Seminars and Training Services

Seminars and Training Services

Forestry Training Services provides a variety of forestry and tree-related educational seminars and certification services. Ken Fosty,  Accredited Workplace Safety North Chainsaw Safety Instructor,  is a fully licensed and insured Certified Arborist with over 40 years of professional experience in the forestry field.

Ken has combined his professional and instructional expertise in delivering educational seminars throughout Canada.

Ken is a Certified Professional Chainsaw Instructor and provides chainsaw safety certification training to numerous groups including industry, landowners, utilities, First Nations, Inuit and Metis. He is also a certified Manitoba Provincial Lumber Scaler as well as a Non-Timber Forest Product Instructor providing instructional presentations on numerous wild crafting topics including wreath making and herbal teas.

He manages his woodlot in Southeast Manitoba. He uses his woodlot as his hands-on laboratory to grow Christmas trees, produce firewood, cultivate trees and shrubs, produce  maple and birch syrup and grow nutritious organic mushrooms.

All of the sessions are aimed at novices or more experienced people who are ready to hear the latest information. Some sessions may be eligible for Canadian Agricultural Skills Services (CASS) funding and International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) credit where applicable.

Seminars are all-inclusive. All of the materials, props, equipment and handout material are supplied.

For further information, bookings and cost inquiries contact:

Forestry Training Services

590 Rupertsland Avenue

Winnipeg, MB R2V 0H4

Cell 1-204-963-2209
E Mail

Chainsaw Safe Handling, Maintenance & Practices Certification Course

Chainsaw Safe Handling, Maintenance & Practices Certification

In this extensive 1 or 2 day seminar, Ken Fosty, Certified and Accredited Professional Chainsaw Instructor teaches a hands-on approach on how to operate your chainsaw safely.

Indoor classroom presentations include personal protective equipment, kickback, proper felling techniques, notching & backcutting, chainsaw storage & fuel/oil utilization, chainsaw disassembly & maintenance, chainsaw sharpening, proper starting procedures, chainsaw safety features, limbing & bucking, etc.

 Additional classroom presentations include videos, hands-on chainsaw maintenance and proper sharpening and take home handouts.

Outdoor, hands-on training is an essential component as each of the participants are required to demonstrate proper chainsaw starting, handling and safe cutting operation to the instructor’s satisfaction. Participants are encouraged to bring their own chainsaws if available, however, not necessary as Ken provides all chainsaws and personal protective equipment. 

All participants complete an outdoor, hands-on practical session followed by an open-book test. Certificates, valid for three years are awarded to all participants.

"As  an individual who never operated a chainsaw, I have completed the course with confidence that I can use my chainsaw safely and efficiently."

"I have taken four previous chainsaw courses, this by far is the best course that I have taken. Good job!"

"This course was fun and interesting. Ken's style of instructing and his use of props was very well put together. Well done!"

"Ken was diligent in reinforcing the importance of safety and procedure."

Timing: Year Round

One-day or two-day.

Seminars are all-inclusive for the Chainsaw Safe Handling, Maintenance and Practices Certification Course.  All of the materials, chainsaws, hardhats, chaps, gloves, props, equipment including audio visual equipment, instructional videos, and  take-home handout material are supplied.

For further information, bookings and cost inquiries contact:

Forestry Training Services

590 Rupertsland Avenue

Winnipeg, MB R2V 0H4

Cell 1-204-963-2209

E Mail

Brush Saw Safe Handling & Maintenance Certification

Brush Saw Safe Handling & Maintenance Certification

In accordance with Safety Operating Procedures and Standards established by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety, Ken Fosty, Certified Professional Brush Saw Instructor teaches a hands-on approach on how to safely operate your brush saw.
Indoor classroom presentations include personal protective equipment, kick-out, proper handling, storage and brush saw safety features. Additional classroom presentations include videos, hands-on brush saw maintenance, proper blade sharpening, mounting the cutting tools, fitting the harness, proper blade positioning and take home handouts.

Outdoor, hands-on training is an essential component as each of the participants are required to demonstrate proper brush saw starting, handling and safe cutting operation to the instructor’s satisfaction.
All participants complete an outdoor, hands-on practical session followed by an open-book test. Certificates, valid for three years are awarded to all participants. This is an excellent add-on to the Chainsaw Safety Certification Course. 

