Learn to use a chain saw safely! Taught by arborist Melissa LeVangie Ingersoll, 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 necessary. Note: Equipment will be provided; 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.

Instructor: Melissa LeVangie, Certified Arborist (MCA, ISA, NH) CTSP

Melissa LeVangie Ingersoll is a passionate educator about trees, tree care and tree climbing amongst many other extensive topics.  She holds many professional certifications, including an ISA Certified Arborist, an ISA Tree Climbing Specialist, a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification and TCIA Certified Tree Safety Professional credentials.   She is a Past-President of MA Tree Wardens & Foresters Association and of the New England Chapter of ISA.   

Outside of 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.  Formerly, Melissa conducted climbing inspections for Asian Longhorned Beetle for the USDA and DCR in Worcester, MA.  

Melissa is an enthusiastic instructor and coach who loves to teach about trees and has been in the industry for over 20 years.