Echoes of the Forest WNC

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 Echoes of the Forest walked a

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...

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.