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Woodrats


Our members get together on Woodrats excursions across the Puget Sound area to harvest local wood from recently felled trees, often due to wind storms or disease. The club’s ‘Head Woodrat’ sources and investigates potential leads on behalf of the club. An event date and location are coordinated with the donor, and then this information is shared with club members via email. Members participate by bringing their safety equipment, chainsaws, hand trucks, muscles and a helping hand or two.

When and where are Woodrats events held?

Woodrats excursions are normally held on a Saturday or Sunday, and to a lesser extent on a weekday. These events range all across the Puget Sound area. The exact location is dependent on where the downed tree happens to be; generally, this means in the donor's yard. The Head Woodrat coordinates with the donor to determine the event schedule for all members. We ask that members be respectful of this timeframe and avoid early arrivals.

Can I attend a Woodrats event if I am not a member?

Woodrats events are organized to support club members. You are encouraged to join our club to access this benefit, as well as all the other benefits we offer.

How is the wood distributed?

All harvested wood is shared among participating attendees. First, the wood is cut and staged. After that, beginning with those wielding chainsaws, each participant is assigned a ‘picking number’ in a sequence starting from the number 1. The Head Woodrat then calls out the number sequence and each person selects a piece of wood according to their number. Once complete, the process begins again and continues until all wood is fairly distributed.

I have a small lathe and cannot handle larger pieces of wood. Can I still get wood?

Small pieces of wood are usually available. If not, you can ask a member running a chainsaw to cut smaller pieces for you.

I know of a tree that is available. Who do I contact to share this information?

An easy way to contact us about wood for donation is by filling out our donate a tree form. Alternatively, you can use our contact form.

What should I bring?

Useful items to consider bringing include a chainsaw. NOTE: Safety equipment is required for those running a chainsaw, including: chainsaw chaps, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toed boots, and a face shield. Rakes, hand trucks and wheelbarrows are also usually needed. Look for special instructions from our Head Woodrat via email indicating the size of tree, number of chainsaws, and/or which tools attendees should bring.


I don’t own a chainsaw. Can I still attend?

Yes - all members are welcome! Our Head Woodrat coordinates the number of chainsaws expected to be running at the event. This is usually a function of the amount of wood available as well as the expected number of members attending.


If I don’t use a chainsaw, what can I do to help?

To support those members using chainsaws, attendees can help out with the following tasks:

  • Acting as Safety Officer, as designated by the Head Woodrat
  • Moving logs/trees into position for cutting
  • Moving cut wood/rounds to a staging area
  • Raking shavings and helping with clean up
  • Disposing of shavings
  • Moving wood/rounds to vehicles using hand trucks/wheelbarrows
  • Assisting with clean up of the street, sidewalk, and owner’s property