Learn to use a chainsaw safely! Taught by arborists Melissa LeVangie Ingersoll and Bear LeVangie held on Saturday, Jan. 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., this workshop is designed for the novice-to-beginner chainsaw operator who wishes to gain greater confidence with this powerful tool. The class will combine lecture and hands-on learning, covering topics such as personal protective equipment, the anatomy of a chainsaw, reactive forces, basic chainsaw maintenance, and additional tools for use with a chainsaw. Techniques will include holding and starting a saw, hazard ID, escape options, log analysis (binds), planning cuts, overall plan, and bucking and limbing. Attendees will cut logs on the ground and/or elevated on sawhorses and will leave with a better understanding of the safety features of a chainsaw and be able to operate a chainsaw based on safety fundamentals. No experience is necessary. Note: Equipment will be provided; however, if you have your own chainsaw or personal protective equipment, please bring it with you. Dress and prepare for the weather including long sleeves, pants and boots. Bring a bag lunch.

Melissa LeVangie Ingersoll is a passionate educator about trees, tree care and tree climbing among many other extensive topics. She holds many professional certifications, including an ISA Certified Arborist, an ISA Tree climbing Specialist and a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification, in addition to being a Co-Founder of the WTCW (Women's Tree Climbing Workshop), a workshop for women taught by women to climb trees with an emphasis on arboriculture. She is the Educational Director and a Business Development Advocate for Shelter Tree/RBI, a premier arborist equipment supplier. She is the past president of the Massachusetts Tree Wardens and Foresters Association and of the New England Chapter of ISA.

Bear LeVangie is an ISA TRAQ Certified Arborist, a CT licensed arborist and a MA Qualified Tree Warden. She is the co-founder of the Women's Tree Climbing Workshop and serves as a lead instructor and as the Executive Director. Bear's career in arboriculture includes utility, research, invasive species inspection, education, production climber, IPM, and training. Bear also served as the New England Chapter's past president. holds pesticide licenses in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York and is a retired NETCC Champion and ITCC climber.