Arborist/Mike Orsino

When i first learned how to climb trees i eventually become efficient enough to apply for the climber/arborist position at NYBG. I got the job and became the newbie climber working with Mike Orsino who was already NYBG climber/arborist for a few years at that time. Mike had already 20 years of experience, climbing during his college years then for almstead tree co., a short stint doing his own tree service then arborist at the Bronx zoo. eventually landing at NYBG. In retrospect, i couldn't have planned a better sequence towards becoming a climber/arborist. Mike was the perfect teacher. he was buddha-like in his ability to teach a person like myself inspite of my countless personal obstacles. for one, i had a fear of heights. his solution, he would prune trees to the maximum reach of a 60' aerial lift then have me climb out of the bucket to prune the remaining height of the tree. he would calmly say to me 'you sure thats the best way to do that' as i was about to make a disastrous mistake. i often say if you were in the midst of some end of the world catastrope, Mike Orsino is the person you would want next to you. i would often think to myself, this guy is like a super hero out of a movie script. calm in the midst of chaos, unbelievable ability to respond in a split-second no matter what the situation. sharp as a tack and unshakeable. where he appeared in my education as a climber/arborist can only be described as a gift from the universe. mike is currently grounds manager at the Burke rehabilitation center in westchester and about 2 years ago won the new york state climbing competition while in his fifities. unbelievable.