May 30, 2026

Volunteers from across Ohio joined CORA this past weekend for CSAW Basic Safety training! Through the Ohio Forestry Association, participants received certifications that meet the requirements to operate a chainsaw on State Forest lands.

In this course, each student participated in exercises where they used a chainsaw to cut a felled tree to demonstrate their ability to handle the chainsaw safely. This class equipped volunteers with the skills to safely handle a chainsaw, focusing on best practices removing fallen trees from trails. 

Everyone who attended this class now holds CSAW Basic Safety certifications through the Ohio Forestry Association. This is an invaluable asset our community can use during trail days to better upkeep with trees throughout the trails. Many thanks to ODNR and our colleagues at East Fork State Park for hosting our group and helping to facilitate this training. Thanks to their help, we were able to offer this class at an exclusive OFA member rate!

Those who attended are eager to put their training to use. Even experienced participants learned new techniques to enhance the safety of their work. This training is part of an ongoing effort to offer safety and training opportunities to CORA's growing network of volunteers and trail users.

If you are interested in more classes like this, we will be offering more training courses throughout the year.

Take your volunteer experience to the next level. CORA offers hands-on training to help you build skills for the trails.

That’s why we’re hosting a CSAW Basic Certified Chainsaw Training.

Skills gained:

• Chainsaw handling safety and best practices

CSAW Basic Certified Chainsaw Training is an 8-hour class tailored for CORA's trail working needs. This class covers chainsaw handling safety and best practices, with a field portion focused on fallen trees, hazard mitigation, and teamwork as a crew member. Each student will participate in a hands-on exercise using a chainsaw to cut a felled tree, demonstrating their ability to handle the equipment safely.

This class meets the requirements to operate a chainsaw as a volunteer on State Forest Lands and is a great next step after completing your WFA training!

Please note: Proper PPE is required for this training.

This includes a HARD HAT or FORESTRY HELMET, face shield, safety goggles, gloves, hearing protection, and chainsaw chaps

Lunch is provided.

April 25-26, 2026

CORA and enthusiastic community members gained life-saving skills through our first Wilderness First Aid Training this past weekend.

Certified instructors from Louisville, KY and MN taught hands-on CPR & AED techniques. This included proper use of epipens to treat anaphylaxis, treating common injuries like dressing burns and superficial wounds, proper use of tourniquets, applied “stop the bleed” techniques on deep lacerations, and practiced building splints using gear likely on hand for backcountry adventures like sleeping pads and trekking poles. 

Everyone who attended this class now carries certification with Wilderness First Aid, CPR, & AED. This is an invaluable asset our community can use during trail days and personal adventures! We are grateful for the discount we received as a non-profit organization. All of that for $110!

Those who attended have a new outlook on trail safety. No matter what trail adventure you embark on, help isn’t always convenient. Knowing what to do in those first critical moments can make a huge difference and potentially save someone’s life. 

If you are interested in more classes like this, we will be offering more training courses throughout the year.

Whether you're on a trail, traveling somewhere remote, or just out for the day, emergencies don’t wait for the perfect setting.

That’s why we’re hosting a Wilderness First Aid Training Course.

Skills gained:

• CPR & First Aid

• Hands-on training for real backcountry and emergency scenarios

• The ability to step in when help isn’t immediately available

You will learn to evaluate a scene, treat injuries and illnesses common to backcountry environments, and make critical decisions with limited resources. Topics covered include patient assessment, wound care, fractures and dislocations, environmental emergencies such as hypothermia and heat stroke, anaphylaxis, and CPR.

No prior medical experience is required. Upon successful completion, participants receive a Wilderness First Aid certification valid for two years.