Asheville – In the wake of Hurricane Helene, a storm that left a trail of destruction across Western North Carolina, Sara Sanders, the director of UNC Asheville’s STEAM Studio, found herself grappling with a profound sense of loss. “When Helene happened, we were consumed with grief like the rest of Western North Carolina and wanted to find ways to turn the grief into action,” she reflected. This sentiment sparked an innovative initiative that would not only aid in recovery but also foster community resilience through the transformative power of wood.
Turning Trees into Timber
The STEAM Studio recently received a $200,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina’s Emergency and Disaster Response Fund, a lifeline that will enable them to process trees felled by the hurricane into usable lumber. The funding has allowed for the purchase of a mobile sawmill from Wood-Mizer, which was generously offered at a 50 percent discount, along with essential equipment like a compact track loader and a kiln for drying the wood. This project is not just about milling lumber; it’s about breathing new life into what was lost.
As Sanders explained, “We figured that if we could get a mill and start producing lumber from salvaged timber, we could donate it to community rebuilding efforts.” The vision is clear: to mill trees that fell due to Helene or other natural causes and make the lumber available for free or at a discounted rate for various recovery-related uses.
The first use of the mill on campus was to create timber for a steam-bending class, showcasing how this initiative intertwines education with community service. Students will also contribute to building benches for the Botanical Gardens, further embedding this project into the fabric of local culture.
Engaging Students and Community
The involvement of UNC Asheville students is central to the project’s mission. Beyond the initial milling, students will have opportunities to engage in multiple facets of the operation. “We hope students will be involved in designing and building solar kilns to pre-dry lumber,” Sanders noted, emphasizing the hands-on learning experience this project offers. The kiln will eventually provide dried lumber for artists and woodworkers who lost inventory in the storm, as well as for interior architectural needs in rebuilding homes.
The STEAM Studio is also committed to reducing barriers to accessing resources and skills. “If someone comes to us and says they need support or assistance, we will honor that and do our best to meet them where they are,” Sanders stated. This trust-based approach ensures that those most affected by the disaster can benefit from the resources available.
Moreover, workshops are planned in collaboration with the Asheville Tool Library, where participants can learn how to safely use woodworking tools to create garden beds, fencing, and other projects. This educational component not only empowers individuals but also strengthens community ties as people come together to rebuild.
Building Resilience for Future Challenges
The Community Lumber Project is not merely about recovery; it’s about laying the groundwork for future resilience. As Sanders articulated, “We see the recovery process as not just rebuilding what was lost, but building resilience and readiness for future challenges.” The project aims to provide materials for outdoor projects that support food resilience, such as fencing and raised garden beds.
Hundreds of logs are downed on the property of the North Carolina Arboretum alone, which STEAM will mill into lumber for benches and trail maintenance. This collaboration highlights how local institutions can work together to address immediate needs while fostering long-term sustainability.
As the project evolves, so too will its impact on the community. “This concept was admittedly outside our normal scope of work,” Sanders admitted, “but sometimes stretching beyond those boundaries can bring unexpected meaning and growth to our work.”
The STEAM Studio stands as a testament to what can be achieved when creativity meets necessity. It embodies a spirit of innovation that resonates deeply within the community, transforming grief into action and loss into opportunity.