As part of my work with Echoes of the Forest, I recently visited UNCA’s Community Lumber Project to learn how Hurricane Helene–felled trees are being transformed into resources for rebuilding and community recovery.
Following Hurricane Helene, thousands of trees across Western North Carolina were damaged or destroyed. Through a grant awarded to UNCA’s STEAM Studio, the Community Lumber Project acquired a mobile sawmill and equipment to process salvaged timber into usable lumber. Rather than allowing these trees to be chipped or discarded, the project gives them a second life.
The sawmill only processes trees that have fallen due to Helene or other natural causes. By repurposing this wood, this project helps reduce waste while decreasing the demand for newly harvested timber. Local processing also lowers the environmental impact associated with transporting lumber from outside the region.
When I was there, I worked with the mill operator to mill some of the lumber into flower bed boards that would later be used for community gardens. During my visit, I learned that the lumber is being used for a variety of community projects, including benches, trail improvements, and rebuilding efforts. UNCA students are also involved in the process, gaining hands-on experience through woodworking, design, and sustainability-focused projects.
The mission of UNCA’s Community Lumber Project closely aligns with the work of Echoes of the Forest. Both initiatives recognize that these fallen trees represent more than storm debris — they are part of the story of Western North Carolina. Through lumber, public art, and educational projects, the wood continues to serve the communities it once sheltered.
Check out UNCA’s Community Lumber Project here: stories.unca.edu/community-lumber-project.
Visiting the sawmill was a reminder that recovery can take many forms. By transforming Hurricane Helene–felled trees into useful materials, UNCA is helping preserve a piece of our region’s history while supporting a more sustainable future.
Visit us at echoesoftheforest.org — or reach us at info@echoesoftheforest.org or (828) 273-3096.