2012 was brand spanking new when the first SAWS project of the year got underway. The restoration of the Bald River Gorge Trail was completed before January reached the halfway point thanks to a dedicated group of students from the University of Illinois. With that project, SAWS kicks off what is sure to be a busy and fun second year of service to our Southern Appalachian Wilderness.
Winter and Spring Projects announced! On our outings and events page you will find our just-released schedule of weekend-based projects that provide opportunities to work on a variety of issues spread across the beautiful Blue Ridge. Chances are, one of these projects is less than an hour away from you.
The Wilderness Trails Stewardship Conference returns in 2012 as the Wilderness Skills Institute with an expanded course offering. The Wilderness Skills Institute will start May 21 with a variety of options extending through two weeks, concluding on June 1. All class-room work will be held at the Cradle of Forestry near Brevard, North Carolina with field work in the Middle Prong and Shining Rock Wilderness Areas. Space is limited for this free training, so advanced registration is required.
The SAWS Back Country Overnight Operations Team (BOOT Crew) returns for eight weeks in 2012. Spend a week as a volunteer this summer making a difference, making friends and making memories for a lifetime. Crew space is limited, so find your spot on the calendar and get registered.
SAWS will be staffing up for the 2012 season with a few different seasonal positions. Earn your way by working in
the backcountry this year, apply now!
2011 SAWS Team SIX - (left to right) Nick Biemiller,
Scotty Bowman, David Cohen, Danielle Bouchonett,
Stephen Eren, and Aaron Sanford
By definition, “Wilderness Stewardship” has a broad scope, but SAWS area of focus is projects such as these:
- Trail building, maintenance, and repair
- Training and certification for Cross-Cut Saw use, Wilderness First Aid, and Leave No Trace programs
- Leadership Training for ‘Boots on the Ground’ Crews from SAWS and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
- Wilderness Ranger Programs
- Citizen Scientist Programs
- And much, much more...
SAWS - Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards
Bill Hodge, Director
243 Ironsburg Road
Tellico Plains, TN 37385
865-617-4804
billhodge@trailcrews.org
Many thanks go out to our 2011 crew leaders: Scotty Bowman, Aaron Sanford, Danielle Bouchonett and Nick Biemiller; to our Wilderness Rangers: David Cohen and Stephen Eren; and also to our summer intern, Rebekah Copeland Champion for all their hard work. In spite of the heat, the humidity, and the occasional pit viper, it was a great summer of hard yet very rewarding work! You can read more about our experiences here:
- The First Boot Crew by Bill Hodge
- Call of the Whippoorwill, A Reflection
by Scotty Bowman - Into the Woods & Further into the Woods
by Danielle Bouchonett - Iverstor Gap Day by Rebekah Copeland Champion
The progress we have made just by launching our first full field season was possible because of the commitment to the SAWS effort from The Wilderness Society. In May of 2011 The Wilderness Society made SAWS a permanent project of the organization. This commitment allows us to expand the SAWS effort and realize the collective vision of serving our Southern Appalachian Wilderness.
The term ‘field season’ implies there are times we will be out of the field. That is not completely true. Our work continues through the year with more chances for you to join a Wild Crew. Our weekend projects allow us to continue the effort to provide inspiration for those who want to serve our amazing public lands. Come join a crew!
