Take to the Trees

Journalist Marguerite Holloway arrives at the Women's Tree Climbing Workshop as a novice. Run by twin sister tree doctors Bear LeVangie and Melissa LeVangie Ingersoll, the program helps people-from everyday tree lovers to women arborists working in a largely male industry-develop remarkable skills and channel their passion for the outdoors. As Holloway tackles unfamiliar equipment and dizzying heights, she tells stories of charismatic trees: hemlock, aspen, Atlantic white cedar, beech, and others. She spotlights experts exploring the ecology of resilience amidst climate-driven plagues of pests and drought. As she climbs and learns about the science of trees, she comes to understand their profound significance in her relationship with her late mother and brother. A gorgeously illustrated story of ecology and personal empowerment, Take to the Trees sounds the alarm about rapid arboreal decline while also offering hope about how we might care for our forests and ourselves.