Ohio's Longest, Fastest, Highest Zipline Canopy Tour

Our Tree Frog owners, general manager and our lead guides are Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) – certified. Tree Frog’s guides have participated in a rigorous certification program offered by Bonsai Design, Incorporated, that exceeds ACCT safety standards. This training and certification helps ensure that guests of Tree Frog Canopy Tours are greeted by professional guides who can provide a safe and memorable time of adventure and exploration in Ohio’s Mohican Wilderness area.
MEET THE TREE FROG TEAM!

Crystal (Wynn) - The best booty shaker of the bunch, Crystal loves to dance, party or cook a really scrumptious Italian or Polish dish (perhaps followed by Jello shots). She says that being back in the area from Ohio State University and hanging out with the hilarious and fun staff, guides, and guests at Tree Frog is like a zipping zeitgeist! She loves to go whitewater rafting, climb and chase adventure and says her perfect date is when the guy shows up. Being outdoors in the elements and getting comfortable with the physical and mental demands of zipping has been a welcome challenge. Crystal’s advice to folks new to zipping? “Follow what your guide says, trust the equipment, and relax and enjoy the view. Strap in, hang on, have fun and kick ass!"

Tyler (Voyik) - Tyler is the assistant course manager and finds zipping and the guests reactions as exciting as when he first began as a guide at Tree Frog a year ago. He enjoys seeing repeat guests who seem to be even more enthusiastic their second, third and fourth time zipping the canopy. Proudly stating that guests who have zipped elsewhere, whether in the US or outside, consistently claim Tree Frog to be the best and most challenging course, Tyler agrees, “We have a world class course and it’s nice to hear it confirmed from everywhere.” Behind the scenes however, Tyler and the guides are always checking and inspecting to make certain that everything is running smooth as silk and in top performance. With the rigor of guide training, our risk managers are ready and prepared for any situation. A tool and die pattern maker for thirty two years, he will coach to perfection…that means .001 inches. This adrenaline junkie rides dirt bikes, races cars, skydives, and scuba dives and says zipping is the ultimate in allowing him to create a fun and exhilarating experience for others.

Rob (Boes) - One half of our newlywed guide duo of Rob and Katie, Rob’s past career stints include analyzing chemical and physical properties of fluid additives used in automotive transmissions while working as a senior analytical chemist and materials scientist for Borg Warner; and testing samples of detergent at Proctor and Gamble. He works at Will Research as a chemist and moonlights as zip guide on weekends. Are you curious about the physics and gravitational analysis of ziplining? Ask Rob. The dude loves formulas and he is sure to be able to tell you the chemical properties that produced your adrenaline fueled Tarzan yell. So pack up your Viscometer and Differential Scanning Calorimetry and come zip with Rob. This Michigan State U. chemistry grad will tell you that there is no better academic degree than a Master’s in Zipping.

Grant (Cowell) - In his Zen through zipping zealously calm and steady voice, Grant says the best part of zipping with guests is having the wind in your face…oh, and the tips. Grant loves the adrenaline rush and enjoys when his guests go from being totally nervous, to being loosened up, to zipping by the seventh zip as if they’ve done it forever. He claims the best reactions are when guests surprise themselves. Formally a Chippendale exotic dancer (kidding), Grant was a football hero locally and at Marietta College and earned a degree in sports management. His perfect date goes something like this, “Date…What’s a date?” or: “We’d start out in my eight foot fiberglass fishing boat, and we’d each catch a big catfish, fillet each other’s fish to perfection, and dine by campfire light.” All together now… awwwww.

Madison (Christiansen) - Madison, our esteemed course manager says the best part about zipping is being 120’ off the ground where she can finally feel tall….that, and wearing the same outfit every day. Madison is the official guide wrangler and in order to train for the job she took the crash course in herding dumb animals. The University of Kentucky grad eagerly left the public relations scene in New York City to help the Tree Frog guides all show their good and “back” sides…especially if the light is just right. Madison’s fellow guides say she is the life of the party but when it comes to zipping, she’s all business, wisely advising guests not to eat Mexican food just prior to their tour. Madison is a skier, snowboarder, rafter and all around adventure seeker who enjoys working at Snow Trails Ski Resort in the off season.All of Madison’s dates are (still) perfect. According to Madison, if you really want to have the full epic zip experience; look for the cozy smolder at the end of your tour.

