Midcoast Conservancy is offering a one-and-a-half day Chainsaw Safety course at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson; the workshop is designed for participants who have little or no experience with a chainsaw, though it can also be an effective refresher for more experienced individuals who have developed some bad habits with a saw.

The first half-day session, on Saturday, April 12 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., will be under the Bezon Barn pavilion as instructors provide some basic information about chainsaws, maintenance, safety clothing, introduce participants to good practices, and provide relevant background material. The second day, Sunday, April 13 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., is intended to be a full day of practice and application.

The focus of this course is overwhelmingly on safety: safe posture, safe practices, safe clothing, and safe habits. The goal is that each student will leave the course being keenly aware of safe practice and equipment.  It is also a goal that each student will have the opportunity to operate a chainsaw in a controlled and supervised setting. Students will practice starting a saw, making straight up-and-down cuts (bucking), bore cuts and cutting small trees. Students’ interests and aptitude always dictate the extent of the course. Some Level I students will practice directional tree felling techniques, if they feel comfortable doing so.

Midcoast Conservancy does not provide overnight accommodations as a part of this workshop, but there are rustic cabins and campsites at HVNC available for rent. Students should come prepared with all the food and water they will need.

Midcoast Conservancy is pleased to partner with the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) on its Chainsaw Safety Courses. MOFGA members may also take advantage of discounted pricing. To learn more, and to register, go to https://bit.ly/aprilchainsaw.