Tree Climbing for Science and Conservation (In-Person & Live-Streamed LAM Talk)

Join the Los Alamos Mountaineers for an exciting presentation by Judah Epstein, a passionate volunteer with the Tree Monkey Project, for an inspiring presentation on how the specialized skill of tree climbing is being used around the world to support science, conservation, and community empowerment. Drawing from his firsthand experiences, Judah will share stories from a wide range of fieldwork and environmental missions that span multiple continents.

Learn about the critical role of canopy access in wildlife research and habitat preservation—from assisting Orangutan and Sun Bear conservation efforts in the dense rainforests of Borneo, to training Indigenous communities in Ecuador to safely access the forest canopy for ecological monitoring and sustainable practices. Judah will also discuss his involvement in the Arizona Gray Hawk Project, the installation of "monkey bridges" to support wildlife connectivity in fragmented Costa Rican landscapes, and direct action initiatives to counter illegal logging and poaching in the Peruvian Amazon.

This talk will highlight how the unique practice of professional tree climbing is not only a tool for scientific discovery but also a powerful means of supporting conservation goals, protecting biodiversity, and fostering collaboration with local communities.

About the Presenter:

Judah Epstein is a volunteer with Tree Monkey Project and will present on his various experiences utilizing tree climbing for scientific and conservation expeditions. Projects have ranged from Orangutan and Sun Bear conservation throughout Borneo, training indigenous in Ecuador, Arizona Gray Hawk Project, monkey bridges in Costa Rica, and countering illegal logging and poaching in Peruvian Amazon.

Admission: Free (please select an in-person or virtual ticket).

Photo: Judah rapeling in Costa Rica.