Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum is pleased to announce that we have the honor of hosting the 24th Annual New England Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture Tree Climbing Competition. Our Arboretum was selected for the competition this year because of its exceptional selection of well-maintained trees, as well as its enticing location and facilities. This unique and exciting event is open to the public and we hope you are all able to attend. Watch as the region's most skilled climbers compete for the coveted title of Champion... and a chance to compete in the grand finale, known as the International Tree Climbing Competition!
 

Ongoing climbing categories include: Aerial Rescue, Belayed Speed Climb, Throwline, Master's Challenge, and more! There will be a kid's climb, too, so bring the whole family and give your child a rare chance to climb one of Blithewold's trees!

Events
9:00 am - 1:00 pm: Tree Climbing Competition Preliminary Events
1 - 1:30 pm: Climbers Take Lunch Break
10:00 am - 2:00 pm: Kids Tree Climb ($10 per child.) Each participating child will get a special take-home activity!
10:00 am - 2:00 pm: Kids Tree ID Art Activity
2:00 - 5:00 pm: Master's Challenge Event

Look at these pictures from last year's competition

Leo's Ristorante will be selling food throughout the day beginning at 9:00 a.m., or B.Y.O.P (bring your own picnic!)
Free for Members; included inregular admission for Non-members

RAIN DATE: May 20th

Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum is a landscaped historic public garden and Rhode Island's only recognized arboretum. Situated on Bristol Harbor with sweeping views overlooking Narragansett Bay, the 33 acres of trees, lawns, flowers and gardens also features a forty-five room mansion filled with original antiques and artwork. It is the mission of Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum to preserve New England's finest garden estate through excellence in horticulture and historic preservation, and by our example to teach and inspire others.
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