aventura

Diego Verticchio

O Parque da Catumba, na Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, Ipanema, foi o local escolhido pela Prefeitura do Rio para receber o primeiro circuito de turismo de aventura da cidade. A operação do circuito ficará sob administração da empresa Lagoa Aventuras e terá, a partir de hoje, quatro modalidades: arvorismo, tirolesa, muro de escalada e rapel. "Nossa expectativa é receber de 1.000 a 1,5 mil pessoas por mês", acredita Marcelo Skaf, um dos sócios do empreendimento.

A ação é uma parceria das secretarias de Turismo e Meio Ambiente. Os respectivos secretários estiveram na inauguração do circuito: "Inauguramos uma atração turística totalmente sustentável. Em nenhum momento a natureza foi prejudicada e agora os turistas e os próprios cariocas vão poder experimentar a sensação de andar pelas árvores ou descer uma parede de escalada ou por corda", comemorou o titular da pasta de turismo, Antonio Pedro de Mello.

Carlos Alberto Muniz, secretário de Meio Ambiente, lembrou que este é o primeiro projeto deste tipo e que outros virão. O próximo, segundo ele, será fazer um circuito similar no Parque do Mendanha, na Zona Oeste da cidade.

"Não estamos privatizando este ou qualquer outro parque da cidade, o que fazemos é dinamizar parcerias com iniciativa privada no intuito de levar aos frequentadores mais opções de lazer. Esse é um pedido do prefeito que ambas secretarias estão mobilizadas em fazer", complementou Muniz.

O circuito Lagoas Aventura conta com 17 profissionais capacitados e treinados para as atividades: "Todos da staff estão aqui por amor à natureza e ao trabalho que exercemos", afirmou Gabriel Werneck, sócio ao lado de Marcelo Skaf.

O circuito abre de terça a domingo, sempre das 9h às 17h. Os preços são: R$ 10 a tirolesa; R$ 15 o muro de escalada; R$ 20 e R$ 30, arvorismo infantil e adulto, respectivamente; R$ 40, rapel.

Mais informações nos telefones 21 – 4105-0079 / 21 – 7870-9162 ou pelo site www.lagoaaventuras.com.br

FONTE: http://www.mercadoeeventos.com.br

sexta-feira, 19 de março de 2010

Arizona tree climbing championship at BTA in Superior


Kim Stone/Boyce Thompson Arboretum, An arborist tackles a 50-foot eucalyptus tree at last year’s competition.

Staff Reports
Published: Tuesday, March 2, 2010 11:30 PM MST

SUPERIOR — Imagine climbing more than 50 feet of tree in less than a half-minute — then scrambling out on a limb to ring a cowbell. That’s what Arizona’s best tree climbers face Saturday when they scale the towering eucalyptus trees in the Australian forest at Boyce Thompson Arboretum.

Saturday’s state competition will send Arizona’s champion to the Western States Regional. Events are promoted each year by the Arizona Community Tree Council — a nonprofit volunteer community organization that promotes the planting of and caring for trees and the essential role our biggest and shadiest plants play in beautifying Arizona communities.

ACTC is composed of representatives from Arizona’s counties, tribal communities, government agencies, professional organizations and private companies who share a statewide interest in the mission. Read more at www.aztrees.org.

Preview highlights from last year’s event at http://aztrees.org/climbingchamp.html. For more information call 602-354-3023.

“Tree climbing competitions simulate the kind of real-time working conditions that arborists experience every day in their challenging line of work,” said ACTC’s Conni Ingallina.

“Utilizing the highest level of professional skills and safety, these events give working arborists the opportunity to use their skills in a competitive environment. Each event is designed to test the competitors’ ability to quickly, professionally and safely climb through a tree as they perform the tasks required by each event. For the first time, aerial rescue competition will be included as part of the day’s activities.”

Spectators are welcome, but non-competitors will not be allowed to climb trees at the arboretum.

Ingallina says family elements include the Kids’ Zone with coloring, clowns and crafts. An “old-timer climbing event” will provide entertainment during lunch — and the arboretum will sell grilled bratwursts from The Pork Shop in Queen Creek as a lunchtime fundraiser.

Visitors can also learn more about trees when horticulture expert Terry Mikel guides a walk-a-bout through the arboretum.

