Women Owning Woodlands offers chainsaw safety workshop

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension’s Women Owning Woodlands program will offer a beginner chainsaw safety workshop at MU Jefferson Farm and Garden in Columbia.

The workshop includes three virtual sessions leading up to an in-person field session, said Sarah Higgins, MU Extension field specialist in natural resources.

Virtual sessions are offered via Zoom from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on April 15, 22 and 29. The field session is 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 2. At the field day, participants will have the opportunity to practice chainsaw maintenance and cutting techniques.

Equipment will be available for use for those who do not own a chainsaw or personal protective equipment. Those who own their own equipment are asked to bring it to the field day for their use.

The in-person training begins at Jefferson Farm and Garden. In the afternoon, participants will move to a location no more than a 30-minute drive from Columbia to practice what they have learned. Participants are asked to bring their own lunch.

Participants will learn about personal protective equipment, field safety, maintenance and techniques for safe chainsaw operation, said Higgins.

Women woodland stewards also will learn how to prevent secondary injuries and tips to improve ergonomic awareness.

Details and registration.

For questions or accommodations, contact Sarah Higgins at sarah.higgins@missouri.edu or 636-797-5391.

Zoom sessions will be recorded for the convenience of participants.

Jefferson Farm and Garden is at 4800 E. New Haven Road, Columbia.

The program is partially funded by USDA NIFA Grant 2022-41590-38128.