Reading a recent article “Taking Tree-Hugging to New Heights” by Benjamin Percy in the Wall Street Journal (10-16-10), I cannot help but think that this childhood sport will only continue to grow.  The article describes the tree climbing program in Eugene, Oregon where you can not only climb trees but spend the night.  As the article so aptly puts it “tree climbing has become a vacation destination due to some childish nostalgia, eco-awareness and an appreciation of spider-like thrill of swinging from ropes.”

The mind wanders to the Boomers and how they are helping to fuel this and other eco-pursuits.  The idea of climbing trees, in this context, is meant more for the adventure of the sport as well as to be able to re-live childhood activities.  We can expect to see more of these things “nature pursuits” being incorporated into all kinds of programs as the Boomers move closer to more free time and disposable income.  The Morris Arboretum recently opened the “Out on a Limb’ exhibit in which you can spend time elevated in the trees high above the ground – www.morrisarboretum.org

If you want to attract more of the environmentally conscious older adults, consider incorporating, not just tree climbing activities.  How about a big tree house that you can actually spend time in and spend the night in?  Maybe the grand kids will want to visit and have a sleep over with you in the tree house.  We need to explore the ways in which we can create environments that enable people to get closer to and be a part of nature.

Some sites to visit include pacifictreeclimbing.com for information on tree climbing adventures in the US.  If you have been yearning to stay overnight in a tree house, visit  www.treehotel.se to see where you can sleep up in the trees.  To read more from the article in the WSJ, visit http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703467004575464073401007574.html?mod=WSJ_ArtsEnt_Travel