Most big-tree enthusiasts are keenly aware of the measurement research conducted by California biologist Dr. Steve Sillett. Acting as literally the point man for all big tree discoveries for the US Pacific coast, Sillett documents findings from a small league of tree measuring scouts, including two of the best, Chris Atkins and Michael Taylor.

Being an east coaster, I didn’t know much about Dr. Sillett until arborist friend Phil Frazee of Oregon told me about an article in the New Yorker magazine that quoted Sillett as being 'against recreational tree climbing.” By my account, Phil's perspective was incorrect, Sillett didn’t seem to be against rope-assisted tree climbing for fun, just against climbers targeting the largest of the Pacific coast giants with delicate epiphytic growth (mosses and lichens).

Following this conversation with Phil in January 2006 I wrote Dr. Sillett where he teaches biology, introducing myself and SherrillTree and outlining our effort to bring tree concerns to greater public awareness by reintroducing people to trees through recreational tree climbing. Sillett soon wrote me back, confirming my perspective. Here started what might be one of my all time greatest relationships outside of the tree care industry. Before I knew it I was getting off a plane with arborist friend Bryan Kotwica for one of the most coveted climbs of my career; six days in one of the largest Sequoia groves on the planet helping top scientists in their field perform important research. Enjoy some of my choice pix!

- Tobe Sherrill

Close My view from atop a giant Sequoia taken by Dr. Hiroaki "Rocky" Ishii from neighboring tree. Close Steve Sillett and wife Marie Antoine review safety protocol. Close Melinda of Northern Arizona University measuring water uptake through branch stem. Close Enjoying the view from the largest Sequioas I've ever climbed. Close Robert van Pelt, Bryan Kotwica and Marie Antoine doing what they love best. Close Bryan Kotwica arrives at Fresno/Yosemite airport Close Me approaching the first branch of at 150 ft. Close Dr. Steve Sillett and Dr. Hiroaki "Rocky" Ishii plan the coming adventure (Bob van Pelt's dinner). Close Sign at gate of University of California, Berkeley property Close Bryan using a sophisticated laser to accurately measure each branches length. Close Fallen branch from the General Sherman tree. Close Dr. Steve Sillett and arborist/artist Bryan Kotwica. Close Dr. Hiroaki "Rocky" Ishii professor of Forest Ecology at Kobe University, Japan taking close up leaf photos from different elevations in the canopy. Close Local tree climber hunting grub.   Close This is not morning fog but smoke from controlled burning in the area. Close Bryan and I preparing to hike to our first climb. Close Author and big tree expert Robert van Pelt heading aloft. Close Bryan standing in front of a Grant Forest giant.   Close Here's what a Sequoia bark chip might look like lodged in Bryan's helmet Close Christina Bentrup steps in to watch Berkeley student Anthony Ambrose measure leaf transpiration Close Dr. George Koch of Northern Arizona University sporting his freshly christened Poison Ivy (tree climbing rope) t-shirt Close Bryan, Steve and I suiting up for the days research.