The first of three timber frame courses this year will be offered from May 6- 9 at Hidden Valley in Jefferson. Each course is a four-day, hands-on experience, where eight students will have the opportunity to build a complete timber frame and participate in every step of the process from harvesting trees to raising the finished structure, working with two expert instructors to learn the basics of sustainable forestry and saw mill operation, building design principles, and hands-on building techniques for constructing a simple frame.

Timber framing, sometimes referred to as post and beam building, is a historic way of building that uses specific joinery to erect a building made from large beams. The buildings are both rugged and beautiful. Timber frame construction can be a satisfying way to make use of harvested trees from personal woodlots to build a shed, barn, or even a house.

Tuition is $450 for Midcoast Conservancy and MOFGA members, and $500 for all others. Scholarships may be available. Tuition includes use of all necessary tools and a Midcoast Conservancy membership. Complete information and registration is available online at https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events/spring-timber-frame-course-4/

This workshop is sponsored and supported by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Assoc., Hancock Lumber and Woodmizer Sawmills.

For more information about Midcoast Conservancy events visit midcoastconservancy.org, email info@midcoastconservancy.org, or call 207-389-5150.