This September, storm-salvaged timber becomes public art in real time, and you can watch every cut.
Echoes of the Forest is partnering with FIND Outdoors for TimberFest at the Cradle of Forestry, a full-day celebration of sustainable forestry, wood products, and Appalachian heritage on Saturday, September 5 in Pisgah National Forest. And in the three days leading up to it, one of our woodworkers will be on site turning Hurricane Helene salvaged trees into the Cradle’s newest exhibit.
Watch an Echo Take Shape: September 2–4
Chainsaw artist Mike Ayers of Whetstone Woodworks will be carving live at the Cradle of Forestry on Wednesday, September 2, Thursday, September 3, and Friday, September 4. You’ll find him front and center as you arrive, working storm-felled timber into the wildlife carvings that will make up the Cradle’s new Carved Critter Walk, an installation honoring six species impacted by the storm.
There is something you can’t get from a finished piece: the moment a creature emerges from the log. Stop by, watch the work happen, and talk with Mike between cuts. He’s as engaging as the carvings are. One note if you visit: chainsaw carving is loud, so give him a little room while he works.
Then Celebrate at TimberFest: Saturday, September 5
TimberFest caps the week with the grand unveiling of the completed Carved Critter Walk, plus live wood artisans, timber sports demonstrations by Haywood Community College, local crafters, food trucks, living history, family games, and hands-on educational activities across the Cradle grounds.
Echoes of the Forest will be there with a table alongside the new carvings. Come meet us, hear the story behind each piece, and learn how fallen trees are helping rebuild economic roots for Appalachian artisans and the communities still recovering from Helene. Several of our artisans will also be demonstrating their craft throughout the day, from bowl turning to spoon carving.
Plan Your Visit
Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a water bottle, and plan to stay a while. Activities run throughout the site, from the Forest Discovery Center to the Biltmore Campus Trail.
The Cradle of Forestry is the birthplace of American forestry, and there may be no more fitting home for art carved from trees the forest gave up to the storm. We hope you’ll join us there.
Plan your visit at gofindoutdoors.org. Questions? Reach us at info@echoesoftheforest.org or (828) 273-3096.