In the vast expanse of treetops, where branches sway and sunlight filters through leaves, women are a rare sight. Rebecca Seibel, an arborist, is working to change this narrative. Her mission is to encourage more women and gender minorities to embrace careers in arboriculture, a traditionally male-dominated field.
Seibel, who runs Tree Spirit Consulting in Holmen, has been actively engaging with communities to promote inclusivity in forestry. She recently led chainsaw safety classes for the Dane County Parks Department, specifically designed for women and gender minorities, in hopes of fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of tree care.
Appearing on WPR’s “Wisconsin Today,” Seibel shared insights into her efforts to make the profession more accessible and her personal journey in the field.
Challenges and Opportunities for Women in Arboriculture
Rebecca Seibel acknowledges the underrepresentation of women in arboriculture but notes variations within the field. While there are women involved in professional tree care, the number significantly dwindles when it comes to field climbing arborists.
A Path Less Traveled
Driven by a background in biology and a love for nature, Seibel found her calling outdoors. She describes the work as physically challenging yet rewarding, likening it to leaving behind a “living legacy” each time she prunes a tree. “It’s an added challenge… a winning trifecta of being active, being outside, and then having a living legacy of work,” she explained.
Educating and Inspiring Through Chainsaw Safety
Seibel’s chainsaw safety classes cater to a diverse group, from novices to municipal workers, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience for competency and confidence. “The chainsaw is a hazardous tool… the more hands-on experience you get, the more competent and more comfortable you become with the tool,” she noted.
Cultivating a Passion for the Outdoors
While not everyone who attends Seibel’s classes will become a professional arborist, she aims to inspire a passion for outdoor work. The field offers opportunities in areas like invasive species management and ecological restoration. Seibel finds fulfillment in the profession, saying, “It’s a rewarding career, because if you plant a tree, for instance, I will die, but the tree will go on. We need a lot more of that.”
