Dry Stone Walling

is an art form where structures are built using solely stone. The building practice relies on two key principles to hold the structures together: gravity and friction. Gravity creates stability by putting an equal force on every stone, pulling them towards the ground, while friction allows each stone a firm holding place for its neighbor to rest and lean on.

New England has a rich geology that produces a unique variety of building materials. Rounded tan glacial till, flat blue mica schist, and thick white Barre granite are just a few of the many stones native to Vermont and its surrounding states. Each material tells a different story and possesses different structural advantages. The variety of color and texture in stone provides the waller a diverse selection of stone combinations that complement the surrounding landscape.

The partnership between stone and nature is unique and non-intrusive. Your property’s natural beauty will be activated and heightened by introducing stone features. The addition of a wall to your landscape will create a beautiful fusion between the natural highlights of your property and pre-existing structures. Stone fences can define a boundary between neighbors while protecting pets and gardens from unwanted visitors. Memorial pillars and benches provide a place for us to rest in remembrance. Historically, stone has served as a vital building resource due to its ability to withstand harsh weather and climate conditions. The addition of a stone feature by a master craftsman is an investment in art that will last not only for your lifetime, but for generations to come.

Jared Flynn

grew up in Southern Vermont where the dry stone wall culture dates back to the early 1800’s. Flynn is a professional member of The Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain and has his Master Level certification. He also holds a Journeyman Certificate from the Dry Stone Conservancy of Kentucky. Together these organizations offer some of the highest level Dry Stone Walling education available, providing clients with a known standard for quality work.

Flynn has been working professionally in residential and commercial dry stone walling construction for over 25 years. In that time, he has had the opportunity to collaboratively design and construct with engineers, architects, garden designers and homeowners. He has a special skill for integrating stonework into the landscape.

In 2010, Flynn founded The Stone Trust, a Vermont not-for-profit with the mission to preserve the art and craft of dry stone walling. Flynn’s work with Landmark Trust USA, the DSWA, and the Stone Trust provided the support needed to build “The Stone Trust Center” – a public space open year round that offers the highest level of dry stone walling educational opportunities for all levels of interest with the most extensive collection of dry stone Ffences in North America.

As a DSWA certified instructor Flynn supports the community of workshop walling enthusiasts and the pool of qualified instructors. With a Master Craftsman certificate, Flynn is one of six North American DSWA Examiners who assess test candidates work and their professional development with the DSWA Craftsman Certification Scheme. Flynn serves as The Stone Trust’s Workshop and Test Site Coordinator, facilitating workshops and DSWA test days for candidates and examiners.

Flynn is grateful for the many years of opportunity he has had in the dry stone walling community. Without the help and support of family, friends, and clients who put their trust in his work, many of Flynn’s accomplishments would not have been possible.

Flynn currently lives in Dummerston, Vermont with his beautiful wife and children.