Friends of the Sangamon Valley is a charitable membership organization dedicated to the preservation of our natural heritage by acquiring, restoring and protecting ecologically significant lands in the Sangamon River watershed. Led by executive director Vernon LaGesse, the group owns or helps maintain properties such as Knuppel Wildlife Sanctuary near Petersburg, Adams Wildlife Sanctuary in Springfield and Nipper Wildlife Sanctuary near Loami. The group holds regular workdays at the properties with the help of volunteers. This weekend they are hosting a chainsaw workshop. Beginners will learn chainsaw safety and maintenance, and how to cut small trees and shrubs. An advanced class is offered for those who had previously completed the beginners class. The participants in this class will gain experience dropping larger trees. Everyone is welcome to join a class either for personal development or with the intent to volunteer in future workdays. In addition to welcoming volunteers, Friends of the Sangamon Valley also accepts donations that help provide the volunteers with the tools and herbicides needed to get the job done.