The 2026 North American Tree Climbing Championship (NATCC) will be near and dear to the landscaping and tree care industries thanks to The Davey Tree Expert Company’s new SEED Campus.
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is partnering with the Ohio Chapter ISA and The Davey Tree Expert Company for the upcoming NATCC in May 2026. The Davey Tree SEED (science, employee education and development) Campus is nearly 200 acres dedicated to specialized training and research facilities. At this new facility, the NATCC will highlight arborists’ climbing prowess, innovative techniques, safety practices and cutting-edge equipment.
“Davey Tree has been a longstanding Gold Canopy Partner with ISA, and we are so excited to partner with them through one of our Tree Climbing Championships,” said ISA CEO and executive director Caitlyn Pollihan. “We appreciate Davey’s generosity in opening up the SEED Campus for the 2026 North American Tree Climbing Championship, and we look forward to promoting arboriculture through this competitive and educational platform.”
The SEED Campus opened in the summer of 2025, and the facilities include a 70,000-square-foot training center with new classrooms, laboratories, offices, event center and a 10,700-square-foot indoor, at-height climbing training center. Research opportunities at the campus include a 35-acre dedicated tree research area in addition to environmental research at an on-campus bog, solar panels, golf turf and more.
“As proud ISA partners, Davey is thrilled to be hosting the 2026 North American Tree Climbing Championship at our Kent, Ohio, campus,” chairman, president and CEO Pat Covey at Davey Tree said. “Our new SEED Campus was built to revolutionize training and research in the industry, and we’re looking forward to welcoming ISA members and the public to experience it firsthand. ISA continues to be a driving force for growth and excellence in arboriculture, and we’re proud to support its mission.”
NATCC will be an exciting time in the Northeast Ohio community as it is open and free to the public. This will be a rare occasion where the SEED Campus will welcome individuals beyond the Davey Tree staff.
“Bringing the North American Tree Climbing Championship to Ohio is an honor for the Ohio Chapter ISA and a testament to the strength of our arboriculture community,” said Ohio Chapter ISA executive director Dixie Russell. “We’re proud to have the new Davey SEED Campus that provides a platform that celebrates both the science and the athleticism of professional tree care.”
The NATCC will feature events such as Aerial Rescue, Work Climb, Ascent, Belayed Speed Climb and Throwline. These events will highlight skill, technique and athleticism while reinforcing the critical importance of safety and proper tree care.
First, second and third places will be awarded for both men and women in each event. The competitors’ total scores for all five events are then combined, and the male and female competitors with the highest combined score from the preliminary events move on to the Masters’ Challenge.
The Masters’ Challenge consists of one event with scores based on technique and skill. The competitors in this round with the highest score are named the male and female NATCC Champions. The winners of the 2026 NATCC will go on to compete in the 50th Annual International Tree Climbing Championship in St. Louis, Mo.
AED Foundation hosts its largest Lake County Career Day for students
The AED Foundation (AEDF) recently held its Lake County Career Day at the Lake County Tech Campus in Grayslake, Ill. The event drew a record 750 high school students from Lake County’s automotive, construction skills and management, welding and fabrication programs, making it one of the largest AEDF career events to date.
The Career Day provided students with the opportunity to connect directly with industry-leading equipment dealers and manufacturers, explore potential career paths and gain firsthand experience with the equipment itself. The event also featured mock job interviews with industry partners, giving students valuable real-world practice and insight into the skills and professionalism employers seek. Participating AED member companies showcased the wide range of rewarding technical careers that keep the industry moving forward.
“At Vermeer Midwest, we truly value the opportunity to connect with students through these programs,” said Scott Kingren, service manager at Vermeer Midwest, an AED member company participating in the event. “It’s inspiring to see young talent explore their futures, and we’re proud to support hands-on learning that bridges the classroom and the real world. Building relationships with schools and students energizes our team and strengthens the workforce of tomorrow.”
Elizabeth Del Rio, college career pathway endorsement coordinator at Lake County Tech Campus, added: “We are very thrilled to host the AED Foundation for the Industry Equipment Showcase. Our students are very excited to receive a hands-on, interactive and interpersonal experience with local heavy equipment employers and other partners in the Lake County area. We hope to continue this partnership down the line for our students and their community.”
This Career Day underscores AEDF’s dedication to “connecting the dots” between students, educators, schools and dealers. Through its Vision Campaign, AEDF continues to focus on workforce development, accrediting colleges, recognizing high school programs and engaging students early to build awareness and interest in equipment industry careers.
“The success of the Lake County Career Day reflects the strength of our partnerships with local schools and AED members,” said Sean Fitzgerrel, vice president of AEDF. “By providing students with meaningful, hands-on experiences, we’re helping build the next generation of skilled professionals our industry needs.”
Allentuck Landscaping wins Corporate Partnership Award for community service
Allentuck Landscaping Co. has been honored with the 2025 Corporate Partnership Award from CaringMatters, recognizing the company’s long-standing commitment to community service and its support of the nonprofit’s mission to provide compassionate care for those facing serious illness, caregiving and grief. The award will be presented at the CaringMatters Silver Linings Gala on Nov. 1, 2025.
“Giving back has always been central to who we are,” said Bruce Allentuck, founder and CEO. “Our partnership with CaringMatters allows us to create spaces that promote healing and connection. It’s an honor to support an organization that provides such compassionate care.”
Since 2003, Allentuck Landscaping has partnered with CaringMatters to maintain and enhance the gardens at the organization’s Gaithersburg Cottage, where families and volunteers gather for programs of healing and connection. The Rockville-based firm provides pro bono design, installation and maintenance services — most recently creating a new outdoor patio that serves as a peaceful gathering space for the community.
“This partnership goes far beyond landscaping,” said CaringMatters CEO Allison Stearns. “Allentuck’s work has created spaces that truly embody the heart of our mission.”
Davey Tree plants 86 trees through the Birdies ‘Fore’ Trees program
The Davey Tree Expert Company recently planted 86 trees at Medina County Park District’s Shotwell Gardens at Lake Medina, Ohio, through the Birdies ‘Fore’ Trees program with The Kaulig Companies Championship. Fifty of these trees were planted during a ceremonial event on Oct. 22, with the remaining trees to be planted at the same location on a later date.
The Birdies ‘Fore’ Trees program plants a tree for every birdie made by a PGA Tour champions professional on Firestone Country Club’s signature 16th hole during the Kaulig Companies Championship, which was held June 18-22 this year. This is the second year of the program, which was established by Davey Tree and Kaulig.
“We’re thrilled to continue our community tree planting through the Birdies ‘Fore’ Trees program,” said Sandee Reid, executive vice president of corporate communications and strategic planning at Davey. “This initiative shows our commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. Every tree planted is a step toward a healthier, greener Northeast Ohio, so we’re proud to be part of a program that brings so many benefits to the region.”
The tree planting this year not only recognizes the program but also the 60th anniversary of Medina County Park District. In celebration, Shotwell Gardens at Lake Medina opened to the public the weekend of Oct. 25-26.
This year’s tree planting brings the total number of trees planted through Birdies ‘Fore’ Trees to 172 across 2024 and 2025. Last year, 86 trees were planted at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, reinforcing Davey’s commitment to enhancing Northeast Ohio’s tree canopy.
