Whether you like your shelter rounded or with right angles, Midcoast Conservancy has a course for you! From June 24-26, a Yurt building course will give participants an opportunity to learn about the benefits of yurts and then put that knowledge to work constructing one. For traditionalists, a Timber Framing will be offered from July 14-17. Over the course of the four-day class, students will take locally harvested wood and turn it into a beautiful and sturdy timber frame structure. Both workshops will be held at Hidden Valley Nature Center.

As part of the Yurt workshop, students will be introduced to the practical, low impact, sustainable living structure that has been used for thousands of years. Using basic, readily-available raw materials, they will learn how to build and raise a dwelling with incredible structural integrity this it also entirely adaptable and transportable to virtually any location and climate. Participants are encouraged to stay on-site in portable yurts that will be provided as part of the workshop. This course is suitable for all skill levels and all tools and materials will be provided, as well as a light breakfast and full lunch each day, with a cookout, music, storytelling on Saturday night.

Course instructors are Caleb Erskine, the owner of Living Intent Yurt Co., and his team; and John Brooks, an instructor on low impact, sustainable.

The July Timber Frame course gives participants a hands-on experience taking raw wood from log to aloft in four days. Students will work in small groups to learn the basics of timber frame construction, and ultimately to build and erect the frame of a small building. The class will be led by Bob Lear of Bob's Beams in Whitefield, ME, along with assistance from several other experienced staff members.

Tools and equipment are all provided, but students should bring their own tools if they have questions about them. Breakfast and lunch will be provided each day. Class will run 8am-4pm each day. Camping space is available, and HVNC huts are available at a discount to students.

Hidden Valley Nature Center is part of Midcoast Conservancy, an organization dedicated to supporting healthy lands, waters, wildlife, and people in Midcoast Maine through conservation, education, and recreation. For more information about either course or to register, go to midcoastconservancy.org/events, or call (207) 389-5150.