Sage Advice
Roots, Ropes, and Resilience How One Trailblazer Inspires Through Instruction By Kelly May PPE Series
Melissa LeVangie Ingersoll is a trail- blazer in the tree care industry, both figuratively and literally. Her accom- plishments span a wide range of interests, reflecting her dedication to pushing boundaries and creating new opportunities. Among these is her work in trail con- struction and maintenance, where she not only clears paths through physical landscapes but also paves the way for innovation and inclusion within the arboriculture community. Whether mentoring others, sharing her extensive knowledge, or advo- cating for sustainable practices, In- gersoll embodies the spirit of a true pioneer—charting new courses and inspiring others to follow. A CHILDHOOD IN THE CANOPY Ingersoll’s journey began in eastern Massachusetts, where climbing trees was a favorite childhood pastime. Her love for trees flourished early, as she scaled their heights with enthusiasm. Life has come full circle for her—to- day, people pay Ingersoll for the deep knowledge and passion she cultivat- ed as a child. In college, after some meandering about and soul-searching, she made her way back to the trees, receiving a degree in Forestry. Meanwhile, Inger-
siasm for tree care with students ranging from beginners to advanced professionals. Ingersoll and LeVangie’s workshops are not limited to tree climbing, though. In fact, some of Ingersoll’s topics include proper chainsaw han- dling and ornamental tree pruning. Additionally, the WTCW is open to all people — professionals and non-profes- sionals alike. They have had students from all walks of life: from ornithologists to authors to tree-climbing profession- als. Within their organization, the sisters welcome anyone with a desire to explore the canopy and experience the magic of trees. NATURAL EDUCATORS As dedicated educators, their ap- proachable and down-to-earth styles make their expertise accessible to students of all levels, from beginners to advanced learners. Their twin connection definitely adds a unique dynamic when they are co-teaching their seminars. In- gersoll noted that while they each bring their own “flavor” to instruc- tion, their similar teaching styles and ability to intuitively understand each other make for seamless col- laboration. Their team often wit-
Melissa LeVangie Ingersoll
soll’s identical twin sister, Bear, also devoted to the outdoors, double-ma- jored in Environmental Science and Forestry, earning degrees in both. To- gether, the two would combine their passions for the environment and create an atmosphere that promot- ed safety, continued learning, and a healthy obsession of trees. WTCW’S DYNAMIC DUO Ingersoll and her twin sister, Bear LeVangie, co-founded and co-own the Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop® (WTCW) , where they both serve as lead instructors. With over 25 years in the arboriculture industry, they share their knowledge and enthu-
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