john_g

Media Spotlight: Climb a Tree, Change Your Life!

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 15:21:07 GMT

NHK World - Where We Call Home

John was recently included in an episode of the NHK World series " Where We Call Home " which features "people from around the globe who put down roots in Japan and offers a glimpse into their lives and the hardships they face in Japanese society."

The episode touches on the story of John's first experience climbing a tree in Canada, his extensive involvement with popularizing recreational tree climbing in Japan, and his pioneering efforts in tree-assisted therapy ( TreeHab ®).

Broadcast Dates

This episode ( Climb a Tree, Change Your Life! ) of Where We Call Home was originally aired on the following dates:

December 19, 2022 (Mon)
December 20, 2022 (Tue)

You can view this episode online at the following link:

Arboricultural Association UK - Featured Speaker

Sun, 04 Sep 2022 05:31:37 GMT

Amenity Conference 2022

John has been invited to participate in The Aboricultural Association's annual Amenity Conference held at Loughborough University in Leicestershire, England.

The conference runs from September 4th ~ 7th, 2022 with John's speech taking place on September 6th (Tue).

His topic is: Discovering the true value of trees: Creating social heroes and better businesses

2021 Global Business & Interfaith Peace Award - Bronze Medalist

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 17:07:39 GMT

In August of 2021, John was recognized as a Bronze Medalist in the category of Philanthropy at the 2021 Global Business & Interfaith Peace Awards as organized by The Religious Freedom & Business .

Wow! I am so humbled and grateful to receive this wonderful award from an organization that is doing such fantastic work around the world.

The ceremony was held on August 24th during the Paralympics in Tokyo! A venue that couldn't be more appropriate for receiving this award.

A special thank you to special kids and volunteer tree climbers! This is your award too!

From John's Finalist Profile

People with differing physical or emotional abilities often feel like outsiders in life. Dr. John Gathright believes principles of kindness, love, peace, understanding, diversity, and a sense of global family can bring different groups together. Dr. Gathright founded Tree Climbing Japan, helping children of differing faiths, abilities, and challenges come together to find an increased self-confidence through embracing the challenge of climbing trees. The program’s goal is to help all children grow up like magnificent trees, standing tall and strong, kind and unique, and helping each other. Tree Climbing Japan has helped thousands of people feel included through tree climbing activities all over the country. This has produced a better awareness and appreciation for all people, despite their differences.

About The Religious Freedom & Business

Foundation ( RFBF ) is the preeminent organization dedicated to educating the global business community, policymakers, non-government organizations and consumers about the positive power that faith - and religious freedom for all (including those with no religious faith) - has on business and the economy.

The Tree Climbing Pioneer in Japan

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 16:50:05 GMT

John featured in Highlighting Japan Magazine

John and Tree Climbing® Japan have been featured in the July 2021 issue of Highlighting Japan . A publication by the Government of Japan's Public Relations Office , the July issue deals with The Japanese and the Forests.

The 2-page spread tells John's story from his beginnings as a pioneer of tree climbing in Japan and his work with physically challenged tree climbers to his founding of Tree Climbing® Japan and the Arborist® Training Institute in Japan.

You can read the article via the links below.

The Business of Trees - ISAO Conference 2020

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 15:23:04 GMT

ISAO Annual Conference & Trade Show

John has been invited to participate in SA Ontario's 71st Annual Educational Conference & Trade Show which takes place in London, Ontario on February 12-14, 2020.

In participating as a featured speaker, John will join other industry leaders who are committed to promoting the care and benefits of trees for present and future generations. The conference and trade show continues to be the premier venue for ISA Ontario commercial, residential, municipal, consulting, utility and other members to gather and learn, exchange ideas, and investigate new and exciting products and services.

According to the ISA Ontario website:

We have an exciting and engaging program with a variety of speakers from all sectors of the industry. We anticipate this year’s conference will be another sell-out event, with over 500 delegates and industry leaders attending, all committed to promoting the care and benefit of trees for present and future generations. The highly anticipated 3-day educational event continues to be the premier venue for ISA Ontario commercial, residential, municipal, consulting and utility arborists and other members to gather and learn, exchange ideas, and investigate new and existing products and services.