Morgan (Christiansen) - AKA Myrtle, Georgie, Ginger. Our actress, Morgan, has a Bachelor in Fine Arts in theatre. She went from taking body movement, voice and stage at university to being an accountant in Chicago. It wasn’t the best fit. Morgan is beginning to fit in at Tree Frog but can’t believe you can’t hail a cab outside the Frog barn. When she becomes famous, she insists that she will have a personal chauffeur. Grant is applying for the job. She advises zippers, “Be loose. Have fun. It’s only a three hour tour (a three hour tour) and you’ll be on the ground only too soon.” Of the actors Morgan most admires and would want as a zip guide, Gilligan tops the list. She puts the Skipper in her dream zip guide category. Morgan’s ideal date is lots of laughter, no cliché’ stuff, sitting together eating ice cream (or drinking PBR) and talking….as long as there is lots of laughing.

Katie (Boes) - So what does “Honeybee colony drone production and maintenance in relation to environmental factors: an interplay of queen and worker decisions” and “Male elimination in the honeybee” have to do with Dr. Katie Boes? This Bucknell grad and Michigan State University PhD graduate is published in internationally recognized science journals and when she isn’t teaching college courses at the College of Wooster or Ashland University, she hangs out in trees. Her study of animal behavior definitely helps her in analyzing zipline guests. Katie is an avid teacher who loves to get zipline students pumped about zipping and excited about biology. Tree Frog guests value Katie’s enthusiasm, clarity, and her ability to draw our attention to interesting points about the local ecology and biodiversity of the Mohican Wilderness area. Katie and Rob say their perfect date is playing nerdy board games followed by an evening of Salsa dancing. Rob and Katie are the indulgent parents of dogs, Angel, and Nala.

Daniel (Stratton) - Your zip adventure with Daniel will be life changing. Daniel suggests that the best thing for zipline guests to do is to be nervous, be very nervous. According to Daniel, our bodies react well to being nervous and it will heighten a zipline experience when adrenaline is coursing through our system. When he isn’t volunteering for “Hunt of a Lifetime”, a non-profit organization with a mission to grant hunting & fishing adventures and dreams for terminally ill children age 21 and under, Daniel rips it up with adventure outings that take him kayaking, whitewater rafting, skydiving, and hiking. To the delight of his fellow guides, Danny is also a bail bond agent and business owner of Stratton Recovery. The best part about working at Tree Frog for this Tennessee native is meeting new people and working with kids. Daniel enjoys long leisurely walks through the mall with his loving wife whom he adores. “You’re welcome, Honey.”

Cory (Wells) - When asked if he has a nickname, Cory says, no, not A nickname…but about a dozen nicknames. Generally you’ll find most folks calling him, Scoober. This avid rock climber says the best part about zipping is that he can fly through the air with the greatest of ease and work with the clowns and wild animals on the Tree Frog staff. It’s better than running away to join the circus. Graduating college with a degree in engineering technology at age eighteen, Cory’s career tour has so far taken him to factories, warehouses, restaurants and resorts. Today, Cory can hardly believe he gets to earn a living by hanging out with Tree Frog’s fun adventure-seeking guests. He enjoys meeting new people and has advice for the more advanced zipper, “Go Superman or nothing!” He adds that, “playing the tune ‘Higher Ground’ by the Red Hot Chili Peppers in your head while riding the final 1100’ course zip enhances the experience.” Scoober’s perfect date? One that includes a home cooked meal, because they’re so rare.

Missy (Wendling) - Says Missy of her fellow Tree Frog family, “If you are not crazy, you don’t belong here.” When not riding her 1994 Harley Softail motorcycle or driving her pick-up truck, our own little Miss Sugar-n-Spice is charming guests of Tree Frog Canopy Tours with her beautiful smile and easy going nature. After twenty eight years of working at General Motors as a robotics technician, Missy can’t imagine being anywhere else but in the surrounding beauty of the Mohican Wilderness. She’ll have you smiling in three zips or less…guaranteed, because if you don’t follow her instructions, our most expert knot tier will have you tied up in knots… and with her sweet personality, you won’t even know you’re twisted up. Best bike ride? Route 55, curve after curve out of Zanesville, baby.

Jessica (Wilbur) - Jessica’s numerous adventure seeking plans and happy feet will take her far and wide and she has no desire to be idle…ever. But she also has a twin sister, so perhaps they’ve got us fooled with being in so many places at once??? Jessica is an avid rock climber with a degree in ecotourism and adventure travel and has worked as a rock climbing instructor and high ropes facilitator at her alma mater of Hocking College. In the off season Jessica teaches youngsters as an outdoor education instructor at Mohican School of the Outdoors. She advises new zippers to experience the canopy tour with an open mind and just let their fears subside. You’ll find her always smiling and ready for any adventure like competing in the speed walking slack-line competition at the New River Rendezvous; been there, done that, won the tee shirt. No slacker here.

