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
In part one (Stonechat 26: Summer 2012) I suggested that “poor grading can become what is in effect a self-fuelled inevitability” . This was developed in part 2 when we looked at the tendency to place large stones alongside and on top of each other leading to grouping. This however does not just apply to large stone. If we are not careful similar size stones can tend to flock together – both along and up. Small stones can lead to a ‘mushrooming’, especially if we are concentrating on sitting one on two and half on half and levelling ready for the next stone.
ANDREW PIGHILLS (Connecticut) was born in Yorkshire, England. His formal horticulture training started at The Royal Horticultural Society at Harlow Carr Gardens in Harrogate Yorkshire, and has spent several decades creating gardens and building dry stone walls in his native England, in and around the spectacular Yorkshire Dales and the English Lake District.
There are as many ways to build great stone walls as there are colors in the rainbow. From lacy singles in the Aran Islands to squat bulky consumption walls in New England. Loosely stacked round glacial outwash to the incredible joinery of the Incas. Two-tiered Galloway walls to the fascinating geometric patterns of Majorcan walls…. […]
We’ll be there! You come, too. The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance Old House & Barn Expo, Saturday and Sunday, March 21 and 22, Manchester.
Brian Post presents a workshop at the RINLA 2020 Winter Conference, “From the Ground Up,” January 29 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 801 Greenwich Avenue, Warwick. Learn the principles of proper structure when working with dry stone construction. Building with natural stone to last – without mortar – is a craft with a wealth of […]
On January 21 from 8 to 12, Brian Post will present a seminar hosted by LandCare Associates in Madbury, NH. Session content includes: Basics of Structural Dry Stone Wall Building and Evaluation Foundations, Drainage, and Backfill Basics of Tool Usage for Working with Stone. To register, please contact: LandCare Associates, Inc., 282 Knox Marsh Road, […]
Learn to teach with other wallers in this two-and-a-half day course (indoors! In 2018, only the photo happened outside.) Whether you have immediate plans to teach, or just want to get better at communicating with and training your employees, this course teaches invaluable communication skills. Add a DSWA-GB certified instructor credential to your professional portfolio […]
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
- 1.10 Introductory Indoor Workshop (4-18-2020)
April 18, 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…
- 2.50 Intro to Stone Shaping (4-19-2020)
April 19, 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 (4-19-2020)
April 19, 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
- 3.10 Steps & Stairs Workshop (4-25-2020)
April 25, 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.
- 2.80/3.80 Test Preparation Workshop (4-25-2020)
April 25, 2020
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 (4/26/2020)
April 26, 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.
- 3.70 Walling Day (4-26-20)
April 26, 2020
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Come join some skilled DSWA-GB wallers and Certified Master Craftsmen, building a new section of wall at The Stone Trust Center on Scott Farm. Irish and Scottish styles will be the focus of 2020’s Walling Day. This is a great time to work on practicing your walling, learning some new styles and networking with fellow wallers. PREREQUISITE: Level 1 or higher DSWA-GB Certification required to attend. Pro member attend free, basic members just $20.