When students arrive to Hidden Valley Nature Center’s Level 1 Chainsaw Safety course there is a palpable feeling of nervousness. Some students are nervous about felling a tree, others are gripped with fear of what can be a very dangerous tool. “Remember, a healthy dose of fear usually means a healthy dose of respect. It’s probably a good thing to be a little scared,” said John Cullen, one of the instructors.

Students come to HVNC’s chainsaw safety courses because they are aware of the dangers associated with operating a chainsaw, but they are also faced with the need to cut firewood, clear trails, and maybe even fell trees. Over a day and a half long training students are brought up to speed on chainsaw protective gear and clothing, maintenance, and safe practices. By the end of the workshop students have practiced in several different scenarios, and most of them have felled a tree using modern directional felling techniques.

“When students leave a training like this they’re not experts, but hopefully they have the basic tools to continue practicing in a safe way, getting more proficient each time,” said instructor Ron Meserve.

This spring over the course of two separate trainings HVNC hosted nearly 40 students with different skill levels and somewhat different expectations. One class in April was only for women operators. All of these students will be invited to participate in HVNC’s ongoing firewood processing, trail work, and future advanced chainsaw trainings.

Chainsaw trainings will continue in the summer and fall with sharpening classes, more Level 1 training, and advanced classes in the fall; 2014 trainings are sponsored by Jonsered, MOFGA and SWOAM, and are an integral part of HVNC’s ongoing sustainable forestry outreach and education.