Join us for a two-day hands-on dry stone workshop focused on repairing and constructing dry-laid stone walls at Gathland State Park. Under the guidance of Neil Rippingale, President of the Board for the Dry Stone Conservancy, participants will learn traditional dry stone techniques and practice using both real-world conditions and controlled training environments.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Repair and rebuild sections of existing stone walls on-site
- Practice dry stone techniques
- Learn about stone selection, placement, stability, and proper drainage for drystone construction
- Work side-by-side with skilled instructors in a supportive, hands-on learning environment
Hosted at Gathland State Park, Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Gathland State Park was once the mountain home of George Alfred Townsend, a Civil War journalist. In the late 1800s, Gathland featured a unique collection of buildings and structures designed and constructed by Townsend. Drystone walls run through the park, along with the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
Early bird registration: $400 (register by October 3)
Normal registration: $450 (register by October 24)
Deadline to signup is October 24, 2025
Your registration includes access to two full days of expert instruction, guided hands-on experience, and all required materials and tools