501(c)(3) Nonprofit · Asheville, NC

Echoes of Yesterday,
Rooted in Tomorrow

Transforming Hurricane Helene–salvaged timber into handcrafted public art installations across Western North Carolina — in partnership with Appalachian artisans.

Commission an Echo Learn Our Story

Our Mission

From fallen trees, lasting art.
From shared loss, shared strength.

Echoes of the Forest partners with Appalachian artisans and woodworkers to repurpose fallen timber into handcrafted art and public installations. Each piece — called an "Echo" — tells two stories: the history of the tree that once stood, and the legacy of the community that chose to honor it.

We support local livelihoods, foster environmental education, and honor the natural and cultural heritage of Western North Carolina.

Learn more about our work →

Artisan shaping salvaged timber in the workshop

Coming Up

Timberfest · Labor Day weekend, September 5–7, 2026

Where American Forestry Began: The Cradle of Forestry

Cradle of Forestry in America · Pisgah National Forest

This fall, woodworker Mike Ayers of Whetstone Woodworks creates a new Echo for the Cradle of Forestry — the birthplace of American forestry, and a fitting home for art made from the very forests it was created to protect. Watch him work live Wednesday–Friday, August 26–28 (11 AM–3 PM daily), then see the finished carvings on display at Timberfest over Labor Day weekend, September 5–7. Permanent installation along the Forest Discovery Trail will follow in a future season.

Cradle of Forestry in America visitor center, with wooden Adirondack chairs out front in Pisgah National Forest

All upcoming events →

As Seen On

PBS NC Documentary

PBS NC's "Best of Our State" featured Echoes of the Forest — the story of how Appalachian artisans are transforming Hurricane Helene's fallen timber into lasting public art, and the communities that refuse to let loss be the final word.

Aired May 14, 2026 · Episode 306 · PBS NC

The Echoes

A growing trail of resilience across the region

Installations are in place at the North Carolina Arboretum, Biltmore Forest Town Hall, Cane Creek Park, and public spaces throughout Western North Carolina — composing a living narrative of how the Appalachian community transformed loss into art.

Biltmore Forest Town Hall

Kwadwo Som-Pimpong · Crafted Glory

Black Walnut

Shelly the turtle sculpture at the North Carolina Arboretum

NC Arboretum

Echoes of the Forest Artisans

Helene-salvaged timber

Cane Creek Park

Mike Ayers · Whetstone Woodworks

"Soccer Cub" · Chainsaw carving

View All Installations

Commission Program

Bring an Echo to your space

Businesses, organizations, and families can commission custom art installations crafted from storm-salvaged timber by Appalachian artisans. From hotel lobbies and town halls to memorial gardens and community parks — every Echo is one of a kind.

As a 501(c)(3) organization, commissions may qualify as tax-deductible contributions.

Learn About Commissions

Hand-carved wooden bench commissioned through Echoes of the Forest

Hurricane Helene · September 27, 2024

40% of Buncombe County trees damaged or destroyed

39 Western NC counties affected

821,906 acres of forestland damaged

$59.6B estimated economic impact

Echoes of Yesterday,Rooted in Tomorrow

From fallen trees, lasting art.From shared loss, shared strength.