Join us at the Little Compton Community Center for a talk by Robert Thorson, professor of Earth Sciences at UConn, coordinator of the Stone Wall Initiative and author of numerous publications. Thorson is familiar with Little Compton’s stone walls and says they are “worth preserving.” He will discuss the unique formation, historical significance, and threats to the existence of the many stone walls in our town.

STONE WALL “DEFENDER” ROBERT THORSON

Throughout New England, stone walls line the countryside and contribute to the region’s unique sense of place. Nowhere else in the United States are stone walls as prevalent and historic as they are in New England.

Dubbed the “Stone Wall Defender” by Jim Collins of Yankee Magazine in 2009, Robert Thorson is the leading expert on New England’s stone wall history and geology. Thorson teaches at the University of Connecticut. He has written numerous books on the subject and lectures widely. Thorson also directs the Stone Wall Initiative: a free, digital database intended to ‘enhance rural New England’s sense of place by focusing public attention on its iconic signature landform, the historic fieldstone wall.’ The Stone Wall Initiative was founded in 2002. It remains the definitive resource on New England stone walls.

This event is free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Sogkonate Garden Club.