Registration closed, with waitlist

Thursday May 11, 2023
8:30 am – 5:00 pm ET 

Mountain Training Facility in Avery County North Carolina 
6065 Linville Falls Highway, Newland, NC 28657 

Accessibility: We will be handling and operating chainsaws during this workshop. PPE and saws will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. We will spend the morning indoors and the afternoon outdoors, rain or shine.

Summary:

Did you know North Carolina has an average of 4,400 wildfires per year? In this workshop we will look at practical uses for chainsaw skills through the lens of wildfire mitigation around the home. Participants will learn about adapting homes to mitigate wildfire risk and gain hands-on experience with bucking, limbing, and home hazard assessments.  

This course is designed to provide a safe and welcoming learning environment for women who are new to chainsaw use. While most participants have little or no experience with a chainsaw, this course is also an effective refresher for more experienced individuals who may want to brush up on good safety habits with a saw. This is a gateway course and will provide you with a foundational introduction to support you in pursuing further chainsaw training. 

Protective equipment (eye goggles, earplugs, leather gloves, chaps, and metal toe caps) and chainsaws will be available to borrow, but you are encouraged to bring your own if you have them. You will need to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and closed toed shoes. Please do not feel like you must purchase equipment for this workshop!  Many people find the information in this workshop helpful in deciding what chainsaw or protective equipment to purchase. You will have the opportunity to start a chainsaw and cut slices, or “cookies” from logs if you feel comfortable, but it is not a requirement. 

This course is intended for women-identifying individuals, though all are welcome to attend. We strive to foster a safe and supportive learning environment and ask that all participants respect that.

This course is hosted and sponsored by NCSU Extension, the Women Owning Woodlands program, Warren Wilson College, NC Forest Service, and the Fire Adapted Communities Network. This program is funded in part by the Renewable Resources Extension Act (RREA). 

Contact Dakota Wagner with questions. (dakota AT forestguild.org)