This spring Timber Frame Construction workshops are returning to Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC). The first class of the year will be held Thursday to Sunday, April 23-26. These perennially popular workshops are designed for students of different backgrounds and experience levels.

Students spend the four days working intimately with professional instructors and graduates of previous timber frame workshops. The group is usually limited to eight students so that there is plenty of hands-on time for everyone. Each student will help transform the building from un-milled logs to a finished, raised frame on the final day.

Most of the workshop is dedicated to the work of cutting beams, but students will also have opportunities to learn about sustainable forestry, saw mill operation, and building design. The last day of the workshop students will raise the frame at a local farm and celebrate their work.

“These classes are a product of our sustainable forestry mission at HVNC,” says HVNC Director Andy McEvoy. “Timber frames are a great way to utilize wood that traditional markets don’t value highly. Plus, they make beautiful structures.” This notion of creative material use permeates HVNC’s programs like Home Firewood Production and Chainsaw Safety trainings.

For more information about Timber Frame Construction and other forestry related classes visit www.hvnc.org/registration/, or write to info@hvnc.org. The cost for this workshop is $450 for HVNC, PWA, DLWA, SVCA, SWLA, and MOFGA members. $500 for all non-members. Scholarship assistance may be available upon request.

Timber Frame workshops at HVNC are supported by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Assoc., Hancock Lumber, and Woodmizer Sawmills.