Timing: Year Round

Duration: Half day or in combination with the 2-day Chainsaw Safety Certification Course.

"Excellent course. Lots of repetition of concepts to ensure information sticks. Ken is a very good positive communicator and is open to suggestions from students. This is THE chainsaw safe operating course to take."

"Engaging instructor, highly recommended. He tends to repeat the information that is critical, which is a quality you always want to look for in an instructor."

"Ken was a great instructor! Very knowledgeable and friendly. I would highly recommend his course!"

"Was very informative and helpful."

Seminars are all-inclusive. All of the materials, brushsaws, hardhats, chaps, gloves, props, equipment including audio visual equipment, instructional videos, and handout material are supplied.

For further information, bookings and cost inquiries contact:

                                                            Forestry Training Services

                                                           590 Rupertsland Avenue

                                                           Winnipeg, MB R2V 0H4

                                                              Cell 1-204-963-2209

                                                                       E Mail

Basics of Sawmilling and Adding Value to Your Trees

Basics of Sawmilling and Adding Value to Your Trees

For those beginners interested in purchasing a sawmill and adding value through proper sawing and handling of lumber, Ken Fosty provides this multi-media presentation combined with illustrational videos and hands-on props.

Ken discusses wood properties and uses, lumber defects, knots and insect damage. Bandsaws, circular sawmills and chainsaw sawmills are explored. Proper lumber stacking, air drying, kiln drying, lumber stickering, edging and end coating are discussed.

An excellent introductory course for those interested in sawmilling. Hands-on outdoor practical session on the sawmill completes the workshop. All participants are involved in all aspects of milling lumber. Certificates are awarded to all participants.

 

"Making lumber from trees growing on our First Nation land. Wow!"

 

"Ken was very informative and helpful."

 

"This was a great course and I learned so much about operating a bandsaw and making lumber"

 

Timing: Year Round

Duration: Two Days

Seminars are all-inclusive. All of the materials, props, equipment and handout material are supplied.

For further information, bookings and cost inquiries contact:

Forestry Training Services

590 Rupertsland Avenue

Winnipeg, MB R2V 0H4

Cell 1-204-963-2209

Email: kenfosty@shaw.ca

Tree Planter’s Seminar for Employment

Tree Planter’s Seminar for Employment

 

Participants in this workshop will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to gain employment as a tree planter.

 This seminar is customized for seedling planting on cutover reforestation sites.
Multi-media presentations and handouts illustrate industrial site preparation, common seedling planting errors, proper seedling planting techniques, snow caching seedlings, fundamentals of forest regeneration, equipment, tools, first aid, etc. Hands-on training and educational videos reinforce proper tree planting methods.
This training workshop has a classroom session and an outdoor hands-on field session.
The afternoon outdoor session requires that participants plant numerous seedlings in an outdoor environment. Spruce seedlings and planting shovels are provided. Planting is done under the direct supervision of the workshop instructor, Ken Fosty, who has 39 years of tree planting experience. Certificates of Achievement are awarded to participants.

Timing: Spring and Fall

Duration: One Day

Seminars are all-inclusive. All of the materials, seedlings, planting spades, props, equipment and take-home handout material are supplied.

For further information, bookings and cost inquiries contact:

Forestry Training Services

590 Rupertsland Avenue

Winnipeg, MB R2V 0H4

Cell 1-204-963-2209

EMAIL

‘Let’s Get Planting’ Tree Planting Seminar

'Let’s Get Planting’ Tree Planting Seminar

This seminar shows homeowners how to properly plant trees and shrubs.
Multi-media presentation illustrates proper planting techniques, site preparation, weed control, seedling sources, transplants, timing, and equipment. Topics cover shelterbelts, plantations, multi-row forest belts, under planting, etc.
The indoor presentation is followed by an outdoor hands-on practical session. Come dressed for the outdoors.
 

Timing: Spring and Fall

Duration: 1.5 hours

Seminars are all-inclusive. All of the materials, props, equipment and handout material are supplied.

