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5 people walk along a wide trail carrying large backpacking packs and tools including crosscut saws. Green leaves and tree trunks sit on either side of the trail.  SAWS

About SAWS

Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS) is a premier organization setting standards of excellence that inspire, connect, and equip people to steward wild landscapes. SAWS stewards wild public lands in the Southern Appalachian region including Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Learn More.

Founded in 2010, SAWS has a rich history across the Southern Appalachians and we captured our story in a Story Map...

Wilderness Skills Institute

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Southern Appalachian Wilderness Skills Institute (WSI)

Save the date! The 2025 WSI will be May 19-23 and May 27-30. Learn more about WSI, free course offerings, and apply on our partnership website here. We look forward to spending the best two weeks of the year with you! 

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A green forest from an overhead view.   SAWS

Latest SAWS Blog

Contact Us
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This gold seal from GuideStar represents our commitment to transparency. To view our profile and learn more, click here

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