Daily admission is $7.50 for adults, $3 for ages 5-12. Leashed and well-behaved pets are welcome at the arboretum, and there’s a picnic area with tables and charcoal grills that visitors can use. Boyce Thompson Arboretum is located on U.S. 60 at milepost 223 near the scenic copper-mining town of Superior, a half-hour’s drive from Florence.

Read more at ag.arizona.edu/bta or join the online community of members, volunteers and staff at facebook.com/boycethompsonarboretum.

FONTE: http://www.trivalleycentral.com

Ivy League School Offers Tree Climbing Class

Even among our staff there was some initial skepticism. "Is anyone really going to want to do this? Is there really that much to it? I climbed trees when I was a kid. How can we offer that as a college course?" What we know now is that for one reason or another, people love being in trees.

To be clear, what we're talking about here is a Physical Education class. Cornell requires students to take two credits of Physical Education in order to graduate. The offerings are diverse; also on the list are classes such as Archery, Filipino Kali, Belly Dancing, Yoga, Introduction to Hand Gun Safety, Bowling, and even Juggling. Placed on that list, Tree Climbing starts to sound a little less bizarre.

Again, to be clear, we are not simply climbing hand over hand into trees and swinging around in the breeze. We use harnesses, helmets, ropes, carabiners and ascenders to climb trees whose branches you cannot reach from the ground. Think "arborist" without the chainsaws.

Founded in 1972, Cornell Outdoor Education is one of the largest college-based outdoor programs in the country, providing over 130 physical education courses in a wide range of disciplines, freshman wilderness orientation trips, and teamwork training on our ropes course - approximately 30,000 program days annually. However, the 22 rock climbing courses COE offers on our indoor wall made the climbing program staff members feel like we should more appropriately be called Cornell Indoor Education. We found it hard to advance our environmental stewardship mission while climbing on plastic holds next to the aerobics classes. This was a major reason the administration was amenable when COE instructor David Katz first started advocating for a technical tree climbing class.

Programmatically, the prospects seemed good. Climbable trees are abundant in Ithaca. (Sheer cliffs are also abundant at Cornell, but the walls of our famous gorges are made of friable rock layers. Climbing them would be like trying to scale a stack of lawn chairs.) Tree climbing is less weather dependent than rock climbing. Compared with the congested climbing scene at the closest crag, a placid tree climb more directly supports our environmental mission.

Although the team of instructors we put together for our first class had significant rope experience, we had a lot work to do before we could run a reasonable program. In particular we had the following questions to answer:

Curriculum: Of the vast number of tree climbing techniques, which ones would be appropriate for a college level recreational tree climbing program?

Risk Management: Can we find procedures and policies that can safely accommodate groups of 8 to 10 students?

Gear: Can we create a tree climbing program using some of our rock climbing gear? What elements of tree climbing are best taught with tree-specific gear? What is the cost of that investment?

Impact: Can we offer climbing classes repeatedly in the same trees without damaging them?

With our best answers to these questions, COE ran its first tree climbing course in 2004. The student response has been overwhelming. We now run six classes PE per year in New York, in addition to private lessons, youth programming, and an international trip to the primary rain forest in Costa Rica. We have never offered a tree climbing class that did not end up fully enrolled.

FONTE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com

quinta-feira, 18 de março de 2010

Seminário discute montanhismo e escalada em unidades de conservação

O evento, realizado pelo Instituto Estadual de Florestas (IEF), reúne, até sexta-feira, escaladores, biólogos e gestores ambientais de Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro e Distrito Federal.

Escalar montanhas pelas vertentes rochosas mais íngremes é uma atividade tradicional que começou a ser explorada no Brasil no século XIX. O histórico e a organização desse esporte foram retratados na abertura do Seminário ‘Uso Público em Unidades de Conservação de Minas Gerais’, que começou nesta quinta-feira (11), no Parque Estadual do Itacolomi, em Ouro Preto.

O vice-presidente da Confederação Brasileira de Montanhismo e Escalada (CBME), Bernardo Collares, explicou que a atividade só começou a ser explorada comercialmente e divulgada amplamente a partir dos anos 80. “Hoje existem milhares de vias de escalada no Brasil e as formações rochosas localizadas em unidades de conservação (UCs) são uma das mais cobiçadas por escaladores”, disse. Ele ressaltou que a recente popularização do esporte de aventura nas áreas de preservação é uma preocupação para os gestores ambientais e para os escaladores.