Matt (Burd) - Matt AKA The Sweater Man was formerly a….. Well, it doesn’t really matter whether he was rocket scientist, or a sanitation engineer. What’s important is that he is now a zip line guide, and Matt B. (in real life, a firefighter/paramedic and Army guy home from Iraq) will make sure that your experience at Tree Frog is memorable. He’s the recent enthusiastic recipient of a sewing machine and when asked what he will do with it, he exclaims, “What can’t I do with a sewing machine!” Matt stitches “collectable” chalk bags for his fellow rock climbers like a pro. You might catch him humming tunes to the Squirrel Nut Zippers or sitting in his backyard with a cooler of beer listening to the cool vibe of Ray LaMontagne. That’s Burd’s style, and he definitely has a style; we’re just not sure which style will emerge and when. Matt B’s perfect date? When she pays, of course.

Wes (Hans) - Wes AKA Arnold, nails an Arnold Schwarzenegger impression. He’s an old school romantic whose perfect date is going out to eat and seeing a flick. Prior to landing in the heart of Mohican, Wes worked in a warehouse in Walnut Creek in the heart of Amish country. In fact he particularly enjoys when the Amish come zipping. Wes loves zipping on the biggest, fastest course with rock-n-roll music on his personal soundtrack in his head. His favorite season to zip—autumn. Favorite food fetish? He’ll take Chipotle every time…burrito with guacamole. He enjoys a good game of corn hole and loves to drive. “I’m a wheel man.” He’s currently on Volkswagen wheels but envisions someday driving a black 1969 Camero. Who inspires Wes? “My brother; he’s full of invention, full of ideas.”

Levi (McClish) - Levi goes by “Leaves” or “Skates”. This indie rocker, skateboarder, long boarder and snowboarder claims that the more nervous you are when you zip the first time the better the adrenaline rush. According to Levi, the family atmosphere at Tree Frog is “really chill” and the surrounding nature gorgeous. Levi is a senior student at Indiana Wesleyan and wants to move overseas with the Peace Corp and teach English as a second language. For the summer he’s content to teach zip speak as a second language. Levi’s perfect date goes something like this, “We go rock climbing followed by pizza afterwards, then skinny dip when the moon comes out.” On a moonlight zip, Levi powers through the forest pretending he’s in a Star Wars starship going through hyperspace. As for a little light reading, he just finished reading Atlas Shrugged and is now into some of Plato’s works.

Casey (Staton) - Casey, AKA Andre’ is from Bellville and is currently a student at Franciscan University in Steubenville. After too many months of waiting tables, summer zipping is a great change before heading this fall to Austria to study philosophy. Sorry girls, Casey is off the market as he has a Dutch girlfriend waiting for his visit to Holland. Irish Punk is his choice of music with Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphys particular favorites. Casey is into playing Chess and is really into playing the board game, Settlers of Catan. In the winter he snowboards and for now he zips….occasionally pretending to be Harry Potter on a broomstick or kicking Ewoks butts as a Star wars fighter. Dude; watch out for fellow zipper Luke “Levi” Skywalker.

Cameron (Welker) - Cameron or “Camster” AKA as Newbert is our youngest guide. The recent high school grad is headed to Ohio State’s College of Pharmacy in the fall. Cameron enjoyed an active high school career that included competitive swimming, tennis, soccer and skiing. The Camster recently won the Mt. Vesuvius Tin Man Biathalon which requires carrying buckets of lava back up the mountain. About zipping Cam says, “If you listen carefully you can hear the frogs sing…in fact zipping ain’t over till the fat frog sings. It’s awesome when the canopy is full. ” For his long suffering date, Camster would treat her to the beach on a steamy hot humid day, cook-out, camp in the rustic section, then listen to def metal and rap.

Brandon (Carmel) - Brandon AKA Bronson or Toby has perfected the art of using college as a series of extended vacations. Being scholarly in numerous exotic locations has afforded him such memorable moments like attending NYU with the Olson twins. This west coast-east coast most interesting zipper in the world lives thirsty my friends. Added to his eclectic resume is a stint with the Los Padres National Forest Wranglers, leading horse packing and backpacking trips. Brandon’s favorite times with zipping guests? When the whites of their eyes can be seen outside the rims of their sunglasses. Brandon’s ideal date? October 3rd; it’s not too hot, not too cold, all you need is a light jacket. Harrrrrrr.

