I am not an arborist or logger by trade, so any learning I would be pursuing is strictly educational. But I'd like to ask - what are your experiences with any online courses in these trades? Good or Bad. Getting certifications, (for example becoming ISA certified, or logging certificates). I'm also interested in what, if any, events you may have attended? The Cradle of Forestry down in Brevard NC is having a Forest Festival Day: Forest Festival Day & John Palmer Intercollegiate Woodsmen’s Meet I believe I saw something similar to this up in Ohio?
Ohio has the Paul Bunyan show in October. Unfortunately my work schedule always conflicts with it so I really can't comment on it
I've only ever had minimal training. Was advertised as 'felling training' and was part of a Forestry Field Day event I attended. Cost was minimal to cover food. It was very rudimentary stuff and only one tree ever hit the ground. There were many other things touched on as well. The Bunyan show doesn't offer any training that I know of. They do have some climbing and felling demonstrations at the Husky booth. My description of the Bunyan is a Fair of all things wood related in this region. The field of equipment is a big draw, as are the Lumberjack events. Most of the rest is food and various vendors selling their wares. A great place to be around like minded people and score some good deals on outdoor gear & equipment. I don't focus much on the entertainment value that it offers. I do still like to watch the Skidder Race if I'm there on the right day.
This group used to have annual courses at Biltmore. I’ve been to all the modules, some more than once, but my employer paid for it. It’s hands on training. https://www.arbormaster.com/ Good for learning the basics of felling. I’m also an ISA certified arborist, but that doesn’t require actual chainsaw and felling skills.
I have sat in on a couple felling seminars at the Paul Bunyon Show and found them informative. I don't know if the Ohio Forestry Association offers any classes. I look forward to the Paul Bunyon Show every year .
Thanks for the link... I have this bug to learn how to climb with spurs. I hate heights, but I still want to learn.
Their website shows they offer classes throughout the year in Asheville. I'll keep my eye on their schedule and thank you for the link!
The Paul Bunyon show in OH looks fun, not sure about the 7 hour drive (14 total) to Lore City and back. It would be cool to meet Buckin' Billy Ray (from YouTube) if he attends again. I am going to go to the little event in Brevard in October. I've been wanting to check it out for a while, covid had messed with their plans for the last previous years of coursse...
