Update: Applications are now closed. We are reviewing applications and will be getting back to folks on the status of their application as soon as possible, likely before the end of March. If you have any questions, please contact Eric Giebelstein ericgiebelstein@wildernessstewards.org
Founded in 2011, the Wilderness Skills Institute (WSI) brings together wilderness stewards from the federal agencies, partners, and volunteers to learn shoulder-to-shoulder the skills and knowledge necessary to care for America’s enduring resource, Wilderness. The Southern Appalachian Wilderness Skills Institute is a partnership between the U.S. Forest Service, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS). It is free for students to attend.
We are so excited to announce the courses and descriptions for WSI 2023 in Transylvania County, NC on the Pisgah National Forest at the Cradle of Forestry. This year’s WSI will be May 22-26 and May 30-June 2.
This year’s offerings include:
- Crosscut A/B & First Aid and CPR
- Advanced Trail Techniques: Rock Work
- Wilderness 101
- Leading a Volunteer Experience
- Intro to Trail Maintenance
- LNT Trainer and Making Public Contacts
- Advanced Axe Techniques and Hanging
- Advanced Wilderness Stewardship
Update: Applications are now closed. We are reviewing applications and will be getting back to folks on the status of their application as soon as possible, likely before the end of March. If you have any questions, please contact Eric Giebelstein ericgiebelstein@wildernessstewards.org
Week 1: May 22-26
Crosscut A/B & First Aid/CPR
Crosscut A/B
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Max number of participants: 25
The A/B Crosscut Certification Course provides students with both classroom-based instruction and field experience in the use of the crosscut saws and axes. Students will learn how to safely utilize these tools in a trail maintenance capacity. The course will cover tool history, best practices in the field, one-on-one instruction in tool use in the field, tool care, safety, and transportation of the tools. Successful completion of this course is required to legally use these tools on national forest lands while participating in stewardship efforts. Certification is a product of completion of this course and the ability to demonstrate safe and competent use of both the crosscut saw and axe.
WFA/CPR*
The Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course will help you prepare for the unexpected. This fast paced, hands-on training is designed to meet the needs of trip leaders, camp staff, outdoor enthusiasts, and individuals working in remote locations. It will introduce you to caring for people who become ill or injured far from definitive medical care. Classroom lectures and demonstrations are combined with realistic scenarios where mock patients will challenge you to integrate your learning. At the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge, skills and ability to make sound decisions in emergency situations. Learning takes place both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather conditions. Come prepared for wet, muddy, cold or hot environments.
*WFA/CPR may begin on the afternoon of Sunday, May 21st.
Advanced Trail Techniques – Rockwork
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Max number of participants: 16
In this introduction to the concepts of trail stonework, we will explore topics including safety, tool use, stone selection, shaping, setting and splitting. It will also include an introduction to trail layout, water management and the use of draglines.
Wilderness 101
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Max number of participants: 30
Wilderness 101 is for beginning and intermediate wilderness practitioners. Students will learn about the concept of wilderness, its historical context in the lead up to the Wilderness Act of 1964. Students will gain additional wilderness stewardship and management skills as they progress through the week. Students will learn about Minimum Requirements Analysis (MRA) provisions and processes. The course will have classroom and field components learning the technical and managerial skills and knowledge of wilderness stewardship.
Leading a Volunteer Experience
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Max number of participants: 12-15
The lifecycle of a volunteer experience begins with recruitment and concludes with volunteers’ evaluation and program adaptation. This course will focus on the development of field leadership skills that enhance volunteer experiences in the outdoors. The course will be held both indoors and outdoors, with opportunities to apply field leadership practice.
Week 2: May 30-June 2
Intro to Trail Maintenance
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Max number of participants: 25
This introductory course is an opportunity for beginners to familiarize themselves with the basics of trail maintenance and an excellent refresher for those with more experience. The course will be field-based and hands-on, so be prepared for dirt and sweat as we tackle common maintenance issues on real trails in the Pisgah National Forest. Topics covered will include safe and effective use of hand tools, basic trail assessment techniques, brushing out the trail corridor and mitigation/remediation of common erosion issues.
LNT Trainer and Making Public Contacts
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Max number of participants: 15
In this course, participants will spend two days learning Leave No Trace principles and come away as a Leave No Trace Trainer. Participants will also spend time learning in-depth public contacts strategies—safety in the field, how to approach people, situational awareness, and more—to apply to teaching LNT and beyond. Teaching techniques will be given through a variety of through scenarios and field-based practice.
Advanced Axe Techniques and Hanging
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Max number of participants: 10
This course provides safe and proper instruction on use of the axe as a stand-alone tool or as a tool that can be used in conjunction with crosscut saws or other relevant hand tools. Hands-on instruction topics will include: axe types, handle replacement, sharpening, and proper felling and bucking technique. All instruction emphasizes safety.
Advanced Wilderness Stewardship
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Max number of participants: 25
This course will take some deeper dives into wilderness management issues in the classroom with some short field trips. Topics will include:
- The Wilderness Character Monitoring program and how to utilize the information
- Exploring visitor use challenges in the Southern Region through case studies and exploring strategies for how to manage high use
- Investigating Ecological Intervention in Wilderness and tools to analyze these projects
- Learn how to analyze research proposals in Wilderness utilizing new tools.
- The new Minimum Requirements Analysis Framework (MRAF) will be weaved throughout the topics.