Learn to safely use a chainsaw! 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 identification, escape options, log analysis (binds), planning cuts, overall planning, 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 bagged lunch.

Melissa LeVangie, certified arborist (MCA, ISA, NH, CTSP) is a passionate educator about trees, tree care and tree climbing, amongst many other topics. She holds many professional certifications.She is a past-president of the Massachusetts Tree Wardens & Foresters Association and of the New England Chapter of ISA. She is co-founder of the 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, Mass. Melissa is an enthusiastic instructor and coach who loves to teach about trees and has been in the industry for over 20 years.

Please note that financial aid is available for all BBG classes. Use this link and please read the instructions carefully. Or contact Director of Education Bridgette Stone at bstone@berkshirebotanical.org