View the recorded webinar sessions below (The fundamental information shared in this two-part webinar will help prepare you for an in-person chainsaw safety training, but does not replace one. Until we can offer the in-person courses again, stay safe at home, and we hope that this interactive webinar will help build your fundamental knowledge of women’s chainsaw safety and maintenance.)

Part 1, April 25, 2020

Part 2, May 2, 2020

Contact Amanda Mahaffey (amanda@forestguild.org) about potential wait list for a future offering.

Saturday, April 25 AND Saturday, May 2
9:00 – 11:00 a.m. ET each day
$25 suggested donation for the pair of sessions, if you are currently able.
Link to participate will be shared after registration and closer to the event date

Event flyer to download

We continue to adapt during our world’s “new normal” for the time being. We are offering two, 2-hour virtual chainsaw safety workshops as optional supplements to the upcoming in-person workshop that has been rescheduled to June 27-28. This event is co-sponsored by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, and McDougal Orchards.

About eligibility:

• This online course is not a prerequisite for the in-person June workshop.
• You do not have to be registered for June’s workshop to participate in these virtual sessions.

Cost: $25 suggested donation for the pair of sessions. Speakers are donating their time to make this possible. We recognize that these are challenging financial times. If you are in a position to support this workshop, your donation will be much appreciated.

Participation details:

How to use Zoom guide

This interactive webinar will be offered through a virtual Zoom platform. You need a computer with working internet. For audio, you can either use your computer or a phone. A webcam is desirable, but not required. You will be able to ask questions out loud or by typing into the chatbox and hear answers to your questions live.

We will send you the Zoom access information after registration, likely the week before the first session. If you have not used Zoom before or would like a refresher, contact Elizabeth Clock at University of Maine Cooperative Extension at elizabeth.clock@maine.edu for assistance.

Description: 
This course is designed to provide a safe and welcoming learning environment for women who are new to chainsaws. We will introduce you to the fundamentals of women’s chainsaw safety including how to find well-fitting safety equipment, choosing the right saw for you, how to maintain your saw, and other topics.

In these virtual sessions, we will cover:

• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Parts of the saw – taking apart saws
• Starting a saw – demonstration only. Please note that when you start a saw, you need full and proper PPE.
• Other topics such as:
  • Chain sharpening demonstration
  • Safe posture
  • Safety plan when you head to the woods
• Your questions!

You are encouraged to bring your saw (if you have one already) and take it apart. At times, we will work in breakout groups to make it easier to ask questions. We may provide virtual breakout rooms for different saw brands such as Stihl, Husky, etc. More on that after registration!

We will record the webinar presentations for others to view later as well.

Also, read this article about safety and comfort tips for women chainsaw users!

Thank you for your interest, and we hope to virtually meet with you soon!