Nerves of Stihl: On the Ground Volunteers Participate in Chainsaw Safety and Stewardship Day

Americorps • November 8, 2023

Volunteer getting hands on experience bucking up fallen trees.

Last Saturday,  November 4 th , 2023, MUCC’s On the Ground program partnered with Fenner Nature Center and Daisy Tree Care to host a Chainsaw Safety and Stewardship Day on FNC’s grounds. In total, 14 volunteers learned basic chainsaw maintenance and then got some hands-on experience cutting unwanted logs and trees in Fenner’s Maple Grove.

The course was divided into two sections, the first being a classroom portion. Volunteers learned how to clean a chainsaw, change chainsaw blades, and the tools needed for basic chainsaw maintenance. After lunch, volunteers received hands-on experience bucking up downed logs and how to fell standing trees. one being a classroom portion where volunteers learned the ins and outs of chainsaws, how to properly clean them, change their blades, etc. The safety day was taught by local chainsaw expert and owner of Daisy Tree Care, Charity Barnes.

In total, volunteers helped restore 1 acre of land on Fenner’s property and all 14 volunteers received hands-on experience with chainsaws. We’d like to thank Fenner Nature Center for providing the space and Charity for providing her expertise with chainsaws.

If you’d like to get involved with On the Ground, keep an eye out for our volunteer stewardship days posted here https://mucc.org/on-the-ground/.

Charity Barnes teaching about the ins and outs of a chainsaw.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recent Posts

Species Spotlight: The Kirtland's Warbler

By Katelyn Helsel • April 30, 2025
As spring gets fully underway and the warmer weather hits, many birds are in the process of migrating back to Michigan. One migratory species you might see (if you live in northern Michigan) is the rare Kirtland’s warbler. This bird has a long and detailed conservation story, coming back from the brink of extinction with the help of strong conservation efforts. 

The Legacy of Michigan Logging

By Olivia Triltsch • April 24, 2025
Historically, Michigan experienced a lumber era in which the state was a leading producer for 50 years starting in 1860.

MUCC celebrates a successful Clinton River Cleanup

By Katelyn Helsel • April 23, 2025
Rochester Hills, MI — On the Ground, MUCC’s volunteer stewardship program, celebrated its 250th habitat improvement project in Oakland County this past weekend. In partnership with Metro-West Steelheaders and the Clinton River Watershed Council , 62 volunteers removed more than 460 pounds of trash from the Clinton River watershed and surrounding areas, restoring more than 80 acres of fish and wildlife habitat. Volunteers focused on picking up trash and other debris in the river near Yates Park and along various walking trails near the Yates Cider Mill. Many different items were collected, including a couple of tires, fishing line, old cans, a sign, and even a car bumper. “We definitely wanted to clean up as much trash as possible because that's going to help the watershed as a whole, and it’s going to clean up the river for both humans aesthetically, and also the animals that live in it, and create safer drinking water” said Olivia Triltsch, MUCC’s Habitat Program and Partnerships Coordinator.
More Posts