For further information, bookings and cost inquiries contact:

Forestry Training Services

590 Rupertsland Avenue

Winnipeg, MB R2V 0H4

Cell 1-204-963-2209

EMAIL

Herbal Teas, Medicinal & Edible Plants

Herbal Teas, Medicinal & Edible Plants 

This one-day seminar includes an outdoor session in the forest collecting medicinal plants followed by an indoor classroom session processing the teas.
Ken Fosty, Certified Non Timber Forest Product Instructor leads the group with hands-on demonstration detailing how to sustainably harvest the plants and produce nutritious teas. Collection techniques, drying methods, packaging and storage are taught.
Participants harvest the plants and then make their own teas for take home. Teas include: Labrador tea, prince’s pine, giant hysopp, wild bergamot, fireweed, bearberry, goldenrod, raspberry, strawberry, yarrow, etc.
At the end of the session, Ken provides an interesting audio visual presentation on numerous non-timber forest products and edible plants that will be of interest to all.

Timing: Spring, Summer & Fall.

Duration: One-day seminars are all-inclusive. All of the materials, props, equipment and handout material are supplied.

For further information, bookings and cost inquiries contact:

Forestry Training Services 

590 Rupertsland Ave.
Winnipeg, MB R2V 0H4 

Cell 1-204-963-2209

EMAIL

Tiger Torch Training

(Using Tiger Torches in the Woods)

Participants in the ‘Awareness and Use of Tiger Torches Workshop’ will be shown the techniques needed to use torches for igniting and burning brush piles and fallen trees as part of their tree harvesting clean-up operations.

Topics include regulators, torch equipment, set-up, leak checks and operation of hand torches, torch safety checks, personal protection and first aid. This seminar is customized for those participants who need to use propane torches to burn fallen trees in the woods.
Multi-media presentations and handouts illustrate cylinder components, handling propane tanks, lifting and hoisting of cylinders, propane connectors, vapour withdrawal systems, operation of torches, end of day torch shutdown, torch safety check lists, lighting torches, torch disassembly, precautions and first aid for burns.
This training workshop has a classroom session and an outdoor field session demonstrating the use of tiger torches. Certificates of Awareness are awarded to participants.  

Timing: Year Round

Duration: Half day Seminar is presented as a stand alone seminar with the 2-day Chainsaw/Brushsaw Safety Certification Course.

Seminars are all-inclusive. All of the materials, tiger torches, propane tanks, hoses, props, equipment and take-home handouts are supplied.

For further information, bookings and cost inquiries contact:

Forestry Training Services
590 Rupertsland Avenue
 Winnipeg, MB R2V 0H4
     Cell 1-204-963-2209  
 EMAIL

Wreath Making and Non-Timber Forest Products (Seeing the Forest Beneath the Trees)

Wreath Making and Non-Timber Forest Products (Seeing the Forest Beneath the Trees)

Learn how to make your own wreaths from balsam fir, white spruce, pussy willows, dogwoods, tamarack or other interesting combinations.
This one-day seminar includes an outdoor session in the forest collecting branches, followed by an indoor classroom session. Ken Fosty, Certified Non Timber Forest Product Instructor leads the group with hands-on demonstration detailing how wreaths are made using a wreath making machine. Participants then make their own wreaths for take home.

Non-Timber forest products can provide opportunities for landowners to diversify their operation and supplement their income. At the end of the session, Ken provides an interesting audio visual presentation on numerous non-timber forest products that will be of interest to all.
Wildcrafting ideas briefly discussed include wild mushrooms, berries, Manitoba maple syrup, birch syrup, diamond willow/tamarack walking sticks and coat hangers, salves, candle holders, craft materials, decoratives, medicinal herbs and teas, etc. Many of these NTFP’s may be found in wooded areas on your property.

Timing: Year Round

Duration: One Day

Seminars are all-inclusive. All of the materials, wreath making machine, props, equipment and handout material are supplied.
 