De acordo com Collares, a CBME desenvolve uma série de oficinas, seminários e debates sobre o desenvolvimento sustentável da atividade, com foco em ações preventivas e na boa formação dos usuários, evitando, assim, impactos ambientais e riscos de acidentes. Ele destacou o esforço das federações de montanhismo em estabelecer parcerias com órgãos públicos, visando criar diretrizes para a organização do esporte em áreas de preservação e ressaltou a importância do Seminário para o avanço das discussões em Minas Gerais.

O gerente de Gestão de Áreas Protegidas do IEF, Roberto Alvarenga, afirmou que as atividades realizadas ao ar livre nas unidades de conservação do Estado de Minas Gerais, como caminhadas e esportes de aventuras, são desenvolvidas e incentivadas pelo Instituto. “Antes da implementação das atividades temos que fazer uma avaliação técnica da necessidade que cada atividade requer em relação ao local, estrutura e equipamentos para que seja desenvolvida com o mínimo impacto ao ambiente natural”, ponderou. Ele ressaltou que as atividades tem sido desenvolvidas em parceria com a Secretaria de Estado de Turismo, entre outras instituições públicas, privadas e comunidades locais.

A superintendente de Políticas de Turismo da Secretaria de Estado de Turismo de Minas Gerais, Jussara Rocha, também destacou o aumento significativo da promoção nacional e internacional de produtos do ecoturismo e turismo de aventura. Ela ressaltou, ainda, a importância de ampliar o diálogo entre as instituições que atuam no setor para o avanço da estruturação dessas atividades no Estado. “Precisamos fazer uma reflexão ampla sobre o uso público nas unidades de conservação, considerando as peculiaridades de cada área, para garantir a prática do turismo de aventura e ecoturismo aliada à preservação”, complementou.

Empreendedorismo

O coordenador geral da Associação Brasileira das Empresas de Ecoturismo e Turismo de Aventura (Abeta), Gustavo Timo, mostrou que estas atividades, quando bem executadas e geridas pelos atores públicos e privados envolvidos, têm a capacidade de ser um vetor de desenvolvimento sustentável. “O desenvolvimento ocorre por meio da organização social e institucional, do envolvimento da comunidade, da capacidade de liderança da iniciativa privada e, por consequência, da geração de emprego e renda que as ações propiciam”, enumerou.

Gustavo Timo relatou a experiência da Abeta no desenvolvimento do Programa de Aventura Segura, que visa melhorar a qualidade, a segurança e a competitividade dos profissionais e empresas que atuam neste segmento. “O programa tem um conjunto de ações de fortalecimento das instituições envolvidas, de geração e disseminação de conhecimento, qualificação de pessoas e empresas e de iniciativas de fortalecimento da responsabilidade socioambiental”, explicou. A Associação também produziu uma série de manuais de boas práticas no desenvolvimento de turismo de aventura, disponíveis em versão digital, no site www.aventurasegura.org.br.

Fonte: Ascom/ Sisema

Acesse para mais notícias do Governo de Minas Gerais: Agência Minas e Blog.
Acesse a Galeria de Fotos do Governo de Minas Gerais.
Acompanhe também no www.youtube.com/governodeminasgerais.

TREE CLIMBING SAFETY EQUIPMENT

By Tara McClendon, eHow Contributing Writer

Whether you want to climb a red oak in Virginia, a cedar in California or a sequoia in Oregon, you'll want to make sure you have the proper safety equipment for tree climbing. From helmets to gloves, each piece plays a specific role in keeping you safe while you're off the ground.

Helmets
A good safety helmet protects your head in case of a fall. It also acts as a buffer in case you hit the branch above you. Helmets come in a variety of colors and most have a lightweight, yet effective, shell. Manufacturers design the tree climbing safety gear for optimal visibility. Helmets like the Petzl Vertex Duo include a headlamp.

Rope
Climbing ropes come in 12- or 16-strand styles. Safety equipment manufacturers design the ropes to resist the abrasion caused when the rope rubs against the bark of a tree, and they rate the ropes based on their weight capacity. Some styles such as the ArborMaster Rope can hold 8,000 pounds. Also consider purchasing a bright color in order to see the rope better when it's in the tree.

Connectors
Carabiners are the oblong pieces of metal with spring clips used to join a rope to a piton or a harness. You can also use a carabiner to connect two ropes. Carabiners come in a variety of sizes and have different safety ratings. Most manufacturers stamp the weight capacity of a carabiner on the side of it. In place of a spring clip, arborist carabiners may have a screw gate to secure the rope in place.

