Program Structure | Schedule | What's Included | Financial Assistance | Accommodations | Travel | Partners | Contact Us
2026 Pacific Northwest Field School
Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park – Washington
The Pacific Northwest Preservation Field School (PNWFS) returns in 2026 with another immersive, hands-on program dedicated to exploring cultural landscapes and historic places across the region. For more than three decades, PNWFS has provided intensive field-based training that brings together participants from a wide range of backgrounds—students, craftspeople, preservation professionals, and lifelong learners—each united by a passion for heritage and place-based practice.
Located near the interpretive trails and geological wonders of Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park in Washington, the 2026 Field School will connect preservation craft and practice with the rich natural and cultural history of the site. Ginkgo Petrified Forest is a National Natural Landmark with exposed petrified wood, interpretive trails, and museum exhibits documenting ancient forest ecosystems and Indigenous histories of the Columbia River region. Field School hands-on work will take place at the Trailside Museum, an associated garage, and trailside exhibits protecting fallen petrified logs.
Over three week-long sessions, participants will gain practical experience in essential preservation skills—assessment, documentation, craft techniques, field analysis, and decision-making frameworks—through structured workshops, site visits, and collaborative field projects. Sessions will integrate hands-on work with interpretive learning and professional discourse, building confidence and capability in both technical and contextual aspects of preservation. Hands-on work to include masonry, wood window reconstruction and repair, and wood door repair.
Training at PNWFS emphasizes learning by doing: understanding materials and assemblies in situ, evaluating conditions, recording interventions clearly, and situating practice within broader environmental, cultural, and historical contexts. The program welcomes a diversity of participants including those with formal preservation training, emerging professionals, and individuals seeking practical experience.
The 2026 Field School includes three sessions, covering key preservation topics and methods, supplementary lectures, and field excursions. Tuition covers instruction, workshops, site tours, meals, and modest lodging. Participants may also elect to earn academic or continuing education credits. Details on session dates, curriculum focus, application instructions, and travel information will be announced soon. Learn more and apply below.
Program Structure
PNWFS 2026 is organized into three one-week sessions. Participants may enroll in one or more sessions depending on interest and availability. Each session focuses on a specific set of preservation skills and methods, while sharing a consistent daily rhythm and learning framework.
Schedule
Field School typically starts on Sunday with dinner and orientation. While activities vary by session, a typical Field School day follows a consistent structure to balance hands-on work, instruction, and reflection. Participants should be prepared for an intensive program with long work days:
Breakfast (7 - 8 am)
Morning (8 - 12 pm)
- Site orientation or tool/material briefing
- Hands-on preservation craft or condition assessment activities
Lunch (12 -1 pm)
Afternoon (1 - 4 pm)
- Continued hands-on preservation craft, documentation, or supervised practice.
Afternoon Break (4 - 6 pm)
Dinner (6 - 7 pm)
Evening (7 - 8 pm)
- Guest lecture
- Independent documentation or journaling (optional)
Rest days, local tours, and site visits are incorporated throughout each session.
What’s Included
- Instruction by experienced preservation professionals
- Hands-on fieldwork and guided exercises
- Lectures, demonstrations, and site tours
- Meals and modest lodging during each session
- Local transportation during Field School activities
Academic credit and continuing education options will be announced with session details.
Learn More About Past Field Schools
To better understand the structure, schedule, and depth of the Field School, please review material from the previous year:
These materials are provided for reference only; the 2026 curriculum will be tailored to the Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park site.
Financial Assistance
The John Platz Scholarship covers the tuition for one field school session and a $100 travel allowance. This scholarship is awarded to an individual pursuing professional training in historic preservation. It is open to all field school participants. To be considered for the award, applicants are asked to submit a brief essay accompanying their application and submit their application by June 13, 2025.
One of the co-founders of the Pacific Northwest Field School when it was started in 1995, John Platz had been the leader of the U.S. Forest Service preservation team at Mt. Hood with work that included log construction and Timberline Lodge. He brought his remarkable skill in wood construction and preservation of all historic materials to the Pacific Northwest Field Schools for the following 20 years. He was greatly admired by the students for his knowledge as well as his patient teaching of craft. He passed away in 2021. This award was established and is generously supported by Field School founding faculty member Don Peting.
Accommodations
Tuition includes all meals, modest lodging (mix of shared rooms and tents), and local transportation during each session. Participants can register for academic credit through the University of Oregon (open to students from all institutions). AIA continuing education credits available upon advance request.
Please email pnwfs@uoregon.edu with questions.
Travel
Directions and travel details will be provided soon.
Partners
The Pacific Northwest Field School has been a partnership among multiple agencies for more than 25 years. Current partners include:
- University of Oregon
- National Park Service
- Idaho State Historical Society
- Idaho State Parks & Recreation
- Oregon Parks & Recreation Department
- Oregon State Historic Preservation Office
- Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation
- Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission
Contact Us
Email us with any questions or concerns: pnwfs@uoregon.edu
This program receives federal funds for the identification and protection of historic properties. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, or handicap in its federally assisted programs. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire further information, please write to: Chief, Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, NW, MS-2740, Washington, D.C. 20240.
This publication has been funded in part with federal funds from the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. However, the contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of the Interior.