Workshop: Introduction to Scything

Instructor by Emmet Van Driesche, former property steward for the Bulllitt Reservation in Ashfield, proprietor of the Pieropan Christmas Tree farm, a coppiced tree farm since the 1950s, and the founder of the Western Massachusetts Scything Association, owned a scythe for years and thought he knew how to use it, but it turns out a scythe is not like a shovel. Knowing some stuff is important. So come learn why he gave away my lawnmower last year. We will cover selecting the right scythe for you, handle adjustment, blade repair, sharpening, and mowing technique. This workshop will take place at my house just downhill from Wildside Gardens, a white farmhouse at 173 Whately Rd, right on the town triangle by the road to the dump. This workshop is $10, and please email me (emmetvan@gmail.com) if you plan to come. Bring a scythe if you have one, but I also have a selection of scythes for you to try. And if you already know what you are doing, come anyway! I want to meet you.