2025 World Treehouse Conference
October 2 - 5, 2025
Camp Gallagher in Lakebay, Washington
SOLD OUT!
Join us for the only organized conference dedicated exclusively to the art and science of treehouse building. For over 30 years, the Annual World Treehouse Conference has been bringing together the global treehouse community to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and foster meaningful connections.
Saturday ONLY Pass!
We’re proud to announce the Keynote Speaker of the conference is
Julia Butterfly Hill
Julia Butterfly Hill is an environmental activist who gained international recognition for her 738-day tree sit in a 1,500-year-old California redwood, which she named "Luna," from December 1997 to December 1999. Her peaceful protest successfully protected the tree and surrounding grove from logging. Following her tree sit, Hill founded the Circle of Life Foundation to promote sustainability and founded What's Your Tree, an environmental activist training organization.
She is the author of "The Legacy of Luna" and continues to inspire audiences worldwide with her message of ecological responsibility, spiritual connection to nature, and the power of individual action to create meaningful change.
Conversation with Pete Nelson
Guided by Michael Murphy of Barefoot Builders.
There will also be a “Conversation with Pete Nelson” guided by Michael Murphy of Barefoot Builders. Pete Nelson is a world-renowned treehouse designer, builder, and author known as "The Treehouse Man." As founder of Nelson Treehouse and Supply, he has created hundreds of magical arboreal structures around the globe, combining architectural innovation with environmental sensitivity. Nelson gained widespread recognition as the star of Animal Planet's "Treehouse Masters," where he showcased his unique ability to transform clients' treehouse dreams into reality. He's authored several books on treehouse design and construction, and operates Treehouse Point, a treehouse retreat center near Seattle. Nelson's work continues to inspire a deeper connection between humans and nature through sustainable, elevated living spaces.
Conference Focus:
Putting people in trees to discover new perspectives.
Explore how treehouses inspire a fresh outlook on the world and transform the way we experience nature.
Who Attends?
The Annual World Treehouse Conference attracts an eclectic mix of enthusiasts from around the world:
Professional and amateur builders
Arborists and tree care specialists
Architects and designers
Structural engineers
Net builders and fabricators
Tree climbing professionals
Entrepreneurs and hospitality operators
Educators and environmental advocates
Whether you're a seasoned professional or a passionate hobbyist, you'll find yourself among kindred spirits who understand the unique challenges and joys of treehouse construction.
Why Attend?
Share Your Projects: Showcase your latest designs and builds with an appreciative audience
Learn New Techniques: Discover safe building practices that protect both people and trees
Explore Tree Ecosystems: Deepen your understanding of the living structures that support our work
Experience New Technology: Get hands-on with state-of-the-art hardware and climbing equipment
Collaborate: Brainstorm solutions to common challenges with fellow experts
Build Community: Form lasting connections with the most passionate minds in the treehouse world
What’s Included?
Full conference access - Friday through Sunday. (October 2nd - 5th, 2025)
Workshops, demonstrations, and panel discussions
Saturday Night’s Keynote Speaker - Julia Butterfly Hill - followed by Smoke Shake Kiestra
Meals & non-alcoholic refreshments
Camping spot from Thursday evening - Sunday morning (October 1st - 5th, 2025)
Space is limited to 120 participants. Early registration is strongly recommended to secure your place.
A New Chapter
Camp Gallagher in Lakebay, Washington
After many successful years at Out'n'About Treesort in Takilma, Oregon, we’re thrilled to announce that the 2025 World Treehouse Conference will be held at the breathtaking Camp Gallagher in Lakebay, Washington. Just 1.5 hours from Seattle-Tacoma Airport, this stunning venue offers a perfect blend of inspiration and tranquility. Nestled along the shores of Case Inlet in the South Puget Sound, attendees will enjoy forested trails, beachside exploration, peaceful waterside views, and even a treehouse – all while connecting with our global community of treehouse enthusiasts.
Explore Camp Gallagher
Conference Schedule
Friday
Woodmizer mill demo all day
7:00 – 8:00 AM — Yoga
7:30 – 9:00 AM — Breakfast
9:15 – 9:30 AM — Welcome to the World Treehouse Conference
9:30 – 10:15 AM — Michael Garnier: A History of Treehousing
10:15 – 11:00 AM — Scott Baker: Tree Selection Walkabout
11:00 – 11:45 AM — Aaron (Treecraft Design Build): Case Study of the Buffalo Creek Treehouse
11:45 – 12:00 PM — Charles Spitzack: Treehouse Model Competition Introduction
12:00 – 1:00 PM — Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 PM — Michael Stam & Dave Stice: Rigging Demo
2:00 – 2:45 PM — Scott Tinker & Tim Wion (Quantum Consulting Engineers): Structural Design of a Treehouse & Presenting to a Building Department
2:45 – 3:30 PM — Nick Early: Rope Splicing
3:30 – 4:15 PM — George Kinney: Chainsaw Art
4:15 – 5:00 PM — Michael Murphy (Barefoot Builders): The Inherently Ephemeral Practice of Treehousing
5:00 – 6:00 PM — Pete Nelson
6:00 PM — Dinner
Saturday
7:00 – 8:00 AM — Yoga
7:30 – 9:00 AM — Breakfast
9:00 – 12:00 PM — Tall Tree Climb — Tim Kovar
9:00 – 11:00 AM — Treehouse Build Demo & Net Weaving — Ken Huck, Sarah Jay, Leland Hull & more
11:15 – 12:00 PM — Christopher Richter: LiDAR & PhotogrammaTree for Treehouse Design
12:00 – 1:00 PM — Lunch
1:00 – 1:45 PM — Dustin Feider (O2 Treehouse): Treewalkers
1:45 – 2:30 PM — Gary Eldridge: World’s Tallest Spiral Staircase in a Redwood Tree
2:30 – 3:30 PM — Michael Murphy & Pete Nelson: Q&A
4:00 – 6:00 PM — Keynote: Julia Butterfly Hill
6:30 PM — Dinner
Sunday
7:30 – 10:00 AM — Breakfast
10:00 – 11:30 AM — Builder’s Showcase — Leland Hull presents a slideshow of the community’s latest work
Please note: This schedule is subject to change as additional speakers, workshops, and activities are confirmed. Check back for the latest updates.