Some arbor climbers like to use other types of connectors. Aluminum or steel snaps splice ropes in a single isolated hole. Thimbles can protect your rope from fraying, and swiveling allows you to rotate the clip without detaching it.

Saddles
A saddle or a harness should be comfortable and able to support your weight. Manufacturers make saddles in a variety of sizes including children's. Adjustable leg straps allow you to get the best fit possible. The number of attachment points varies by model.

Tree climbers use a fall arrest harness to protect against falling. This style has suspender straps with an attachment point in the center of the back. You can attach suspenders to several styles of saddles to convert them to fall arrest harnesses.

Gloves
You'll want to include gloves as part of your safety gear for climbing trees. The gloves will protect you from the rough bark of the tree and from heat caused from fiction on the rope. If you don't like gloves with fingers, protect your palms with fingerless styles. If you plan to rappel down, pick a style with extra leather on the palms.

FONTE: http://www.ehow.com

INTRODUCTION TO TREE CLIMBING PROGRAM OFFERED AT SHAWNEE MISSION PARK ON APRIL 10

3/17/2010 - Do you have fond memories of climbing trees or do you want your child to have the same experiences? A program being offered by the Johnson County Park & Recreation District can help.
The program is called introduction to Tree Climbing and is for ages eight and older. Participants under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian on-site. Adult participants are welcome as well.
This is your chance to reach new heights by learning how to ascend and descend trees while wearing comfortable climbing harnesses and helmets. All equipment is provided and all knots are tied by staff. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "adventure" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
This program is offered twice on Saturday, April 10. One program will begin at 10 a.m., while another will start at 12:30 p.m. The cost for one two-hour session is $32 for Johnson County residents or $35 for nonresidents. Participants should wear long pants, closed-toe and heeled shoes and are required to complete medical and liability releases prior to climbing. Preregistration is required and climbing site information, forms, and weather notices can be found at www.treeclimbingkansascity.com.
The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District’s website at www.jcprd.com.

FONTE: http://pressreleases.kcstar.com

quarta-feira, 17 de março de 2010

ESCALADA NAS ÁRVORES – Tree Climbing



Num primeiro momento parece um pouco complicado, mais depois de alguns metros se percebe que o esforço é mínimo quando se está subindo pelas cordas, um sentimento diferente vai surgindo com a altura, com o ponto de vista, com detalhes da natureza.
A atividade é lenta, porém, possibilita a cooperação e ajuda de quem está no chão, qualquer um pode subir. A atividade pode ser personalizada e montada a cada dia em um lugar diferente e sofrer algumas variações, contendo tirolesa, pendulo ou rapel para voltarmos ao chão.
Benefícios do Tree Climbing.
O Treeclimbing (escalada de arvores) possuem uma série de vantagens distintas sobre muitas outras atividades de aventura.
Aqui estão algumas delas:
É um exercício divertido e estimulante, um excelente treino para os braços e pernas.
Um desafio para nossos sentidos, uma maneira gostosa de perceber os detalhes a nossa volta. Embora não seja tão exigente como aparece, a escalada trabalha alguns grupos musculares pouco utilizados em nosso dia a dia, alem de ser muito seguro, já que você conta com aparelhos e técnicas especificas e muito simples.
Você não precisa ir muito longe para encontrar uma boa árvore para subir, especialmente se você estiver em uma área natural, afinal quem nunca subiu numa árvore pura e simplesmente na busca de um desafio ou um ponto de vista diferente.
As árvores estão vivas e conseguimos sentir sua energia, paz e tranqüilidade que reinam em seus ganhos, assim que chegamos mais perto.
Todos os seus sentidos ganham vida. A nova perspectiva é adicionada à experiência da escalada à medida que o som do vento assovia por entre as folhas, aguçando ainda mais seus sentidos.
Durante os meses quentes, você tem a copa para fornecer sombra. No inverno as folhas caem e não há nenhuma barreira para a luz quente do sol.
Maiores informações:
www.zoomaventura.com.br

