CypressFest: Science, Safety, and Skills
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Join us for the kickoff Day 1 of CypressFest, with the theme of “Science, Safety, and Skills." This educational day will take place on Thursday, September 24, at the historic Abbey Chapel and throughout the grounds of Olivet Gardens of Cypress Lawn Arboretum and Memorial Park, in Colma, CA. This event invites an exploration of management for an intergenerational arboretum collection with both new plantings and centurial veterans, with a particular focus on the science of Cypress Lawn’s namesake tree (Hesperocyparis marcocarpa). This will be followed by an afternoon of immersive learning out on cemetery grounds, including an exploration of best practices for both pre-climb inspections and pruning with purpose. Attendees will gain valuable insights and hands-on tips designed to enhance their skills, ensuring a deeper understanding of both the scientific and practical aspects of arboriculture.
Program agenda:
Day 1: Thursday September 24: Science, Safety and Skills
7:30 am Registration and sign-in (at Abbey Chapel)
8:00 am Welcome and Introductions – Josh Gevertz, Arboretum Director, Cypress Lawn Arboretum and Memorial Park, Colma, CA
Indoor Morning Sessions:
8:30 am Forest of the Future: Cultivating the Arboretum Heritage project, Dave Teuschler and Josh Gevertz
9:30 am Science of Cypresses, Igor Lacan
10:30 am Pre-Climb Inspection and Visual Assessment: Ground-Level Lessons from the Past, Fred Frey
11:20 am Lunch break
Outdoor Afternoon Sessions:
12:30pm Pre-Climb Inspection and Visual Assessment: Tips from the Field, Fred Frey
1:30pm Pruning with Purpose: From Prescription to Practice, Jared Abrojena and Lawrence Schultz
3:30pm CEU sign-out for all attendees
Continue the learning and camaraderie as we invite you to a weekend dedicated to elevating the standard of climbing arboriculture while embracing a fun and friendly competitive spirit! Plus, a day of cypress storytelling led by Cypress Lawn Arboretum Director, Josh Gevertz.
Friday, September 25, offers two tracks: An immersive educational track, featuring a trolley tour of the Arboretum’s living collection of heritage Monterey cypresses, a series of lectures inside the historic Abbey Chapel venue, and an afternoon of field sessions exploring the mechanics of tree support systems, as well as a demonstration of proactive habitat arboriculture techniques.
Then, for climbers interested in the world of TCCs, an engaging “How to Compete” learning day, focusing on the five cornerstone events of every Tree Climbing Competition (TCC): Aerial Rescue, Work Climb, Ascent, Belayed Speed Climb, and Throwline. Participants will receive a comprehensive breakdown of the ITCC rules, scoring system, and judging criteria. Most importantly, an opportunity to witness seasoned competitors demonstrate each event in turn, and then have their support in a hands-on afternoon of individual event practice, out among the cypresses of the Arboretum living collection.
The celebration culminates on Saturday, September 26, with Cypress Lawn Arboretum’s 3rd Annual Tree Climbing Competition! This fun and friendly event will celebrate a positive learning environment for all climbers, fostering a spirit of healthy competition and teamwork. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow arborists, share experiences, and celebrate the art and science of climbing in a vibrant community atmosphere. Join us for a weekend of learning, growth, and fun together!
CEUs:
5.25 CA/CTC/CUFP
1.0 BCMA - S
4.25 BCMA- P
Registration Fee: Science, Safety, and Skills
$125.00 WCISA Member / $150.00 after 9/15
$150.00 Non-WCISA members / $175.00 after 9/15
Location
Cypress Lawn Arboretum and Memorial Park - Abbey Chapel - Olivet Gardens Campus
1601 Hillside Blvd.
Colma, CA 94014