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
You can see the revised schedule of 2020 Stone Trust workshops here
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
Luke Driver, workshop/test participant signed up for later this year, sent a photo of his current project, writing, “Last leg of 356” of new wall. 65 yards of hand picked stone through my hands!” He adds, “I apprenticed under a Portuguese master. The flat stone around Narragansett Bay is similar to his native land.” Luke […]
Dear Supporters of The Stone Trust, I wanted to share with you some of the responses we have received since announcing the postponement of our 2020 Course Schedule. They reflect generosity, realism, patience, and appreciation of the quality of programming and experience that the founders, board members, and staff have developed since our founding a […]
Held indoors at Stoneyard in Littleton, MA, ten contractors enjoyed a day of hands-on learning, connecting with other contractors and a feeling of accomplishment by building their own section of dry stone wall.
DARIO COLETTA (Massachusetts) has spent the last 10 years or so designing and building in dry stone in the western part of the state. He holds Level II DSWA-GB Certification. Dario writes: “The Stone Trust has really been the key for my continuing improvement and dedication to the fine art of stonework. Every visit to the Trust, whether taking a workshop, testing, instructing, or volunteering, inspires me to improve my craft.”
Not sure this should really be called a masterclass seeing as how I’ve never really carried out structural corbelling. Mind you I don’t suppose it’s ever stopped me spouting on authoritatively before, so why stop now? I have of course used the principle of cantilevering, have some experience of in effect corbelling the bottom and top of the vase whose construction was shown in “Stonechat 16”, and have a smattering of an understanding of mathematics and structural physics so here goes nothing…
and by the way having a pack of playing cards handy might prove useful.
Dear Supporters of The Stone Trust, Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Stone Trust is postponing all workshops and events at least through the end of May. We will reschedule as much as possible from June or July through the end of the year, prioritizing 1) workshops for which there is a high level of […]
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
- 1.10 Introductory Indoor Workshop (7-11-2020)
July 11, 2020
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…
- 1.10 Introductory Indoor Workshop (7-17-2020)
July 17, 2020
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…
- 2.13 Contractors Intro - July 17, 2020
July 17, 2020
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.
- 2.50 Intro to Stone Shaping (7-18-2020)
July 18, 2020
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 1-Day workshop
This workshop will spend the day learning about how to shape stones for use in dry stone walls. Participants will be introduced to a variety of stone types, and how to work with them. Both hand and power tools will be demonstrated and used. The stone shaping portion will focus on efficient practices, learning how to look at a stone and judge how to shape it, as well as proper use and care of tools. PREREQUISITE: Open to those who have taken at least one Level 1 workshop
(or are experienced wallers).
- 2.20 Retaining wall workshop (7-18-2020)
July 18, 2020
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 1-day workshop attendance
Participants will learn how to maximize strength for a retaining wall while following the basic rules. Foundations, drainage, perforated pipe, filter fabric, geo-textiles and more are all discussed or demonstrated. This workshop is intended to give you the information to make wise decisions on your own projects. It is well suited for both homeowners and contractors. PREREQUISITE: any 1.00 level course, or 2.10, or 2.13
- 1.20 Two-Day Introductory Workshop (Outdoor) - July 18 &19, 2020 (Minneapolis, MN)
July 18, 2020 - July 19, 2020
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 2-day workshop attendance
This workshop is perfect for the homeowner, landscaper, mason, or enthusiast looking to start learning about how to build dry stone walls, or to improve your skills.
- 2.40 Cheek End Workshop (2-Day, Outdoor) - July 18 & 19, 2020 (Minneapolis, MN)
July 18, 2020 - July 19, 2020
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 2-day workshop attendance
Whenever your building a wall, sooner or later it must come to an end. A cheek end is the typical way to end a wall. It is also called a wall end, wall head, or square end. Cheek ends are a particular challenge to build well and structurally are the most vulnerable part of a wall, so it is important to get it right.