Midcoast Conservancy will be holding three timber frame courses at Hidden Valley Nature Center; the first will be offered from April 27-30, followed by one July 6-9 and another Oct. 6-9.

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.

Students will work 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. By the end of the workshop, students will have completed and raised the finished frame. Most class time will be spent with tools in hand and working in small groups.

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 lunch each day, use of all necessary tools, a cookout on Sunday and a Midcoast Conservancy membership. Complete information and registration is available online at www.midcoastconservancy.org. This workshop is sponsored and supported by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, Hancock Lumber and Woodmizer Sawmills.