From Loss to Lumber

In December 2025, we had the profound honor of working with Mr. Dennis Huft as part of the Rogue Treesilience program. Dennis is a Lakota elder and a vibrant member of the Rogue Valley’s indigenous community. His story is one of love, loss, and enduring connection to nature—a story that reminds us why our work is so important.

Dennis’s journey is deeply tied to a towering, century-old ponderosa pine that stood near his 5th wheel home, offering shade, solace, and memories. For decades, he and his late wife shared moments of peace under this great tree, a silent witness to their lives together. After 50 years of marriage, Dennis lost his wife, and this tree became a source of comfort, a living connection to her memory. Their daughter’s trailer, parked nearby, was also sheltered by this majestic pine, adding another layer of significance to its presence.

When a fierce windstorm recently brought the tree down, it was more than a physical loss for Dennis—it was a profound emotional blow. The massive tree not only fell but caused devastating destruction. It crushed his daughter’s trailer, which, although unoccupied at the time, was filled with Dennis’s precious and sentimental belongings. The impact also destroyed a second pop-up trailer and several other items on the property. As Dennis stood among the wreckage, the emotional weight of the loss was palpable.

Dennis’s deep respect for the environment, wildlife, and trees inspired us. Despite his age, he worked alongside our team with incredible dedication and grace. It was a privilege to partner with someone so committed to stewardship, and we know he will nurture the new trees we’ll plant to honor the legacy of the ones that were lost.

The fallen pine, as it turned out, had lived an incredible life. Counting its rings revealed that it had begun its journey in the early 1900s. To honor this tree’s life, we’re ensuring its story continues. With the help of our team, we’ll mill its wood into beautiful lumber. Dennis plans to use some of this wood to build a potting table in memory of his wife—a full-circle tribute to their shared love of nature.

This project wouldn’t have been possible without the expertise and collaboration of our partners. Three ISA-certified arborists from different companies—Casey Roland of Casey P Roland Tree Care, Chris John of Canopy LLC, and Mike Oxendine of Terra Vitalis LLC—worked together seamlessly to ensure the tree’s safe removal. Alex, OUR Community Forestry's ISA Certified Arborist, played a vital role, running saws, operating machinery, and helping clean up the enormous debris. Their teamwork exemplifies the spirit of community that drives Rogue Treesilience.

He reached out to Rogue Treesilience for help, and his story led us to his property. During our initial consultation, as Dennis shared his memories and connection to the tree, two great horned owls soared overhead, as if to remind us of the enduring beauty and resilience of nature. It felt like a sign that this work was meant to be.

While the property’s rural location and abundance of trees might not fit our usual priority criteria, it became clear that the ecological and emotional value of this project was extraordinary. Many of the surrounding trees were in decline, and the massive fallen pine, tangled in others, required specialized and costly equipment for removal. Dennis, now 76, rents the space and lacks the resources to address this challenge. Neither could the property owner, a widow herself.