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Tim Kovar in the crown of a tree towering high above the Amazon rainforest .

About Tim

Tim "Tengu" Kovar first started climbing trees in the late 1970s in a small Nebraska town. The treetops were a place to escape from the world below and the competition that comes with being a young boy. To this day Tim likes to disappear into the treetops.

In the early 1990s Tim moved from Nebraska to Atlanta, Georgia, where he was training at a local Ninjutsu dojo when he first met Peter "Treeman" Jenkins, founder of Tree Climbers International. A bond was created. Tim started working with Peter as an arborist for Peter's local tree care

company. It wasn't until after 6 months of doing tree work that Tim became aware of Peter's recreational tree climbing school. "I asked Peter why it took him so long to inform me about his school," said Kovar. "He told me he knew I would switch gears and go into the recreational field. Peter said he wanted to give me some hardcore training as a professional tree worker first, so I could develop my climbing skills to teach others. He was right. As soon as I saw how tree climbing touches everyone's heart, I knew this was part of my vision."

Since 1993 Tim has helped over 5,000 people worldwide to climb into the forest canopy and intensify their personal connection to the natural world. He has climbed and taught in eight countries, working with canopy researchers, people with disabilities, eco-tours, and international tree climbing schools. He has also led international tree climbing expeditions.

As a Master Instructor with Tree Climbers International, Tim helped design and fine-tune the tree climbing courses that are being taught worldwide.

Tim is currently living in Oregon and working with New Tribe, teaching basic and advanced tree climbing courses.

"Time is running out for our ancient forests. They need our help but cannot ask for it. It is up to us to see through the eyes of the Trees, and to act to protect the forests. Let me take you where your child heart soars, and let the love of the Trees touch you in a way that nothing else can."
Email Tim Kovar -- Tengu

Viola Brumbaugh honoring the tree before a climb.

About Viola

Guide and instructor Viola Brumbaugh has climbed trees all her life. In 1996 a friend introduced her to climbing with rope and harness and she took to it with passion. Two years later she joined the staff of New Tribe, where she is now Vice President and co-owner, and a climbing guide and instructor with Tree Climbing Northwest.

For over 12 years, Viola has climbed with and learned from some of the world’s foremost tree climbers. She is a technical tree climbing guide specializing in adventures in treetop camping, creating Treeboat Hammock “villages” for picnics and overnights high in the crowns of trees. She practices minimal impact climbing, harming neither the tree nor the delicate community of the surrounding forest. She believes tree climbing rejuvenates the climber’s heart by creating a profound connection with nature.

In addition to her work at New Tribe and her tree climbing, Viola is a devoted student and teacher of internal Chinese martial arts, including Taiji Chuan, Wing Chun and Xing Yi. Check out Viola's website at www.wise-orchid.com.

NOTE: Viola has relocated to Seattle, Washington, where she is devoting her energy to Wise Orchid Martial Arts.

Email Viola Brumbaugh

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