hang with us
Timberframing is an ancient building style using joinery to create connections in wooden frames without metal nails or screws. Spend a day with Mike Goldberg, a timber framer with over 40 years of experience. As a member of the Timber Framers Guild, Mike has helped build timber frame structures around the world. He has taught classes across the southeast, including Highland Woodworking in Atlanta and the Preservation Trades Network Conference in Savannah.
What to expect: Mike will lead the group in a part-lecture part-hands-on experience with the concepts, tools, and techniques of timber framing. The class will work together to “raise a bent,” and if you don’t know what that means, you’ll surely find out. All experience levels are welcome!
When and where: December 5th, 10 am - 2:30 PM at 2302 East Gwinnett Street
What to bring: Please pack a lunch, we will partake in a picnic under big mama oak around noon. Please wear closed-toed shoes (steel-toes recommended but not required) and sturdy work clothing that can get dirty. Bring a notebook if you are a note-taker! All tools and materials will be provided.
Clothes fraying? Jeans ripped? Too sentimental to trash it, or just too dang thrifty? Time to get mendy. Spend a day with Evelyn Brown (they/them) learning about the history of Japanese shashiko-style mending and try your hand at the durable, beautiful technique. Evelyn has been mending since childhood. They learned sewing from their mom and kept going from there!
What to expect: Evelyn will lead the group in a part-lecture part-hands-on introduction to the basics of visible mending in the shashiko style using scrap fabrics… so there is no pressure to get it right! All experience levels are welcome.
When and where: October 24th, 1 pm - 4 pm at 2302 East Gwinnett Street
What to bring: Just your smiling face. You are welcome to bring in your favorite piece that needs a mend so we can take a look, though we won’t work on personal items at this first session (hint: future class!). All tools and materials will be provided.
Join 40-year timber framer Mike Goldberg on a journey to build a large timber frame gateway on the bluff at The Yard. This will be a permanent addition to the site… and it’ll be magnificent! The inspiration for this project is the Japanese tradition of Torii Gates. Our gate will be made of rescued logs from native species like cedar and locust and it will frame the entrance to our marsh paths.
(Photo shows a Torii Gate crafted by Mike and team at the entrance to the pier in the town of Sechelt, British Columbia)
This three-day workshop is meant for intermediate to advanced woodworkers with some experience using hand-tools and power tools. This workshop is the first of several parts (as many as it takes to complete the gate). Part I will introduce the design of the project and begin work on layout and cutting of the members. Participants will work with hand and power tools.
What to expect: Mike will lead the group in a hands-on workshop loaded with insights into the process and history of timber framing. The workshop will be physically demanding at times. Some experience with woodworking and/or tool use is preferred.
When and where:
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Spring 2027 (Dates TBD)
All programming takes places at 2302 East Gwinnett Street
What to bring: Please bring a refillable water bottle and snacks as needed each day. Please pack a lunch on Saturday and Sunday, we will partake in a picnic under big mama oak around noon. Please wear closed-toed shoes (steel-toes recommended but not required) and sturdy work clothing that can get dirty. All tools and materials will be provided.
Limited availability. Please register to reserve your place. The exact dates for this workshop are TBD - if you are unable to attend on the selected dates, you are eligible for a full refund of your registration. Thank you!
It’s a classic oyster roast with an open bar (beer and wine), lots of fire pits, and live music. This one is for y’all. Thanks for hanging with us. We’re also serving Brunswick stew, vegetarian white bean chili, and cornbread, yum yum! S’mores for dessert.
What to expect: a really nice time out on the lawn. Parking on-site is limited. If you plan to partake in alcohol, please carpool or rideshare, thanks love you!
When and where: November 20th, 5 pm – 8 pm out on the bluff at 2302 East Gwinnett Street.
What to bring: this is an outside party on a big grassy lawn on the edge of the mainland, with a wide-open view of the salt marsh. Depending on the day, there could be wind, or critters. Make smart choices when it comes to clothing, especially shoes, please! Party pants recommended.
Our first priority is stewardship.
The Yard at the Landfill sits on the edge of mainland Savannah, looking east over the salt-marsh to Georgia’s barrier islands. This patch of land has gone through many changes - from landfill to lumber yard with stops along the way. Despite these impacts, there are dozens of species of native plants and animals that call our property home. There are also invasive plants and the constant intrusion of human waste - which is why we are putting our all into taking care of this place.
Our first and most important goal is stewardship of the yard’s existing native habitats and investment in increasing diversity of native species on the land.
LOCAL Business Community
The yard is home to a community of local small businesses including our friends at non-profit Re:Purpose Savannah, custom metal shop DLH Metalwork, wood craftsman Gold Standard, historic window experts Henshaw Preservation, and the trusted tradesfolk at Next Gen Electric.
We are currently seeking new tenants for several commercial spaces, including office/studio space and warehouse/workshop space. We prioritize applications from businesses connected to our themes: environmental stewardship, historic trades (particularly woodcraft), and the arts. Inquire.
Special Event Rental
Film industry needs, private party people, business folks. Please reach out to inquire about use of the yard for a special event.
Thank you!