For further information, bookings and cost inquiries contact:

Forestry Training Services

590 Rupertsland Avenue

Winnipeg, MB R2V 0H4

Cell 1-204-963-2209

EMAIL

Tapping Maple & Birch Trees “For Fun or Profit”

Tapping Maple & Birch Trees “For Fun or Profit”

The sap is flowing. Do you have a maple or birch tree on your property? Learn how to make your own syrup from local birch and Manitoba maple trees.
Hands-on demonstration will include tree identification and selection, tapping the tree, boiling off the sap, bottling and storing the syrup. Enjoy making your own “sweet treat”- Manitoba Maple Syrup. Manitoba maple syrup taste samples will be served to participants following the indoor audio visual presentation - “A Taste of Manitoba”.
An optional outdoor hands-on tapping and evaporating session is also available when seasonally appropriate.
Taps will be available for sale following the presentation.

Timing: Spring Time

Duration: One Hour

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Seminars are all-inclusive. All of the materials, props, equipment and handout material are supplied.

For further information, bookings and cost inquiries contact:

Forestry Training Services

590 Rupertsland Avenue

Winnipeg, MB R2V 0H4

Cell 1-204-963-2209

EMAIL

Growing Mushrooms in Your Backyard

Growing Mushrooms in Your Backyard

Learn to grow specialty mushrooms in your backyard.
Do you have access to oak branches? Learn how to “plant” the mushroom spawn and grow your own Shiitake mushrooms on oak logs.
A hands-on indoor, audio visual demonstration will show how to inoculate the logs with mushroom spawn. A biological process you’ll love – growing your own mushrooms backyard style.
Mushroom Grow Kits will be available for sale following the hands-on presentation.

Timing: Spring/Summer

Duration: One Hour

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Seminars are all-inclusive. All of the materials, props, equipment and handout material are supplied.

For further information, bookings and cost inquiries contact:

Forestry Training Services

590 Rupertsland Avenue

Winnipeg, MB R2V 0H4

Cell 1-204-963-2209

E Mail

How to Prune Landscape Trees

How to Prune Landscape Trees

Landowners often neglect the annual pruning of trees. Without proper pruning, however, trees will not develop proper shade or form. Properly trained trees will stay healthy and live significantly longer.
When to prune depends on several factors, notably the species being grown and the reason you are pruning. Ken Fosty, Manitoba Certified Arborist received direct training from Dr. Alex Shigo at an intensive week-long workshop at Olds College.
Ken will transfer his knowledge to the participants and will illustrate proper tools and proper pruning cuts. With the aid of hands-on props, fundamentally important terms such as branch bark ridge, branch collar, included bark, flush cuts, callus, woundwood, compartmentalization, topping, etc. will be explained during this multi-media presentation.
All aspects of proper pruning of ornamental trees will be discussed. Learn when to prune, why to prune, what to prune and how to prune.
Participants will leave this seminar with the knowledge and ability to prune their own landscape trees.

Timing: Year Round

Duration: 1.5 hours

Seminars are all-inclusive. All of the materials, props, equipment and handout material are supplied.

For further information, bookings and cost inquiries contact:

Forestry Training Services

590 Rupertsland Avenue

Winnipeg, MB R2V 0H4

Cell 1-204-963-2209

EMAIL

How to Prune Apple Trees

 

How to Prune Apple Trees

Proper pruning of apple trees is important to develop good, strong form, maximize fruit production and reduce insect/disease problems.
Using multi-media presentations, Ken Fosty, Manitoba Certified Arborist will illustrate how to train young trees, maintain tree health and restrict growth for older apple trees. Thinning out and heading back are discussed as well as proper tools and proper pruning cuts.
This presentation has two parts. The first part illustrates pruning and rejuvenating older, neglected apple trees. The second part focuses on training and pruning young apple trees. Without proper pruning, apple trees will not develop good form. Properly trained apple trees will yield high quality fruit much earlier and live significantly longer.
Participants will leave this seminar with the knowledge and ability to prune their own apple trees.

Timing: Year Round

Duration: 1.5 hours

Seminars are all-inclusive. All of the materials, props, equipment and handout material are supplied.

For further information, bookings and cost inquiries contact:

Forestry Training Services

590 Rupertsland Avenue

Winnipeg, MB R2V 0H4

Cell 1-204-963-2209

EMAIL