FONTE: http://www.fernandozara.com.br

terça-feira, 16 de março de 2010

GO CLIMB A TREE

By Margaret Hartley Monday, March 15, 2010


Gorilla Town is officially open, my son told me.
I hadn’t actually known that Gorilla Town, which is in the wooded area directly east of the house, closes for the winter, but my son should know. He’s the mayor.
And when he took me for a spring tour, I could plainly see the Gorilla Town flag hanging at Town Hall, which is up in a huge white pine tree. I could not see the road, a brick path that stretches from the edge of Gorilla Town to Town Hall because of the snow cover. But the mayor, who doubles as highway superintendent, said it should clear soon.
Town Hall is one of those big old trees that the foresters call wolf trees because they once grew alone, in a field or clearing, before the surrounding trees grew up. That gives them a thick trunk, wide crown and lots of heavy side branches, which makes them dangerous for cutting down but good for sitting in. Those first branches are a little too high for the mayor, who is short for his 9 years, so he uses a rope and two slanted boards to pull himself up.
Town Hall has a thin maple growing straight up into it, and also has a lunch delivery system made of a rope and an old Easter basket. “If you worry that I’m out too long and getting hungry you can just bring me some food and I can haul it up by this pulley,” the mayor explained to me.
When my sister and I were around the mayor’s age, we had an elaborate Viking village set up in our woods. (For the record, our names were Tobias and Thaddeus at the time, at least when we were living in the authentic Viking huts we had built with old sheets and blankets.) I also spent a lot of time up in trees, particularly a favorite box elder. I stored books and pencils and journals up there in a wooden box I had nailed to one of the branches, and I would have moved in permanently if it hadn’t been so close to my parents’ bedroom window.
My daughter likes reading and dreaming up in trees too. In fact, she’s the one who taught the mayor how to get into Town Hall.
But according to the National Wildlife Foundation, hanging out in trees is becoming a relic of the past. This week, the NWF is pushing its National Wildlife Week, encouraging “kids to unleash their wild child to learn, explore, discover and imagine, surrounded by a world of green.”
National Wildlife Week began 70 years ago, “when kids spent time climbing trees, skipping stones, and running barefoot in the grass. Oh, how times have changed,” the NFW said. “Today’s average child spends only 4-7 minutes outside each day. Compare that to the astounding 7 hours and 38 minutes per day the average kid spends engaged with electronic media, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.”
Those numbers seem crazy to me. Even without play time, kids around here spend more than 4-7 minutes just waiting for the bus in the morning, outside. (My kids use that time to engage in one of their favorite activities: squabbling.) And after school and homework and dinner, are there even 7 hours and 38 minutes left to “engage with electronic media?”
Numbers aside, I do know that most kids don’t spend nearly enough time outdoors, or in what the experts call “unstructured play,” where they get to make up their own games, rules and worlds. Scientists, psychiatrists and any number of childhood experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, agree that kids need unstructured play time to relax, unwind and learn. And outdoors time has the added benefit of offering fresh air, lots of movement and a connection with the natural world.
Not everyone is lucky enough to live near woods and streams and trees. And schools are constantly cutting back on recess, limiting the time kids are allowed outside the building.
Which makes it all the more important to get out to parks, or to walk around your neighborhood. Even in urban settings you can find signs of the wild: See what kinds of trees grow around you, or look for bird and squirrel nests. A walk in a new neighborhood will reveal different trees, plants, birds and other animals. And who knows what secret towns are hiding in your town playground or your own backyard? You might have a mayor in your own family.
I might celebrate National Wildlife Week by spending some time in Gorilla Town Hall, sitting up their with the mayor, waiting for someone to deliver us lunch.
Margaret Hartley is the Gazette’s Sunday and features editor. Greenpoint appears in the Gazette’s print edition Sundays on the Environment page.

Have a question or a topic you’d like addressed on Greenpoint? Email greenpoint@dailygazette.net.

FONTE: http://www.dailygazette.com

terça-feira, 9 de março de 2010

Dave's World of Wonder: Coconut Tree Climbing

VÍDEO LINK: http://www.kusi.com/features/davesworld/wonder/85996362.html?video=YHI&t=a

In this episode of World of Wonder, Dave Scott takes a look at a profession that you truly have to climb your way to the top.

In Cheni, India many of the natives work as coconut tree climbers. At this specific village, Manuvel has been a professional coconut tree climber for 62 years and in his farm there is plenty of work. It doesn't pay well, but it keeps you in shape.

Manuel explains that there is no future in this profession, but as long as he lives, he will pluck coconuts, saying "this is my career and my life and then my life ends".

