Lindsay, ON – (September 5, 2025) – Students in Fleming College’s Arboriculture program will once again showcase their skills and training in the College’s annual Tree Climbing Competition at Frost Campus. 

Fleming Arboriculture students will put their learning to the test in five timed events: Tree Rescue, Throw Line, Belayed Speed Climb, Ascent, and Work Climb. Competitors will be challenged on both technical ability and efficiency, with prizes awarded thanks to the support of local community partners and leaders in the arboriculture industry. 

Winners in the Men’s and Women’s divisions will earn grand prizes and the opportunity to advance to the International Society of Arboriculture’s provincial and national Tree Climbing Championships. Many of the event’s judges are Fleming alumni who once competed in the very same challenge. 

The competition takes place from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Outdoor Education Center at the Frost Campus Arboretum. A rain date is scheduled for September 10. 

The media is welcome to attend the competition. Anyone wishing to do so is asked to contact Communications Officer Elise Moore at elise.moore@flemingcollege.ca.  

Event Details 

• Date: September 9, 2025 (Rain date: September 10, 2025)
• Time: Events begin at 9:00 a.m.
• Location: Fleming College Frost Campus – Outdoor Education Center (west of the Heavy Equipment building) 

Competition Categories: 

• Tree Rescue: A climber must ascend a tree and rescue a 200 lb. dummy in distress, following strict safety protocols in a timed scenario.
• Throw Line: Tests the contestant’s accuracy in placing a throw line and climbing line into the tree at heights between 12 and 20 metres.
• Belayed Speed Climb: A timed race to the top of a tree, approximately 15 metres high, where contestants ring the finishing bell.
• Ascent Event: Climbers vertically ascend 13 metres using Stationary Rope System techniques in a timed challenge.
• Work Climb: A test of speed, efficiency, and safety as students move through the tree to complete tasks and ring bells at each station. 

About Fleming College 
Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 85 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 8,500 full-time and 445 part-time students, and 95,000 alumni.

For media inquiries, please contact: 
Elise Moore 
Communications Officer  
Elise.moore@flemingcollege.ca  

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