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 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 2021 Annual Newsletter, join us as a member!
Feel free to visit the Stone Wall Park any time during daylight hours. You may also want to download a map of nearby dry stone features built by local wallers. Check out the Scott Farm, site of The Stone Trust Center.
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
Events & Items of Interest, November 22, 2021
We all have different paths that lead us to dry stone and to using dry stone in the landscape. Many of us are drawn to the aesthetics of dry stoneworks. Some of us are drawn by the historic value and significances, and some are drawn by the timeless nature and longevity of dry stone.
Stone Buster Hammers are versatile, powerful, and can be used with great accuracy as well. You never have to worry about hitting your hand again with these hammers.
JARED FLYNN (Vermont) — Jared holds Master Craftsman certification from the DSWA-GB and is a certified examiner. In 2010, Jared helped found the Stone Trust, demonstrating his commitment to the professional development of his fellow waller
Brian Post shows how to use feathers and wedges (aka wedges and shims) to split stone. This detailed video will take you through setup, what sizes to use, spacing and layout, drilling, history and much more as we split down granite blocks to make through stones and cheek end material. This video is full of basic knowledge and advanced techniques. Just like building a wall everything is done to improve efficiency while achieving the needed accuracy. Trow and Holden feathers and wedges were used throughout this video along with the Trow and Holden Hand Hammer. The Trow and Holden 4lb Stone Busters make a few appearances as well.
Events & Items of Interest, November 22, 2021
Master Class: “Punta Nati: Saving Heritage” part 2 … In Spring 2013 Stonechat 28 visited Menorca, Borut Juvanec took us around the corbelled structures on the island whilst I adapted Frederique Mahieu’s leaflet about the Espai paret seca – the dry stone wall space
HILARY DEES (Colorado) started working with stone on trails in 2012 and has traveled and worked across New England and the West, specializing in utilizing rigging systems to quarry
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
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2.13 Contractors Intro (1-Day): April 30, 2022 (Mont Vernon, NH)
April 30, 2022
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.
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2.60 Contractors Intensive: (5-Day): May 9 - 13, 2022 (Mont Vernon, NH)
5-day workshop
May 9, 2022 - May 13, 2022
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
This workshop includes 4 days of training and the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain (DSWA-GB) Level I (Initial) certification test on the final day. It is perfect for the landscape or masonry contractor interested in starting to build dry stone walls, or expand that line of work, and gain DSWA-GB Certification. Equivalent to a combination of courses 1.20, 2.8, and 2.9 plus much more! REGISTRATION DEADLINE is
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4,70/5.20 Sphere Feature Build: May 20-21, 2022 (Dummerston, VT)
Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm each day.
May 20, 2022 - May 21, 2022
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Building a dry stone sphere is challenging task, much appreciated by people of all skill levels. To celebrate 10 years of service for the preservation of the craft of dry stone walling we are paying our respect to the artistic side of the craft. Participants will get to learn about and gain experience splitting and trimming slate, as well as how to approach stacking for complex features, and setting up guides for keeping the geometry true.
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1.20 Two-Day Introductory Workshop - May 21 & 22, 2022 (Dummerston, VT)
2-day workshop attendance
May 21, 2022 - May 22, 2022
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
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.
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2.40 Cheek End Workshop - May 21 & 22, 2022 (Dummerston, VT)
May 21, 2022 - May 22, 2022
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.
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2.80 Test Preparation Workshop: (1-Day): May 21, 2022 (Dummerston, VT)
May 21, 2022
9:00 am - 5:00 pm -
3.80 Test Preparation Workshop: (1-Day): May 21, 2022 (Dummerston, VT)
May 21, 2022
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.
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2.90 Spring Certification Test Day: May. 23, 2022 (Dummerston, VT)
1 Day attendance
May 23, 2022
8:15 am - 6:30 pm -
3.90 Spring Certification Test Day: May. 23, 2022 (Dummerston, VT)
1 Day attendance
May 23, 2022
8:15 am - 6:30 pm -
4.90 Spring Certification Test Day: May. 23, 2022 (Dummerston, VT)
1 Day attendance
May 23, 2022
8:15 am - 6:30 pm
Testing Levels Initial, Intermediate and Advanced (Part B). Thursday, September 23, 2020. NOTE: You must hold the previous level certification to sign up for any test above level 1. THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE is August 11th! NO LATE REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.