Storm to Stove: Timber and Firewood Processing After Hurricane Helene

Though Hurricane Helene imposed widescale destruction on the mountains of North Carolina, opportunities are available to make the most out of the devastation. Two options you can pursue are to generate firewood and sawtimber. This two-day technical workshop at the Hinton Center in Hayesville will cover best practices for processing storm-damaged timber into firewood and other wood products. Experts will present key topics, including post-storm timber recovery, chainsaw safety, wood extraction methods, sawmilling, firewood production, drying, storage, and safety. Hands-on demonstrations and technical discussions will provide practical insights into equipment, safety protocols, and efficiency in wood utilization—from storm to stove. Whether you're a landowner, forester, or firewood professional, this workshop offers essential knowledge for maximizing wood resources. The event will take place on Friday and Saturday, August 8th and 9th, 2025 at the Hinton Center, located at 2330 Hinton Center Rd, Hayesville, NC 28904. The cost for the event is $40 and includes registration, lunch both days and snacks. Registration is limited to 40 attendees.

If you are interested in lodging for the event at the Hinton at the Hinton Center, click on this link: https://hintoncenter.org/.

Day 1: Friday, August 8, 2025

08:00 AM - 08:30 AM - Registration

08:30 AM- 09:00 AM - Welcoming and Introduction

09:00 AM - 09:30 AM - Forests, Trees, Wood

09:30 AM - 10:00 AM - From tree to wood products

10:00 AM - 10:15 AM - Break

10:15 AM - 11:00 AM - Getting the wood out of the forest

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Live Demonstration and/or Activity

12:00 PM - 01:00 PM Lunch

01:00 PM - 04:00 PM Chainsaw Safety Training Presentation and Activities

Day 2: Saturday, August 9, 2025

08:30 AM - 09:00 AM - Welcoming

09:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Heating with Wood

10:00 AM - 10:15 AM Break

10:15 AM - 11:00 AM - Making Firewood - Production and Processing, Equipment

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Drying, Storage, Moisture

12:00 PM - 01:00 PM - Lunch

01:00 PM - 02:00 PM - Firewood Equipment Demonstration

02:00 PM - 03:00 PM - Fire protection

03:00 PM - 04:00 PM - Open Discussion

Also check out other Workshops in Hayesville.