Welcome to The Stone Trust website! To review our 2021 schedule of workshops, click here. Please scroll down to subscribe to our virtual newsletter. If you would like to receive a copy of our 2020 Annual Newsletter, join us as a member!
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


BRIAN POST (Vermont) started building walls at age 10. Brian achieved his DSWA-GB Master Craftsman certification in 2016, 11 years after he took his initial level walling test. In that time Brian also became a licensed landscape architect and started his own firm, Standing Stone LLC. Over the past decade he has served many roles while helping to grow The Stone Trust, including President, Executive Director, and now as Director of Education and Training. He remains committed to sharing dry stone walling expertise and is always learning more himself.

Brian Post shares tips and techniques for using a Trow and Holden tracer chisel on several types of stones. Learn some do’s and dont’s when using a tracing chisel to split stones for dry stone walling applications. The 1.5″ Trow and Holden Hand Tracer (Tracing Chisel) was used throughout this video along with the Trow and Holden Hand Hammer.



One of the major misconceptions people hold about clawdd construction is that it is particularly difficult to course the stone. Compared to coursing a dry stone wall it is really easy.

BRIAN FAIRFIELD (Maine) says “I’ve been working with stone for the better part of two decades now, and the one thing that I keep learning about myself is that there’s lots of learning to do. I almost always work alone, but when I do get the opportunity to work with more highly skilled individuals, I’ll gladly make the trek to soak up knowledge.

Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
- 2.13 Contractors Intro - April 17, 2021
April 17, 2021
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 (4-17-2021)
April 17, 2021
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).
- 3.20 Flagging Workshop (4/17/2021)
April 17, 2021
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.
- 3.20 Flagging Workshop (4/18/2021)
April 18, 2021
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.
- 2.20 Retaining wall workshop (4-18-2021)
April 18, 2021
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
- 3.10 Steps & Stairs Workshop (4-18-2021)
April 18, 2021
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.
- 2.20 Retaining wall workshop (4-19-2021)
April 19, 2021
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