Get to know UMN's Tree Ascension Group

By Elena Mathern, BS ‘25, Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Management

Owen Bond, a senior majoring in Plant Science and Vice President of TAG, shared information about the club and highlighted all the fun things they do on campus. Whether you are an aspiring arborist or a curious tree enthusiast, TAG might inspire you to climb a tree!

What do you like about climbing trees?

Tree climbing is, at face value, a fun activity. It’s like rock climbing, but instead of rocks, it’s a massive, complex, ubiquitous, living, breathing organism. These mature trees we climb are irreplaceable in our lifetime. They cool the urban environment, provide psychological benefits, and prevent flooding, among other things. So, not only is TAG fun, but it is also an opportunity to learn a skill you can use to provide meaningful and important service to your community.

What are some goals TAG strives to achieve?

One of our main goals is to foster community and interest in urban and community forestry at the University of Minnesota. We provide a safe, recreational, and educational space to explore tree climbing as professional arborists perform it. Meetings are free-form; we typically have multiple climbs set up that participants can move through at their own pace. So, the environment is relaxed. It is a lot like going to a climbing gym, but outside, in a tree!

How would you describe the community TAG fosters?

The community is diverse but like-minded. People come from many different walks of life but always seem to appreciate the little things. Whether that is a motivating factor or a side effect vis-à-vis spending time with trees, I do not know. Many people I have met are also very interested in music.

Describe your role within TAG. How did you get involved?

As the Vice President, I assist the President with management and play a role in meeting coordination and other administrative tasks. I got involved because I love the community and subject of study. Urban forestry is a multifaceted, young, and small field, but it has something for everyone. If you are at all interested in mechanics, engineering, business, biology, chemistry, art, physics, athletics, entomology, people, mycology, botany… trees… It all happens to a certain degree in urban forestry. You meet a lot of interesting folks.

What events or traditions does TAG participate in?

Historically, TAG has helped with climbing events for Arbor Day and classes like FNRM 3501: Arboriculture, Selection and Maintenance of Trees. As for traditions, we have trees that we like to climb every year. There are many trees on the Saint Paul campus we revisit over and over out of fondness.

Are there things you've learned through TAG that you might not have otherwise known? If so, what are they?

Everything I know about tree climbing was learned through TAG! There are things I have pursued on my own, but they have all been spurred by TAG. If you are already experienced in tree climbing, TAG is an excellent opportunity to learn more from professional arborists and meet new people in the industry. You will learn new skills and information at every meeting.

Does TAG get involved with other organizations at the U of M or outside the school?

Yes! TAG is affiliated with the Urban Forestry Outreach and Research Lab here at the U. This organization hosts our campus Arbor Day events and Youth Engagement in Arboriculture events, among other wonderful workshops and classes throughout the summer. We are also actively building relationships with organizations in our community, like Davey Tree Care and Rainbow Tree Care, and are always looking to form new connections.

How can I get involved? 

TAG usually meets on Friday afternoons, a great transition between the work week and the weekend. Sign up for their newsletter for more information on how you can get involved, or send an email to TAG at tag@umn.edu.