The Scotsdale Farm dry stone restoration workshop is designed for beginner and intermediate level wallers. The focus of the workshop will be on the application of proper structural principles of dry stone walling. Participants will be taught fundamental principles and techniques including bonding, batter, hearting and through stones. There is also a curved portion of the restoration wall.
In 1982, Scotsdale Farm was bequeathed to the Ontario Heritage Trust by Stewart and Violet (Letty) Bennett. A working farm, Scotsdale presents visitors with 531 acres (215 hectares) of pastoral countryside.
Superb hiking trails run through the farm’s rolling hills and woodlands. The Bruce Trail and the Bennett Heritage Trail cross the property, offering hikers hours of scenic enjoyment in this Niagara Escarpment park. The special natural heritage features of the Niagara Escarpment prompted the United Nations to designate the escarpment a World Biosphere Reserve.
There is also an active volunteer group called Friends of Scotsdale Farm. The Friends’ purpose is to protect and preserve this significant heritage site by restoring, developing, and maintaining Scotsdale Farm, with a view to commemorate and preserve the site, and educate the public.
Saturday
9:00: Overview and site work begins
12:00 Lunch
13:00 Review and continue work
16:00 End of day one
Sunday
9:00: Review work and continue
12:00 Lunch
13:00 Review and continue
16:00 Final photo and workshop close
*Lunch and snacks are included