From Forest Snags to Chainsaw Art: Troy Danks Gives Fallen Trees a Second Life
Danks Tree Creations turns wood that would otherwise become firewood into hand-carved owls, bears, eagles, and wood spirits.
Repurposing What the Forest Leaves Behind
Troy Danks has been climbing trees for 27 years. He started in forestry, carving wildlife habitat snags into nesting spots for eagles, ospreys, and other creatures out in the woods. That early work instilled a deep respect for what trees can offer, even after they come down.
An Urban Forester Who Stayed
Troy moved from forestry into town as an urban forester and has spent years trimming and maintaining trees in Eugene and the surrounding area. When a tree is no longer living, his chainsaw art gives it a different kind of permanence. As he puts it, it is fun to take some of these trees that are no longer with us and create critters that will live on.
“It's fun to take some of these trees that are no longer with us and create critters that will live on.”
Troy Danks, Danks Tree Creations
Rooted in Eugene for Thirty Years
Troy marked 30 years in Eugene at the time of this interview, and his ties to the community run well beyond his tree work. He plays in a bluegrass folk band that performs regularly at brew pubs and venues around town, often bringing families out to dance and play music together.