Asheville Nonprofit Echoes of the Forest Transforms Tragedy into Tribute

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Hurricane Helene devastated the western North Carolina (WNC) landscape, damaging public lands, the artist community and overall economy. The Echoes of the Forest project seeks to transform tragedy into a lasting tribute while helping to revitalize tourism and boost the economy’s bottom line. It brings together nature, community and public art. 

The Asheville Downtown Association recently released a report that cited a 23 percent decrease in visitors this year compared to last. Echoes of the Forest wants to help increase that traffic again. Its mission is multi-fold:

1. To honor the lost trees by converting their remnants into artistic masterpieces known as “Echoes;” 
2. To rehabilitate the local environment and rejuvenate economic opportunities for artists and communities; 
3. To commemorate the loss, but also to celebrate the resilience and engagement of WNC communities as represented through these “Echoes” (e.g., a bench, arch, sculpture, etc.); and to
4. Be a platform for local artisans to showcase their talent while promoting environmental stewardship and education. 

Echoes of the Forest is committed to creating a comprehensive tree trail that highlights these installations across WNC. The project aims to raise awareness about conservation, the impact of natural disasters on the environment, and the stories behind the artists. 

To date, it’s had one bench installed in the hard-hit River Arts District, and three more installations are scheduled at the North Carolina Arboretum in September, October and January. 

“We’re also in discussions with other local entities such as the beautiful Asheville community of Biltmore Forest, the Cradle of Forestry – the birthplace of American forestry, the Town of Saluda, NC and more,” Liisa Andreassen, the nonprofit’s founder, says. 

Echoes of the Forest’s vision revolves around four core values: resilience and renewal, creativity and artistic expression, community engagement and healing, and environmental stewardship with an aim to foster a sense of collective healing and remembrance while also boosting regional tourism and economic activity.

Long-term goals include creating a permanent tree trail; to generate awareness in the younger population about the importance of the environment and conservation; and to build a brand that becomes synonymous with WNC and its forests. 

Echoes of the Forest presents a unique opportunity to transform loss into beauty while fostering community spirit and environmental awareness. 

“We invite individuals and businesses to participate in this ambitious initiative, helping us honor the fallen trees of WNC and to create a legacy of hope and healing,” Andreassen, adds.  

Watch a YouTube video about how the idea was born: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4opTHUf5eE

By coming together, we can create extraordinary spaces that resonate with meaning, art and conservation.

About Echoes of the Forest 

Echoes of the Forest is a 501(c)(3) organization that takes salvaged Hurricane Helene trees and repurposes them into art by woodworkers and local artists to educate the public about a significant, geological, 1,000-year event – Hurricane Helene. Proceeds will benefit woodworkers and a community that suffered. 

To date, it’s been featured in Mountain Xpress, appeared on WLOS, in Biltmore Living Magazine (a private community publication), in AVL Today and on WNCW. Additional stories are scheduled to take place around the anniversary of Helene and will appear on Fox Carolina and in WNC Magazine.  

To donate: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/fundraising/echoes-of-the-forest-donate-to-make-a-difference

To learn more: https://www.echoesoftheforest.org/

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News Source: Echoes of the Forest