Old Richmond Road Volunteer Work Day, Fayette County

On June 13th volunteers came out to Old Richmond Road in the foggy morning to continue repairs they had begun last fall on an historic roadside fence. The fence had been completely demolished by a non-certified mason who took the money and ran! The fence is a long one, and it will take a few more days like this to get it fully repaired. As you can see from the photos the volunteers are working under tight, potentially dangerous conditions. This is often the case with our roadside fences. I like the photo of the horses trotting down to see what's going on.

Special Features Workshop, Mercer County

On May 30th and 31st, the Conservancy conducted a Special Features Workshop for participants who had taken at least one introductory workshop. The participants learned under the tutelage of master craftsmen, and came away with enhanced skills. The workshop was held at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill near Harrodsburg, KY, and the feature will remain as an outdoor installation that will add to the experience as this historic site. Congratulations to all who participated! I just wish I could get them to leave the water bottles out of the photos!

Ruddle's Mill Volunteer Work Day, Bourbon County

On Saturday, May 30th, volunteers gathered to repair the old cemetery walls surrounding the Stonermouth Presbyterian Church Cemetery in historic Ruddle's Mill in Bourbon County, Kentucky. On hand were board members and volunteers from the local historical society in charge of protecting the cemetery. The cemetery is very large and is completely surrounded by rock fence. Images are of the preparatory work where a foundation course was set to allow small vehicles to enter the cemetery for grounds maintenance.

Shaker Village Volunteer Work Day, Mercer County, KY

On Saturday, May 16th, six volunteers made repairs to the Turnpike Era rock fences that line the old US 33 route at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. The Volunteer Work Day was in conjunction with the National Barn Alliance's annual National Barn Conference, held at Shaker Village that weekend. Participants in the conference stopped by on Saturday morning to have their questions answered by me and our mason leader.

Jouett Cemetery Volunteer Work Day, Woodford County, KY

Our first Volunteer Work Day of 2009 was held on a chilly, rainy day in Woodford County. Thanks to cover provided by canopies our volunteers stayed dry. Four volunteers showed up to offer their skills and time to make two repairs to a very old cemetery wall. The cemetery is part o the Jack Jouett House Historic Site, and is the home of Captain Jack Jouett, the "Paul Revere of the South."

Hebron Cemetery Workshop, Anderson County, KY

Our first workshop of the year had eleven participants, and was held at the historic Hebron Cemetery in Anderson County, KY. The cemetery has a variety of fence type. Participants spent two days learning the proper techniques for dismantling and repairing a rock fence, and encountered one hurdle - a tree that had grown up next to the fence. The solution was to cut the offending trunk of the tree and build the fence over its stump. The site also had a natural spring with a dry-laid wall above it.

2009 Public Workshop Schedule Announced

The Dry Stone Conservancy's 2009 Public Workshop Schedule has now posted to our website. These workshops fill very quickly because they are extremely popular, so if you are interested, be sure to sign up quickly. There are some really interesting Kentucky sites this year, including Lower Howard's Creek Nature and Heritage Preserve and Maker's Mark Distillery. Come join us!