VIRGINIA EVENTS
Intro to Traditional Tools Workshop
October 24-25, 2026
Come to the High Knob Destination Center for a traditional tools course to learn about crosscut saws and how these antique tools are used to manage Wilderness Areas on Public Forest Service land. On the weekend of the 24th and 25th of October, join us for a classroom day on Saturday talking about SAWS efforts to steward the local Stone Mountain Wilderness and learn about crosscut history and sawyer basics. On Sunday the 25th come out onto the trail on the Clinch Ranger District to do some trail work with the crosscut (Location of field day to be determined, contact Mark Paulauskas 540-419-0831 for details if you are not planning to come to the classroom day.) Coming to both days is not required but encouraged. For the field day, please bring plenty of water, light lunch, wear long pants and sturdy shoes. PPE, gloves, safety glasses and hard hats will be provided.
We will meet on Saturday at the High Knob Destination Center, 1147 Laurel Ave SW, Norton, VA 24273
MRATC SAWS Little Wilson Creek Wilderness Maintenance
October 25, 2026
We will be logging out and brushing the Appalachian National Scenic Trail from Wise Shelter to the Bear Pen Trail. Wear long pants, closed toe shoes, bring lunch, snacks and water. SAWS will provide PPE and tools.
We will meet at the Grayson Highlands State Park Country Store/Hickory Ridge Campground entrance/Seed Orchard Trailhead.
Question: Contact Jim Baum 336.209.8799 or jimbaum@wildernessstewards.org
The Priest Wilderness Rock Wall
November 14, 2026, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
We will be building a rock retaining wall and improving the trail tread. Bring lunch, snacks and water. Long pants and closed toe shoes. SAWS will provide the tools and PPE. Any questions, Jim Baum 336.209.8799 or jimbaum@wildernessstewards.org
Volunteers will meet at the Appalachian Trail, Tye River Bridge Parking Lot, VA 56, Roseland, VA 22976
Brush Mountain East Maintenance
October 31, 2026, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
We will be rehabbing a set of stairs and tread on the Appalachian Trail, North of Craig Creek. Wear long pants and closed toe shoes, bring lunch, snacks and water. SAWS will provide tools and PPE. Any questions, contact Jim Baum 336.209.8799 or jimbaum@wildernessstewards.org
Volunteers will meet at Upper Craig Creek Appalachian Trail Parking Area, Catawba, VA 24070.