Feature Build at Scott Farm
Arch Bridge Workshop
Arch by Torben Larsen
Women's Dry Stone Walling Workshop
Stone Steps by Michael Weitzner
Instructor Certification Course 2018
Stonework by TJ Mora
Stone Arch Bridge Tour, Southern NH
Small Stone Arch Workshop
Stonework by David Fielder
Intro to Dry Stone Walling Workshop
Stonework by Brian Post
Welcome to The Stone Trust
Established in southern Vermont in 2010, The Stone Trust’s mission is to preserve and advance the art and craft of dry stone walling. We do this through an expanding program of educational events and outreach projects. The Stone Trust is a multifaceted resource engaged in preserving the natural use of plentiful stone in simple, gratifying ways.
The Stone Trust Center is the only facility in North America that provides year round educational and DSWA certification opportunities for all levels and abilities. The Stone Trust is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization. It relies on contributions from people like you to keep its programs going. Help us continue to preserve and advance the art and craft of Dry Stone Walling!
Quick Links
- Looking for hands-on training to build dry stone walls? Click Upcoming Workshops
- Want to become a Certified Dry Stone Waller? Click Upcoming Certifications
- Looking for a contractor to build a wall? Click Certified Wallers
- Want to read up on the basics of dry stone walling? Click How to Build Walls
- Looking for amazing photos of dry stone walls and features? Click Photo Gallery
- Are you an Architect, Landscape Architect, Engineer or Designer looking for specifications for dry stone walls? Click Design Information
Support The Stone Trust
Your support makes our work possible. Please consider helping us preserve and advance the craft of dry stone walling by making a donation today. Thank you.
From the Blog
The Stone Trust has just confirmed a two-day 1.20 Dry Stone Wall workshop to be hosted at Stoneyard, Inc. in their indoor heated warehouse space March 21st and 22nd. Stoneyard Inc. is one the greater Boston area’s largest stone sellers, in business for over 3 decades.
MICHAEL WEITZNER (Vermont) builds dry stone structures of all kinds and holds a Master Craftsman certificate from the DSWA-GB. Michael enjoys serving as a regular instructor and examiner for The Stone Trust.
A big thank you to everyone who contributed to our annual appeal. Because of your generosity we exceeded our goal and look forward to adding new workshops and locations in 2019!
Mark your calendars for March 30 & 31, 2019. The Old House Trade Show put on by Greater Portland Landmarks is back, and The Stone Trust will be there. Come by our booth to ask questions, sign up for workshops, and even buy tools & books. We also expect to be giving some stone shaping […]
We recently got an email from Paul G. who was working on rebuilding and old wall around a church that probably dates to the mid 1800’s. There were lots and lots of traced stones such as the one pictured below. Paul Asked if it is common for old walls to have been built using poor techniques? The answer seems to be ‘yes’. Many old walls were built with what we would call poor techniques (so are many new walls too).
This can be due to all kinds of factors, here are a few common ones (note how they also affect modern walls a well):
We have had a number of requests over the years to carry these tools, and we are pleased to announce that we now have them in stock. A bit different than the traditional English or American tools they have a loyal following among some professional stone workers. Before now, they have been very difficult to get in North America.
Dan Snow, one of the founders of The Stone Trust, DSWA-GB and DSC Master Craftsman, and author of In the Company of Stone and Listening to Stone will be presenting at the Northern Green Trade Show in Minneapolis! His presentations are on this coming Wednesday 1/16/19. See below for all the details. For more information on the Northern Green Trade Show and tickets go to https://northerngreen.org
We recently got a great email from Michael Meehan, who has taken several workshops in the past year, been a volunteer, and also gained his DSWA-GB Level 1 Certification. He has been building walls at his property and been doing a fantastic job. It is wonderful when new wallers share their success.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
- 1.20 Two-Day Workshop (Indoor) - Mar. 21 & 22, 2019 (Stoneyard)
March 21, 2019 - March 22, 2019
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 2-day workshop attendance
This workshop is intended, landscaper, mason, or dedicated enthusiast looking for formal training in building dry stone walls. Hosted at Stoneyard, the workshop will take place with stone they sell in a heated indoor warehouse. Start the building season of right!
- 2.13 Contractors Workshop
March 29, 2019
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
This workshop is perfect for the landscape contractor interested in starting to build dry stone walls, or expand that line of work. In addition to the hands on building of a wall, there will be discussions of good work practices, pricing walls, proper foundations, etc.
- 1.11 Women's Introductory Indoor Workshop 4/13/19
April 13, 2019
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 1-day workshop attendance
A chance to learn from the women in North America who are DSWA Certifed Instructors! This workshop is an excellent introduction to dry stone walling for the homeowner, landscaper/gardener, artist, or hobbyist. Over the course of the day each participant will build about 25 sq ft of wall (one side), using natural round fieldstone. You will learn all the basic rules of structural walling that can be applied to any type of stone and project.
- 1.10 Introductory Indoor Workshop 4/14/2019
April 14, 2019
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
This workshop is an excellent introduction to dry stone walling for the homeowner, hobbyist, or anyone interested in Dry Stone Walls Over the course of the day each participant will build about 25 sq. ft. of wall…
- 3.10 Steps & Stairs Workshop (4/27/19)
April 27, 2019
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 1-day workshop attendance
This workshop is all about building dry stone steps. You will learn tips and techniques to build several types of stone steps. Layout, design, stone shaping, tool use, and methods for handling large stones will all be part of this workshop.
- 2.80/3.80 Test Preparation Workshop (4/27/19)
April 27, 2019
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
This workshop is intended for those planning to take a Level 1 or Level 2 certification test. Learning tips and tricks to help you pass, while you practice build for your test.
- 3.20 Flagging Workshop (4/28/19)
April 28, 2019
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 1 day workshop attendance
Have a patio or walk way to build? This is the workshop for you!
Learn the fundamentals of patio construction in a fun, energetic, hands-on environment. While not strictly dry stone walling, flat-work is a common part of many projects. Doing a good job starts with a good foundation, and finishes with an attractive pattern of stone. This workshop will teach you how to do flat-work that stays flat and attractive for decades.