Chainsaw Safety Seminar

Learn safe and effective chainsaw techniques at the Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop.

Level 1 - Tuesday, May 26th

The morning begins in the Education Center, followed by hands-on outdoor training covering chainsaw safety, PPE, starting procedures, ergonomics, reactive forces, and cutting techniques using professional-grade saws (CEUs pending).
Registration is required ($250/person) with limited space; refunds are available until May 12, 2026. Coffee, water, and snacks will be provided; please bring lunch. All tools and PPE are supplied, along with sponsored safety items. The program runs rain or shine (rescheduled to May 28 in case of severe weather). LEARN MORE

Level 2 - Moving Beyond Firewood - Wednesday, May 27th.

Build on your chainsaw safety skills in this Level 2 workshop, designed for those who have completed a Level 1 course. The session combines lecture and hands-on training, covering reactive forces, maintenance, advanced bucking, basic felling techniques, notches, tools, and safe operation with real-time feedback.

Equipment will be provided, though participants are encouraged to bring their own chainsaw and PPE and must bring a bag lunch. The program runs in light rain (rescheduled to May 29 in case of severe weather) and is intended to build confidence and safe, fundamental chainsaw operation. LEARN MORE

Instructor Melissa LeVangie Ingersoll shares her passion for trees and 29 years of arboriculture experience through an approachable teaching style that makes her expertise accessible to students of all levels. An owner and co-founder of the Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop®, she is a University of Massachusetts forestry graduate who brings extensive arboriculture expertise to her roles as lead instructor and program developer.