John is scheduled to present twice during the conference on the following topics:

Enhancing Tree Care Business & Arborist Core Talents to better Benefit Communities, Business & Themselves
Treetop Heroes: Arborists Helping People & Reaching Out Into Their Communities Through TreeHab

Further details of the conference can be found on the ISA Ontario website:

https://isaontario.com/2020-conference-speakers/

TreeHab Keynote in St. Charles, IL

bruce@mccaughan.ca (Site Admin) — Sun, 14 Oct 2018 13:57:30 GMT

Excited to be presenting in the historic Arcada Theatre

John is delighted to be delivering another keynote speech about TreeHab® .
On October 16, 2018, he travels to St. Charles, IL where he will deliver his keynote entitled, TREEHAB: my passion and my life work.

Interest in TreeHab® has increased greatly internationally which has lead to efforts to officially establish TreeHab® as an NPO in the United States (and other countries to follow). We are excited to see TreeHab® , which began in Japan, blossom on the world stage!

Learn more about TreeHab ® here...

Follow Up to John's Keynote at IUFC Vancouver

bruce@mccaughan.ca (Site Admin) — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT

The International Urban Forestry Congress in Vancouver (2018)

The International Urban Forestry Congress in Vancouver (2018) held at the Westin Bayshore Hotel in Vancouver was superb. John is extremely honoured and grateful to have had the opportunity to give a Keynote Speech.

The audience was wonderful, enthusiastic and offered hearty applause that was very moving for John.

And as he himself said,

All of the keynotes speakers were exceptional!

It was great to be back in Canada, and we shall return soon as we gear up to officially bring TreeHab ® to the American continent (U.S.A. and Canada) in the months to come.

Keynote - International Urban Forestry Congress 2018

bruce@mccaughan.ca (Site Admin) — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 01:05:20 GMT

John has been invited by the IUFC Programme Committee as a keynote speaker for the 2018 conference in Vancouver

John is delighted to be giving a keynote speech at the upcoming International Urban Forestry Congress 2018 in Vancouver, BC September 30 - October 3, 2018.

The theme of the congress is " The Urban Forest – Diverse in Nature " and John will talk about his work with Treehab® (Tree Climbing Therapy® and Tree-Assisted Therapy®).

Keynote Speech – ISA Annual International Conference

Tue, 18 Jul 2017 10:34:33 GMT

John will deliver a keynote address at the Arboriculture Celebration / Opening Ceremonies

John is excited to be giving a keynote speech at the upcoming 2017 ISA Annual International Conference in Washington, DC on July 30, 2017.

John not only serves on the Board of Directors of the ISA, but is also founder of Japan Arborist Association (JAA).

John’s keynote will be based on his experience and expertise with TreeHab (tree-assisted therapy), purpose-specific climbing, and his views on the future of arborist and aboriculture. John has a particularly optimistic view that "we are at the tipping point of seeing huge changes in [the arborist] profession that will greatly increase the financial value of tree care, as well as grow [their] status and prestige as professionals."

The general theme of John’s talk was featured in an article in the June edition of Arborist News, published bi-monthly by International Society of Aboriculture. ISA members and/or subscribers can view the article on-line. Unfortunately, the article won’t be available in the public domain until June of 2018.

If you are attending the 2017 ISA Annual International Conference in Washington, DC, you won’t want to miss John’s keynote speech.
See you there!

The Dragon Tree

bruce@mccaughan.ca (Site Admin) — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 04:30:18 GMT

Virtual Tree-Climbing Experience for City Kids

John Gathright wanted a place where kids could literally hangout in the mall and learn bout themselves , trees , and nature . The AEON Group and The Chunichi Dragons baseball team wanted something new and exciting for their floor space.

As a result, Dr. Gathright and his team brought their experience together and the Dragon Tree came to life.

A virtual tree-climbing experience!

The Dragon Tree was truly a great success due to the great outpouring of help and support.

To our gracious sponsors, volunteers and staff - Thank you so much!

For the thousands that cheered, climbed and played with us, thank you, too !