Dry-Stone Masonry Preservation and Repair Workshop

Brick, Earth, Stone, and Timber (BEST) Preservation Workshops with the National Park Service

Location: Zion National Park

Dates: May 5 – 9, 2025

Description:

Dry-stone masonry—where stones are stacked on one another without the use of mortar—is one
of the earliest building skills developed by humans and used for building shelters, fortifications,
burials, structures, farm enclosures, trails, and roads. In national parks, this method of construction is
commonly seen on historic trails, often as retaining walls made from local stone. Using the retaining
walls on trails in Zion National Park as a laboratory, students in the Dry-Stone Masonry Preservation and
Repair workshop will learn about and explore the behavior, condition, treatment, and maintenance of
dry-stone masonry systems within a trails context. After experimenting with the material and physical
properties of different stones, students will conduct condition assessments on trail resources in Zion
to determine causes of deterioration and identify appropriate treatment approaches. Trainees will
practice shaping and placing stones, as well as how to approach basic stabilization of dry-laid masonry
systems.

Instructors:

Alan Ash Master Stone Mason, Ash Stone Masonry
Derek Beitner Exhibit Specialist, Historic Preservation Training Center
Moss Rudley Director, Historic Preservation Training Center

Tuition:
$750 General participant
$50 Student (at least half-time in an accredited institution)

Click here for more information and registration!

This posting will expire May 5, 2025.