James Savage never imagined that he would become a professor, let alone a professor who teaches a class about the art and the ability of tree climbing.
During his studies in Penn State, Savage accepted a summer job that accidentally prompted him to fully run full -time professor. Throughout his career, Savage climbed trees all over the world. About 10 years ago, he taught a student named Maria Trankuch by expanding Penn State, which became the second best female climber in the world.
Hort 201, also known as an applied arbor culture, teaches the students how to climb trees on trees and at the same time are efficient and safe. The climbing techniques learned in the class correspond to the regulations of the Ansi and Osha. The students show how devices are used correctly, different climbing techniques and how to take care of trees.
In this class, the students have to climb various trees that are located over the entire campus. Depending on the group of students and their progress, various tree climbing belong to Easternhallen, core, chambers and at the bottom towards College Avenue.
“We are trying to teach a plan where they will rise completely, but that never works. It will always change. It is always different. And we try to do different trees and throw various problems on them,” said Savage.
Savage emphasizes the importance of security in its class and explains the repetition in node exercises and the subtleties of the equipment. He explains that the tree climbing differs significantly from other climbing devices. All equipment is certified and fulfilled OSHA standards. To always be attached to the tree when climbing is a requirement. If you climb freely, you will receive a warning and then discharge from the class.
Increase can lead to a loss of heights IQ and cause confusion and fear. Savage had to remove students from trees, which is why it is essential to enforce safe practices.
“I saw how to quote branches and you can hear it in your voice that it doesn't feel comfortable, but this is a large part of the class to push them out beyond your comfort zone, because the more you can push yourself, the more you can,” said Savage.
Although the main focus of the class is on climbing, it also includes quiz and a final. For the first quiz, the students have to climb on a tree connected. The final exam consists of a three -sided test that is divided into sections in a tree. The students have to complete each side in the tree and then bring them down. If you let the test bump, you will be rewarded with a donut.
Savage is of the opinion that one of his goals in teaching the class are interested in the students in tree work, since companies like the Davey Tree Corporation offer significant career opportunities. There is a financial potential in the tree climbing industry, with the Davey Tree Corporation being a company of $ 1.9 billion.
“There is a lot of money to work with trees, and climbing is about 10% of it, but for me it is the catch to bring people into it,” said Savage.
Savage hopes that students who take Hort 201 will be pushed beyond their comfort zones and find that their self -confidence has grown. He believes that this course is both unique and worthwhile and that there is no other tree class in the United States.
Savage also hopes that the students will take a new perspective on hard work and the ability to achieve something with commitment. During the lesson, you will find wild ones, to instruct and encourage students from the ground, accompanied by his dog Winston, the enthusiastic mascot of Hort 201.
“It's hard, but I don't want to hear that. I want to hear that you swear your head and get angry and do it because you can do it. You can do anything if you prepare for it,” said Savage.
Hort 201 is open to all students of every major. If you are interested in adventure and scaling new heights, this class may be perfect.
