Overview

Dry-stone Masonry Preservation and Repair, June 10 - June 14, Zion National Park

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.

Tuition

Tuition for BEST Workshops is collected by the Historic Preservation Training Center's Partner, Preservation Maryland/The Campaign for Historic Trades through this platform, The Campaign for Historic Trades' Learning Management System Elevate, all parties are 899-B compliant. 

Upon check out, please use the following codes if you fall into the appropriate category. 

BESTStudent750: This code is for student trainees to pay a discounted tuition amount of $50. You are eligible for this tuition rate if you are a college or university student enrolled at least half time in an accredited institution. Do not purchase this ticket if you are not a college/university student trainee. You should only purchase one ticket per workshop.

Refunds are available within 30 days of the start of the BEST Workshop. Please note that refunds will not include a processing fee. 

Email confirmation will be sent via learn@historictrades.org. Check your spam folder if you do not receive an email registration confirmation

Location and Travel for Workshop

The workshop will be held at Zion National Park near Springdale, UT. The closest lodging for this workshop is in Springdale, UT. The closest airport is Las Vegas, NV.  As an alternative to traditional lodging, Zion National Park has provided a group, tent campsite as an option for lodging at no additional cost. There are restrooms on-site, charcoal and firepits, and paid showers a short 2-5 minute walk from the site.  Attendees are responsible for bringing their own tents and/or other necessary camping gear. More detailed information will be provided in the confirmation email.

All students are independently responsible for finding, booking, and paying for all travel, transportation, and lodging. BEST Workshops do not assist with travel. 

About the Brick Earth Stone and Timber (BEST) Preservation Workshop Series 

The BEST Preservation Workshop Series trains National Park Service (NPS) employees at all levels in the preservation of traditionally built historic resources using problem-based and hands-on learning. Participants should be prepared to think critically, make mistakes, and experiment – both physically and mentally – with materials and concepts at the workshop.

While our workshops are focused on NPS resources and geared toward NPS workers, they are open to all government, public, and private sector trainees. 

Workshop Series Progression

BEST Workshops build on one another, following the natural progression of a historic preservation project. Listed below, this progression identifies major categories that take a project from concept to reality, and from design to implementation. 

Inquiry:

Students learn the basics of historic preservation principles and standards. These workshops are strongly recommended for all students before taking more advanced courses. 

Documentation & Investigation:

Students learn how to research historic resources and record existing conditions in the field, as well practice problem-solving strategies for identifying and understanding deterioration problems and quantifying their potential impact.

Treatment:

Students explore building technology, condition assessment, treatment, and conservation science of major traditional building materials. Treatment workshops are hands-on and split between the classroom and the field.

Maintenance & Monitoring:

Students learn the methods and best practices for continued stewardship of historic resources after their preservation, including how to evaluate treatments, write and follow maintenance and lifecycle plans, and bring historic resources into asset management programs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BEST Preservation Workshop Series?

The BEST Preservation Workshop Series instructs students of all levels in the preservation of traditionally built historic resources using problem-based and hands-on learning. Participants should be prepared to think critically, make mistakes, and experiment – both physically and mentally – with materials and concepts at the workshop.

Who can take a course?

Workshops are open to anyone who is interested: federal, state, and local government employees; private sector contractors, consultants, architects, and design professionals; students; nonprofit employees; and homeowners.

What is the cost per course? 

Tuition costs vary between workshops. See individual workshop page for tuition. You are not enrolled in a workshop until you have paid tuition. Because workshops fill up fast, we encourage you to register as soon as possible. Refunds are available up to 30 days before the workshop.

Who do I talk to about an accommodation?

If you are a person with a disability and you need accommodations, please contact us after you have registered and at least 3 weeks before the workshops at BEST_preservation@nps.gov or (307) 739-3571. 

Is there lodging available at White Grass Ranch?

Workshops in Grand Teton National Park are held at White Grass Ranch, a rehabilitated historic dude ranch. During these workshops, there is a $100.00/night limited housing at the ranch. Indicate at check out of you prefer to stay at the White Grass Ranch while attending training in Grand Teton National Park.

What if I need to have my registration canceled/refunded?

You have the availability to cancel your registration through this site. The Campaign can process refund requests UP TO fourteen days before the start date of the event. Please email learn@historictrades.org with the subject line REFUND REQUEST, with name, event details, and total amount in the email body. No refunds will be issued in the fourteen days before the start date of the event. The Campaign will refund 75% on the total you paid for the event; our payment processer will deduct processing fees from your total refund amount. Funds will appear in your account within 30 days of the refund being processed.

Speaker(s)