Yes, there already exists a not-so-small cottage industry devoted to popularizing the groundbreaking work of HSU forestry professor Steve Sillett — who, if you have not heard, can climb way way up very tall trees. 

But what about the children? How can they share in the glory of Sillett’s discoveries?

The sad truth is that it’s been kinda tough. Until now. Courtesy of the TED motivational speaking empire comes this “TEDEd” illustrated short, in which Li’l Steve Sillett discovers his love for lichen through the teachings of a kindly grandmama, and later, as a charismatic megascholar, reaches — literally! — for the stars.