On a misty morning in March, a group of 16 women gathered around a crackling wood stove, embarking on a journey to conquer their anxieties and embrace the power of chainsaws. They shared their apprehensions and their previous experiences (or lack of experience) with the tool. A collective sigh of relief swept through the group when one instructor recounted her tears after her initial encounters with a saw. It was clear, this wouldn’t be your typical chainsaw workshop.

The participants hailed from various backgrounds – from those seeking professional development, such as Jennifer, who would like to teach the Chainsaw Safety Courses for PG&E employees in Spanish, to newcomers like Lindsay, a landscaper eager to integrate chainsaw techniques into her work. Despite their disparate levels of experience and confidence, all left the workshop feeling empowered by their newfound knowledge and proficiency in safely handling such a formidable instrument.

Guiding them through the day was Cedar Long, a seasoned expert from the California Conservation Corps with years of tree-felling experience. Her expertise and unwavering confidence set a solid foundation for the workshop’s activities. The morning was dedicated to classroom sessions, meticulously covering the essentials outlined in the S-212 handbook, including personal protective equipment (PPE), potential hazards, cutting techniques, and more.

After a satisfying lunch, Jessica Roemer, Executive Director at Tan Oak Park in Laytonville, led the group outdoors to an expansive forested property perfect for practical demonstrations. Witnessing Cedar skillfully fell a towering oak tree set the tone for the hands-on sessions that followed. Divided into smaller groups overseen by experienced mentors, participants practiced various chainsaw techniques under careful supervision.

Reflecting on her first chainsaw experience, Courtney exclaimed, “I can do anything you can do – but pregnant! Learning to wield a chainsaw feels pretty darn empowering.” Another participant, Ruthie, noted the markedly different learning atmosphere compared to that of the male-dominated spaces she had previously encountered, crediting the supportive environment and the guidance of Cedar Long for alleviating her anxieties.

The idea of Women’s Chainsaw Workshops has proved a popular one. With over 80 women on our waitlist, we are already planning future workshops throughout the county. If you are interested in signing up to be notified for future Women’s Chainsaw Workshops, click the WAITLIST button at the button of this page.

This transformative workshop was made possible through a collaboration between the California Conservation Corps, the Mendocino County Fire Safe Council, Northern-Mendocino Ecosystem Recovery Alliance, and Tan Oak Park. A huge shout-out to the dedicated instructors, facilitators, caterer, and participants for creating such an unforgettable day.