Back by popular demand Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) in Jefferson will offer an introductory Chainsaw Safety class specifically for women on April 18 and 19. This class is part of HVNC’s ongoing commitment to excellent forest-related training. Chainsaws can be amazingly effective, and efficient tools when used properly. This hands-on class is aimed at providing women with enough knowledge and practice to make operating a chainsaw safe and rewarding.

Day one of the class is a half-day session. Students will be introduced to safety clothing and equipment, basic saw mechanics and maintenance, and will spend time becoming familiar with basic chainsaw uses like bucking logs.

Day two will be a full day of hands-on learning. Students will continue to gain comfort with basic operations and safe practices. In addition, students will learn about and practice safe tree felling practices.

This class is designed to provide women a comfortable setting in which to learn about safe chainsaw operation. By the end of the class students will have the knowledge to be able to properly maintain their saws, use them safely to buck firewood, fell trees, perform trail work, and more.

Whether you cut your own firewood, volunteer at a local land trust, operate a farm, or perform landscaping this could be a great class for you! Women of all ages (16-plus) and experience levels are encouraged to attend. The cost is $130 for HVNC and partner organization members, and $150 for non-members. Some scholarships are available. Write to andy@hvnc.org for more details.

For more information about this class visit the events page at www.hvnc.org. HVNC’s 2014 chainsaw safety classes are sponsored by MOFGA and Jonsered chainsaws. An open enrollment class for men and women will be offered on May 9 and 10.