While Manuvel uses a rope around his feet for traction, some other climbers use a rope around their waist, like a harness. The rope makes its a little safer, but takes longer to climb the tree. Some climbers seem to just walk up the palm trees without any help, climbing as high as 70 feet.

Once the coconut picking begins, the coconuts are simply tossed down to a man with a burlap bag who keeps them from hitting the ground and cracking.

With the advancement of technology, the sky is not the limit for coconut climbers. Schools are becoming more important to younger generations, teaching them the art of climbing and picking coconuts as well as the dangers that can happen.

Once the coconuts are picked they sell them to the local market, and as long as there is a demand, coconut climbers like Manuvel, will always try to stay on top of their game in this amazing world of wonder.
Story Updated: Mar 2, 2010 at 12:02 PM PST

FONTE: http://www.kusi.com

NOTA DO BLOG: É interessante conhecer essas experiências nos diferentes povos e o mais impressionante é que mesmo estando em continentes separados tanto indianos como muitas comunidades tradicionais brasileiras da floresta (índios, caboclos e quilombolas)utilizam a mesma técnica (peconha) para escalada de palmeiras. A peconha inclusive já foi tema postado neste blog! Muito legal!!! Abraços a todos, espero que tenham gostado dessa matéria! Boas escaladas!

domingo, 7 de março de 2010

IMAGENS DO EVENTO "13th Annual 2010 Tree Climbing Championship" NOS EUA - IX


Michael Wagner, 8, of Duluth descends a water oak tree with the help of Peter "Treeman" Jenkins during the fun climb event hosted by The Georgia Arborist Association and Tree Climbers International in Whitehall Forest by Flinchum's Phoenix on Saturday, Feb 27, 2010. Beginners and amateurs climbed trees during the fun climb while other tree-climbing competitions took place. (Kelly Wegel/photo@onlineathens.com)

IMAGENS DO EVENTO "13th Annual 2010 Tree Climbing Championship" NOS EUA - VIII


Cody Davis, 10, ties a safety knot into his line before progressing up the tree he is climbing during the fun climb event hosted by The Georgia Arborist Association and Tree Climbers International in Whitehall Forest by Flinchum's Phoenix on Saturday, Feb 27, 2010. Beginners and amateurs climbed trees during the fun climb while other tree-climbing competitions took place as part of the 13th Annual 2010 Tree Climbing Championship. (Kelly Wegel/photo@onlineathens.com)

IMAGENS DO EVENTO "13th Annual 2010 Tree Climbing Championship" NOS EUA - VII


Michael Wagner, 8, of Duluth looks down as he climbs a water oak tree during the fun climb event hosted by The Georgia Arborist Association and Tree Climbers International in Whitehall Forest by Flinchum's Phoenix on Saturday, Feb 27, 2010. Beginners and amateurs climbed trees during the fun climb while other tree-climbing competitions took place for professionals. (Kelly Wegel/photo@onlineathens.com)

FONTE: http://www.theadventurelife.org

IMAGENS DO EVENTO "13th Annual 2010 Tree Climbing Championship" NOS EUA - VI


Jack Brown, 7, of Watkinsville, hangs about six feet off the ground with his dad watching as he works his way up a tree during the fun climb event hosted by The Georgia Arborist Association and Tree Climbers International in Whitehall Forest by Flinchum's Phoenix on Saturday, Feb 27, 2010. Beginners and amateurs climbed trees during the fun climb while other tree-climbing competitions took place for professionals as part of the 13th Annual 2010 Tree Climbing Championship. (Kelly Wegel/photo@onlineathens.com)

IMAGENS DO EVENTO "13th Annual 2010 Tree Climbing Championship" NOS EUA - V


Six-and-a-half year-old Calvin Pettis of Watkinsville slowly makes his way up a water oak tree, squinting against the sun, while others prepare to climb below him during the fun climb event hosted by The Georgia Arborist Association and Tree Climbers International in Whitehall Forest by Flinchum's Phoenix on Saturday, Feb 27, 2010. Pettis' dad is an arborist and Pettis has climbed at home before. Beginners and amateurs climbed trees during the fun climb while other tree-climbing competitions took place for professionals as part of the 13th Annual 2010 Tree Climbing Championship. (Kelly Wegel/photo@onlineathens.com)

