Caring for Zoo Animals, Habitats, and Guests
Brandon Nance is responsible for some of the biggest organisms at the North Carolina Zoo. No, it's not gorillas, giraffes, or even elephants. Nance takes care of the trees.
At 2,000 acres, the North Carolina Zoo is one of the largest natural habitat zoos in the world. As you might imagine, that means a lot of trees and a lot of work for arborist, Brandon Nance. His arborist field work include clearing downed trees in exhibits, cutting branches that pose a risk to animals or guests, and pruning trees to create "browse," or fresh tree leaves and small branches to provide natural food for the animals.
"We could be climbing trees in or around a habitat one day, and the next we are pruning trees to provide feed for the animals or inspecting trees on walking paths for hangers and deadwood," said Nance.
While Nance doesn't directly care for the animals in the park, his work is an important part of keeping their habitats clean, safe, and stimulating. Plus, it affords him some views and interactions that regular park guests don't get to experience.
"As far as being around the animals, the polar bear has probably been the coolest interaction I have had," said Nance. "The elephants are very interesting as well, and they like to eat so we are consistently providing browse feed for them."
"When we drop the browse off to the keepers, they let us get a peek behind the scenes with the animals. It is always a cool experience and a fringe benefit of working at the zoo."
Nance and his team are always thinking of ways to improve the zoo and make the best use of arboreal materials like branches, stumps, and leaves. "Recently we removed a small grove of trees to provide more sunlight for the alligators," said Nance. "The trees we removed were then cut to specific lengths and will be put into the cougar exhibit to replace the logs currently in the exhibit."
Finding The Best Work Boots for Plantar Fasciitis
In addition to his demanding job, Nance also faces a personal challenge that can make work difficult: plantar fasciitis, a painful disorder affecting the heel and bottom of the foot. After Tracy Cline, a HAIX® Sales Ambassador, discussed the design process and the importance of the ergonomic design put into HAIX boots, she suggested switching to HAIX forestry boots, Nance gave the work boots a try and he saw an immediate improvement in his foot pain.
"After just a few days of wearing HAIX boots, I began to feel relief with my feet," said Nance. "Plantar fasciitis can be extremely painful and, at times, makes working difficult. When I consistently wear HAIX, my pain is greatly reduced."
This pain relief has turned Nance into a dedicated HAIX fan. "I have not found any other boots that provide the support, comfort, and durability that HAIX offers. I have gone through multiple pairs in my eight years as an arborist and they are hands down the only boots I work in. Between work and our busy schedule, I often find myself wearing my boots for up to 15-16 hours a day."
Arborist Advice for Beginners
Nance's career as an arborist began when he was working at the arborist supply store, Sherrilltree. He went along on a photoshoot with NATS (North American Training Solutions) instructors Tony Tresselt and Phil Kelley. Their expertise sparked in him a desire to be the one in the tree photographing.
With eight years of arborist experience, Nance has built an impressive and diverse career. From capturing the beauty of trees through arborist photography to working as a Brand Manager at Sherrilltree, he has worn many hats in the industry. He also managed the trees across a sprawling 150-acre campground before stepping into his current role at the North Carolina Zoo, where he continues to apply his expertise in tree care and conservation.
As for his advice to aspiring arborists, Nance is extremely practical, "Find a reputable tree care company and see if there is a spot on the crew for you. Start off helping with the groundwork and watching what the climber does. Ask questions and learn everything you can."
He also highlighted the importance of trade shows, events, and other opportunities to meet others in your field. "One thing that I have learned over the years of being involved with the industry is people genuinely want to help others," Nance said.
After pointing out that even the rise in modern tools, gear, and training opportunities have done little to cut down the rate of injuries and deaths in their profession, Nance shared some advice that he's kept front of mind for his entire career.
"Tony Tresselt once told me 'Our industry is hazardous; our choices make it dangerous.' Anyone who has ever worked in tree care can easily see that the job is inherently hazardous, but our choices can create a situation that becomes extremely dangerous. "Always wear your PPE, and practice low and slow."
Brandon wanted to mention that he would not be where he is today without his wife and family, and gave a big thank you to her and their boys for their support. HAIX thanks you Brandon as well, for being a supporter of HAIX.