From Stump Regeneration & Squatchberry:
Chainsaw Safety Course:
A Success Story in Sustainable Forestry
A limited number of spaces are eligible for our Early Bird Special
Expires June 7th or when tickets run out so don’t wait to register - secure your discount now!
June 21st & 22nd, 2025
Estacada, Oregon
Welcome to a chainsaw workshop like no other! Hosted by Water Stories students Aaron Stump of Stump Regeneration and Julia Eden of Squatchberry, this workshop will cover the safety and operation of chainsaws for the regeneration of landscapes.
Watch my video
Workshop Description
During this hands-on workshop, you'll learn essential chainsaw techniques, including maintenance, sharpening, felling, and bucking, all while prioritizing safety and regeneration. Over 2 days you’ll be able to put your new skills into practice during a real project to restore a tree farm to vernal wetland. Led by experienced instructor Aaron Stump, you'll gain valuable insights and practical knowledge to manage your own land responsibly and productively.
Before the event, we will ask you to watch a video produced by Stump Regeneration which will be forwarded once payment is sent. Watching this video is a required prerequisite for attendance.
No previous chainsaw experience is necessary. All are welcome!
$450 Early Bird Special still available. Only 8 total places available so secure your spot quickly!
Schedule
June 20th, Friday: Arrive onsite if camping and settle in. Feel free to bring your dinner and join us under the stars around a campfire (weather permitting).
June 21st, Saturday: We begin after breakfast at 9:00 am and will work a mix of class time and hands-on experience until dinner is served at 5:30. Relax and chat with your instructor over a meal.
June 22nd, Sunday: We will spend the majority of the second day working with chainsaws on an actual project of land rehabilitation, beginning again at 9:00 am and working until 5:30.
June 23rd, Monday: All campers are welcome to stay overnight on Sunday with checkout by 9am Monday.
Please note we will be working with large chainsaws, felling real trees, on flat but uneven ground. You will need enough strength to confidently lift and maneuver the chainsaw as well as proper footwear, chaps, and safety glasses. We will also ask you to watch a 2 hour safety training video before attending the workshop.
Volunteer Opportunity
Practice makes perfect, right?
Combined with this workshop we are offering a volunteer opportunity designed to hone your skills and increase your confidence. Based on performance, two promising students may be invited to join us a few weeks later in beautiful Yamhill County at Belle Mare Farm to participate in preventative work.
July 20th - 22nd
What's Included
The topics covered will include:
- Safe Operation of a chainsaw
- Maintenance and care of the machine
- Felling trees
- Bucking material into smaller pieces for use and transport
- Regenerative approaches to woodland maintenance and health
- Practice, practice, practice
Chainsaws are included, though you are welcome to bring your own equipment. We ask that you show up in good working gear with proper fully-enclosed footwear. You will also need to provide your own chaps, ear protection, and a helmet.
Free, onsite camping and meals are also included in your ticket price!
Accommodation
Camping is available onsite for free. A basic shower and bucket toilet are provided, with plenty of space for tent, car, or RV camping. Hookups may be available upon prior arrangement.
Hotels/Motels are available 20-30 minutes away from the site. The address will be provided upon registering for the workshop so that arrangements can be made.
Airbnb also has options available 10-20 minutes from the site.
Please reach out to Julia Eden with questions or to help with accommodation or hookup arrangements.
Meals
Most of your meals are included with your ticket. A continental breakfast, lunch, and snacks throughout the day will be provided both Saturday and Sunday. Dinner on Saturday is also included. Those that are camping with us will need to take care of their own dinner on Friday after checking in and setting up their sites. Everyone is welcome to bring food to enjoy around a campfire that evening - for bonding and fun (weather permitting).
Campers that decide to stay Sunday night and checkout Monday will have the option of ordering takeout, which we will pickup and bring back to the site.
Since we will be a small enough group, a survey will be sent out to participants asking about food preferences and allergies. We will finalize the menu and send it out prior to the event.
There are amenities in the barn onsite including a fridge and freezer, as well as the shower and toilet.
There are convenience stores 5 and 10 minutes drive from the property, and grocery stores and restaurants are 15-25 minutes away.
Featuring a Special Talk by Forester Ryan Sanstrom
Ryan has worked in timberland management for over 50 years and during the workshop will share with us his insights into forest management for reduced wildfire intensity and frequency. Speaking about many of the issues we see in the Pacific Northwest, like our Douglas Fir monocultures, Ryan will provide real solutions that you can apply to your own landscape.
Registration
This is where our journey begins. Click below to secure your Early Bird Special price of $450, including equipment, meals, and accommodation!