2026 Wilderness Skills Institute Recap

The SAWS brand wasn't the only thing that received an overhaul in 2026. The Southern Appalachian Wilderness Skills Institute (WSI), co-hosted by SAWS, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and the U.S. Forest Service, underwent several changes as well. The program was condensed from two weeks to one and moved earlier into May to avoid conflicts with holidays and other events. These changes reflect the program’s core purpose, building the practical skills needed to maintain wilderness trails, restore ecosystems, and steward public lands across the southern Appalachians. The adjustments were well received, with 161 participants representing 40 partner organizations gathering at the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, NC, for 4.5 days of skill-building and camaraderie.

This year's event kicked off on the afternoon of May 4 with remarks from Kaitlin De Varona of SAWS, Franklin Tate of ATC, Deputy Forest Supervisor Cavan Fitzsimmons of the National Forests in North Carolina, and Pisgah District Ranger Dave Casey. Their messages emphasized that wilderness is worth working for and that the skills participants would build throughout the week directly support that work. After the opening session, attendees headed into one of seven course tracks they had selected during registration.

Over the next four days, the sights and sounds of WSI echoed across the Pisgah Ranger District. The ringing of hammers and the rhythmic sounds of handsaws from the Tool Rehandling course greeted anyone approaching the Cradle's maintenance shed. Stone busters clanked against granite along the East Fork Pigeon River as Stonework participants constructed steps to help reduce erosion at river access points. Dirt flew as the Trail Maintenance course removed a poorly constructed turnpike and installed rolling dips to better manage water flow. The smell of freshly exposed cambium drifted through the air as Trail Structures participants prepared downed timbers for a new set of steps at the entrance to Case Camp Ridge Trail.

Elsewhere, the sound of metal singing against metal filled the Cradle's amphitheater as Crosscut Sharpening students learned to properly file cutting teeth and set rakers. Along the Davidson River, splashing water and excited voices marked the Southern Appalachian Ecosystems course's search for native aquatic life. While no evidence could be found to prove it, we know the Leave No Trace course stayed busy throughout the week. Participants were able to earn their Level 1 certification and strengthen their outdoor ethics knowledge.

The evenings focused on bringing the wilderness community together to enjoy one another's company. On Monday, the Back Country Horsemen of Pisgah provided a hot dog dinner, and before long, a spontaneous game of ultimate frisbee broke out. Tuesday featured the Backcountry Cookoff, where Lissa Paulson claimed top honors with her rice pilaf recipe. On Wednesday evening, Murray and Tom Lamb hosted wilderness trivia. While the results remain a matter of spirited debate, SAWS' own Executive Director was officially declared the winner. The final night of WSI brought participants down the mountain to Ecusta Brewing Company, where everyone enjoyed good food, good company, and the opportunity to reflect on all they had accomplished throughout the week.

WSI 2026 proved that the event's success has never depended on its length or the time of year it is held. Instead, it is built on the dedication of the people who show up, whether to teach, learn, or share their passion for wilderness stewardship. Their commitment continues to make WSI one of the region's most valuable opportunities for developing the next generation of wilderness practitioners.

Special thanks to Kristina Macaulay, Scotty Bowman, Marissa Edwards, Rebekah Morrisson of SAWS, Jake Stowe of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and Mary Evelyn Smith of the U.S. Forest Service for their service on the WSI Planning Committee.