Southern Appalachian Woodland Network in Pennsylvania
(SAWN-PA)
About Us
A Community Dedicated to Forest Stewardship
The purpose of Southern Appalachian Woodland Network (SAWN-PA) is to create a network of members who share an interest in growing their knowledge of forest stewardship and management, woodland uses and resources, and related topics.
Through educational programs such as workshops, woodland tours, and relevant subjects, SAWN-PA seeks to promote best practices for the betterment of forests, people, wildlife, and communities of the Southern Appalachian region in Pennsylvania.
Our Story
SAWN-PA was founded in February, 2025 by five woodland owners and forest enthusiasts who live in Adams, Cumberland, and Franklin counties of Pennsylvania. Two of these people, Mike Waldron and Bob Wrightstone, were active in a former woodland association that served this area-- the Cumberland-Franklin Woodland Owners Association. The other three individuals, John McHenry, Brian Whalen, and Mark Yarish, completed together the Pennsylvania Forest Stewards certification through the James C. Finley Center for Private Forests at Penn State University. They identified the revival of a woodland association for the Southern Appalachian region of Pennsylvania as their joint project as part of their Stewardship program.
Board and Officers
Mark Yarish, President
Mark owns 106 acres of woodland in Southern Bedford county. He is a current member of the Woodland Owners of Southern Alleghenies. Mark enjoys hiking and being in nature. He has been very active improving his property for all types of wildlife. He enjoys foraging for mushrooms and learning more about what nature provides us to not only feed and heal our bodies but also our soul.
John McHenry, Secretary
John McHenry is a Pennsylvania Forest Steward Volunteer. His favorite forest land is in Sullivan County where he enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking and observing nature. After
retiring from Goodwill Keystone Area John has been furthering his knowledge of forest
stewardship through Penn State Extension courses. He is a member of the
Pennsylvania Prescribed Fire Council and the Pennsylvania Forestry Association. His
most recent project has been completing a custom black cherry stave drum kit from a
locally harvested tree. He lives in Cumberland County.
Brian Whalen, Treasurer
Brian lives on 7 acres of woodland within the Tuscarora Forest on the side of North Mountain in western Cumberland County. Trained as a Pennsylvania Forest Steward through the James C. Finley Center for Private Forests at Penn State, Brian is an avid hiker who is out most every day on the trails in the Tuscarora or Michaux State Forest. He also volunteers as a member of the Cumberland County Penn State Extension Council.
Mike Waldron, At Large
Mike has worked for 35 years in industrial forestry, 21 years with sawmills and 14 years as a forestry consultant. Now retired from full- time work, he still consults on small jobs that are close to his home. Mike also works with the Adams County Trout Unlimited. He lives on 5 acres in northern Adams County where he and his wife have planted well over 300 trees and shrubs over the past 44 years - and they are still planting. Mike believes that life "outdoors" is the best!