Echoes of the Forest WNC

From a PBS documentary to a veterans’ memorial, from the birthplace of American forestry to the heart of Asheville’s Black community — this is shaping up to be the most extraordinary year for Echoes of the Forest and our communities. Let’s get started! Our woodworking trail mission reaches new heights in 2026 — and we couldn’t be more excited to share what’s coming. From stunning new installations to landmark partnerships and long-awaited community moments, this year is shap

Commission a custom wood art installation crafted from Hurricane Helene salvage timber by Western North Carolina's finest artisans. Echoes of the Forest transforms storm-felled trees into handcrafted benches, sculptures, and statement pieces for businesses, public spaces, and memorials. Each Echo tells the story of resilience — and supports local artists rebuilding after the storm. Tax-deductible. 501(c)(3). Start your commission today.

We're thrilled to introduce two wonderful new additions to the Echoes of the Forest volunteer team—Anita Mann and Katie Moore. Their unique journeys to our organization reflect the resilience and community spirit that define Western North Carolina. Anita Mann Anita Mann: Finding Hope After the Storm In April 2024, Anita and her husband moved to Western North Carolina from Westchester, New York, drawn by the area's golf courses, picturesque landscape, and Asheville's artsy vib

In the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastation across Western North Carolina—damaging 821,906 acres and causing $59.6 billion in losses—Echoes of the Forest invites you to become a steward of transformation. Sponsor memorial art installations crafted from salvaged trees by local woodworkers like Mark Oliver and Chester Shuey. Your support provides economic relief, permanent recognition, educational impact, and community healing. Join our revival story—contact info@echoesofthef

As we step into 2026, Echoes of the Forest is ready to unveil a series of meaningful projects that transform Hurricane Helene's fallen trees into lasting community treasures. Each installation represents not just recovery, but renewal—turning loss into legacy across Western North Carolina. Mark Your Calendars Our year begins with love and remembrance on February 14 , when we'll unveil the "Tea for Two" memorial bench at the North Carolina Arboretum. This intimate installation

One year after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, we've transformed heartbreak into hope. From fallen forests, our woodworkers are creating a trail of functional art across WNC. Chester Shuey's stunning benches, Mike Ayers' 800-pound "Shelly" turtle, Mark Oliver's "Tea for Two" – each piece tells our story of resilience. Now a 501(c)(3), we're partnering with the NC Arboretum, Burial Brewing, and artists to prove beauty can rise from brokenness. This is our r

Updated February 13, 2026 When Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina, it left behind more than devastation—it left opportunity. Among the 821,906 acres of damaged forestland and countless fallen trees lay the seeds of transformation. This is the story of one tree's remarkable journey from Biltmore Forest to Town Hall hearth. A Vision Takes Root In the aftermath of Helene, while communities grappled with the storm's $59.6 billion impact, Liisa Andreassen of Ech

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on Western North Carolina, a remarkable collaboration is taking shape – one that transforms fallen trees into vessels of hope, community, and carefully crafted beer. A Partnership Rooted in Resilience Four local organizations have joined forces to create something meaningful from the storm’s destruction: Appalachian Cooperage , Green River Woods , Burial Beer Co . , and Echoes of the Forest . Together, they’re crafting

When Hurricane Helene tore through Western North Carolina in late September 2024, it left behind a landscape forever changed. Trees that had stood for decades—some for centuries—were lost in a single night. The devastation was immense, but within that loss lay an opportunity for transformation. This October, that transformation takes tangible form on the Grand Garden Promenade at the North Carolina Arboretum . Introducing Chester Shuey's Live-Edge Bench On October 18, 2025 ,

The story of transformation often begins with tragedy. For Echoes of the Forest, that transformation started with Hurricane Helene's devastating sweep through Western North Carolina, leaving tens of thousands of trees fallen in its wake. What began as heartbreak has blossomed into hope, healing, and a powerful testament to community resilience—a story now gaining national attention. This week, Echoes of the Forest had the incredible opportunity to share its mission with audie

Echoes of the Forest has been busy behind the scenes, building partnerships and promoting our woodworkers and the overall project. And,...

A Powerful Collaboration Blooms This Fall Echoes of the Forest is thrilled to announce a collaboration with the North Carolina Arboretum ...

Discover the magic of Echoes of the Forest with the first Echo art unveiling on June 12, 2025, in Asheville’s River Arts District! Crafted from hurricane-salvaged wood by local artist Chester Shuey, this stunning installation transforms tragedy into beauty. Explore upcoming exhibits at the NC Arboretum in September, part of the growing Echo Trail, supporting local woodworkers and sustainability. Learn how this movement inspires community healing and action.

Trees have been around longer than most species on Earth, standing tall as silent witnesses to the passage of time. But what if trees...

Discover the story behind Mike Ayers’ powerful Mountain Man sculpture, carved from a Hurricane Helene walnut tree. This Echoes of the Forest masterpiece honors Western North Carolina’s resilience through art.

Discover the story behind the first public art unveiling from Echoes of the Forest—a stunning sculpture crafted from a salvaged Hurricane Helene tree. Join us June 12 in Asheville’s River Arts District for the big reveal.

I recently traveled to Finland - the birthplace of my grandmother. While there I learned that Finland offers a fascinating perspective on...

NOAA's Hurricane Helene Report: Summary of Key Points Related to Western North Carolina

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville's deep connection to nature isn't just about breathtaking views—it's a story of

Echoes of the Forest WNC has officially launched.