Nugget - You’re probably wondering why we call him Nugget. Is it because he is like a small lode of precious metal? Or is it because he is a new guy around here who is a little bit naïve? Well, actually it’s both. But don’t worry because unlike Grant or Daniel, Nugget is the guide most likely to get you back in one piece. Yes, this young firebrand is Mr. Excitement when it comes to zip lining. Why, he is the originator of such moves as the Fly, Saturn’s Rings, and the nearly impossible Over the Falls. When he isn’t appearing on MTV’s Wild Zippers he is here at Tree Frog “bringing them back alive.”

Matt (Latham) - Matt L. lives and breathes Cleveland sports so you know he’s gotta be a really patient dude. The Navy vet spent five years on a substation in San Diego and Hawaii. He’s quite certain that he was a dog in a past life and that his current dog, Moe, is really him. The love of his life is fiancé, Jennifer, and their perfect date is anything outdoors; sports stadium or babbling brook. He’s quite content when he can take new zippers out of their comfort zone and puts them in a place that makes them feel at peace with themselves and nature. (Which is considerably different than having your pieces spread around nature). Whether playing soccer, baseball or his trombone in his band, Bum Wealthy, Matt’s always spreading world peace. Off season he works as a snowboard and skiing instructor and as a journeyman firefighter. One day, he and Jennifer might even celebrate a long awaited winning season by a Cleveland championship team. (yea, right) For now he just has the Tree Frog winning Drinking Team to cheer on every Wednesday night at Fluff & Ed’s.

Rachael (Bender) - Rachael FLATFINGERS is the only “Injun” on our staff. She is a member of the little known Frogowwee tribe which ranged in Ohio between Cavello and Umbria. There are only two known surviving members of the tribe. So…listen carefully to what she tells you or you might go home with a VERY short haircut. Also, try not to wave your hands around too much, as you might be conveying some obscenities in her native sign language that you are unaware of. It would be a shame if you got staked out on an anthill.

Dan (Schrack) - Schrack AKA Shrek comes from a land far far away. Studying environmental management he promises to look after all of the woodland creatures, like the Lorax, Shrek speaks for the trees. His hobbies include, dancing naked in the rain, boat races and eating his way through a 6 foot sub. His favorite part about being a guide you ask? “optional underwear on the night zips.” What he strives for most in life is to be like his gorgeous, stunningly handsome cousin Matt Burd.

Bruce (Baker) - Bruce, aka BJ, is one of the owners and looks forward to the winter months when he won’t have to put up with the collection of misfits who work at Tree Frog Canopy Tours. Formerly the Mountain Manager at Snow Trails, his career beat also includes selling chair lifts, snowmaking equipment, home inspections, and malarkey. He’s married to the lovely and talented Laura (who told us we have to say that), and is the pet of their dog, Zoe, aka Monkey Butt. BJ first zipped in1992 in Antarctica, and hasn’t been the same since, much to the relief of the rest of us who knew him before.

Laurie (Baker) - Laurie is very similar to the US Navy. Her other job keeps her busy as a travel agent, and if you book a trip through her, you will “See the World”; perhaps even in just a trip from Columbus to St. Louis. But we digress. Laurie has spent the last twenty-five years trying to keep Jody, Bruce, and Duck out of jail. So far she has succeeded, but she’s probably pushing her luck. She now has (bail bond agent) Dan’s telephone number on speed-dial.

AnnaLee (Christiansen) - Anna Lee, aka, Team Mom, is usually found upstairs taking reservations, selling Tree Frog memorabilia, preparing scrumptious meals for the staff, and attempting to keep the guides in line. She succeeds wonderfully on the first three and fails miserably on the fourth. Married to Jody for thirty years and with two daughters, Morgan and Madison, she says that really she has three kids, it’s just that one is a lot older and bigger than the other two.

Jody (Christiansen) - Jody, one of the owners, has been working for the last forty years, but we’re not quite sure what he has been doing. He’s not sure either. He first zipped in San Martinique eight years ago and we’ve been having a hard time getting him out of the trees ever since. He has taken the course “Dancing with Trees” which we hear will soon be a major motion picture. Bill Murray is rumored to be playing the part of Jody. Jody’s major hobbies include keeping Madison and AnnaLee in line, but he’s never made much progress at it. You’ll generally find Jody at the smolder pit where one day one of his carefully built fires may just break out of its shell.

Zoe - Zoe, aka Monkey Butt. Guests will find Zoe cheerfully awaiting them at the course’s mid-point Rock Launch where she’ll gratefully lap up the dribbles of water you leave behind at the water cooler. Okay, that’s not true. Zoe is neither cheerful nor thankful….just mostly thirsty. She’s a dog after all. Zoe’s best timed-run while racing the guest transport buggy up Big Hill Road? One minute twenty seconds flat.