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
- 3.20 Flagging Workshop (7/19/2020)
July 19, 2020
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.
- 3.10 Steps & Stairs Workshop (7-20-2020)
July 20, 2020
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.
- 2.40 Cheek End Workshop (Outdoor) - Ag. 1 & 2, 2020 (Mont Vernon, NH)
August 1, 2020 - August 2, 2020
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
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.
- 1.20 Two-Day Introductory Workshop (Outdoor) - Aug. 1 & 2, 2020 (Mont Vernon, NH
August 1, 2020 - August 2, 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.
- 1.10 Introductory Workshop (1-day) Mont Vernon, NH (8/15/20)
August 15, 2020
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 1.10 Intro (1-Day) workshop
This workshop is an excellent introduction to dry stone walling for the homeowner, contractor, hobbyist, or anyone interested in Dry Stone Walls Over the course of the day each participant will build about 25 sq. ft. of wall…
Participants will be lead through setting foundation stones, building and hearting, setting throughstones, and copes!
- 1.10 Introductory Indoor Workshop (9-12-2020)
September 12, 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…
- 2.20 Retaining wall workshop (9-13-2020)
September 13, 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