FONTE: http://www.theadventurelife.org

IMAGENS DO EVENTO "13th Annual 2010 Tree Climbing Championship" NOS EUA - IV


Hank "Mantis" Blaustein of Tree For All in Roswell shows climbers how to tie a safety knot before climbing during the fun climb event hosted by The Georgia Arborist Association and Tree Climbers International in Whitehall Forest by Flinchum's Phoenix on Saturday, Feb 27, 2010. Beginners and amateurs climbed trees during the fun climb while other tree-climbing competitions took place for professionals as part of the 13th Annual 2010 Tree Climbing Championship. (Kelly Wegel/photo@onlineathens.com)

IMAGENS DO EVENTO "13th Annual 2010 Tree Climbing Championship" NOS EUA - III


Cormac Nagan of Aerial Innovations in Raleigh, N.C., secures and lowers a dummy down from a tree during the Aerial Rescue competition, where climbers simulate rescuing an injured person from a tree, during the 13th Annual 2010 Tree Climbing Championship hosted by the Georgia Arborist Association in Whitehall Forest by Flinchum's Phoenix on Saturday, Feb 27, 2010. Nagan has been competing four years and is the reigning world champion in aerial rescue. Competitors are judged by how well they assess the tree and victim, their movement through the tree and their ability to bring the victim down safely, all in under five minutes. Other events tested climbers speed and agility. (Kelly Wegel/photo@onlineathens.com)

FONTE: http://www.theadventurelife.org

IMAGENS DO EVENTO "13th Annual 2010 Tree Climbing Championship" NOS EUA - II


Marc Pappas of Heartwood Tree Services in Charlotte assists hoisting a dummy up a tree for the Aerial Rescue competition, where climbers simulate rescuing an injured person from a tree, during the 13th Annual 2010 Tree Climbing Championship hosted by the Georgia Arborist Association in Whitehall Forest by Flinchum's Phoenix on Saturday, Feb 27, 2010. Competitors are judged by how well they assess the tree and victim, their movement through the tree and their ability to bring the victim down safely, all in under five minutes. Other events tested climbers speed and agility. (Kelly Wegel/photo@onlineathens.com)

IMAGENS DO EVENTO "13th Annual 2010 Tree Climbing Championship" NOS EUA - I


Cody Davis, 10, has his helmet strapped to him before climbing a water oak tree during the fun climb event hosted by The Georgia Arborist Association and Tree Climbers International in Whitehall Forest by Flinchum's Phoenix on Saturday, Feb 27, 2010. Beginners and amateurs climbed trees during the fun climb while other tree-climbing competitions took place for professionals as part of the 13th Annual 2010 Tree Climbing Championship. (Kelly Wegel/photo@onlineathens.com).

FONTE: http://multimedia.onlineathens.com

quinta-feira, 4 de março de 2010

The Greenest Job? Might Be Professional Tree Climber









by STEVE CASIMIRO on MARCH 2, 2010

As job descriptions go, the arborist’s is pretty badass: climb trees all day with a chainsaw, handsaws, and other sharp objects on your belt. Lash your riggings onto elements that can bend or break. Oh, and be careful not to cut your own rope.

These beautiful glimpses into the life of professional tree climbers were shot by John Evans, a photographer, climber, and, perhaps not coincidentally, marketing director of Petzl, which makes climbing and lighting gear. John and I did a canyoneering trip into the San Rafael Swell five or six years ago, and, as accomplished as he is as a rock and ice climber and canyoneer, he’s just as passionate about photography. His website, John Evans Photography, is a great place to see the outlet for that passion.
About this shoot, John said:

“Shooting professional arborists has been really interesting: First, it’s unbelievable to see how easily and quickly they move through the canopy; they’re literally flying from branch-to-branch like some scene out of Avatar. It’s also a subject that’s not covered a lot, so it was rewarding to be able to bring a fresh photographic approach to the subject matter.

“In terms of challenges, this type of photography is a lot like shooting climbing, where you deal with positioning and rigging at height and trying to capture the action in a way that relates the subject to the vertical environment in an aesthetic way. There were definitely some new challenges, too, chief among them the three-dimensional plane the arborist move through. In rock climbing, you’re more limited in the paths you travel, but because the canopy is three dimensional, finding and then getting into the right shooting spot was a lot tougher (but more interesting). And framing is also a big issue: A shot is easily ruined by distracting elements, like branches.”

FONTE: http://www.theadventurelife.org