Airport Hands Out Ornaments Made From Helene Wood

Asheville Regional Airport visitors received handcrafted wooden ornaments made from wood salvaged after Hurricane Helene.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Air Travel

Airport Hands Out Ornaments Made From Helene Wood

Echoes of the Forest handed out wooden airplane ornaments to the first 500 arriving visitors at Asheville Regional Airport. The ornaments were made from wood salvaged after Hurricane Helene.

Why it matters

The giveaway highlights the Appalachian woodworkers who turned trees downed by Helene into art. Asheville travelers and residents are seeing the region's recovery reflected in the first impression visitors get at the airport.

The first 500 arriving visitors each received a free wooden airplane ornament handed out at the airport. The stub does not report total ornaments produced or how many artisans contributed.

The players

Echoes of the Forest

An organization whose artwork can be found across western North Carolina, with all proceeds supporting artists and community members affected by Helene.

The Cradle of Forestry

A forest heritage site in western North Carolina that joined the airport event to share the story of Hurricane Helene.

The details

Artists were stationed by baggage claim to hand out the ornaments, which were handcrafted by Appalachian woodworkers from trees downed by the storm. The Cradle of Forestry joined the event to share the story of Helene.

Hurricane Helene (2024) downed trees and damaged the region.
Ornaments were handed out at Asheville Regional Airport on November 6, 2026.

Travel Outlook

The giveaway reflects how Helene-damaged forests in western North Carolina are being repurposed into local crafts that welcome visitors. Travelers arriving at Asheville's airport now encounter a regional recovery story at the terminal.

Travelers passing through Asheville Regional Airport may encounter similar community giveaways or displays during their trip. Visitors planning a stop in western North Carolina can look for Helene-recovery artwork across the region.

The takeaway

Salvaged storm wood can become meaningful art that supports the people who made it. Visitors who see these pieces get a direct look at the region's recovery.