THE HEARTWOOD TRAIL PROJECT
From the Roots We Rise :
Driving Regional Economic Reovery & River Restoration
A Call to Carve the Sunshine Back
​When the floodwaters receded, the loss across our river communities was overwhelming. Shortly after, a local cabin owner reached out with a simple, powerful request: "Dusty, can you carve a little sunshine back into these communities that have lost so much?"
​That single call sparked The Heartwood Trail Project. Starting with ancient cypress logs saved from the July 4th Guadulupe flood, we are driving long-term economic recovery and direct river restoration across the 35-mile corridor from Hunt to Comfort. Together, we rise.
The Heartwood Trail is more than a memorial—it is a strategic cultural tourism asset designed to support long-term regional recovery. By creating a 20-sculpture permanent installation along THE TEXAS LEGENDS TRAIL™ (TCAF), connecting Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, and Comfort, the project establishes a continuous "Visit Loop" that encourages travel across the River Road corridor, extends visitor stays, and drives spending into local businesses throughout the county.
When the historic floodwaters receded, they left behind massive, ancient river cypress uprooted across the Hill Country. In our hands, it is the raw fuel for a cultural renaissance. The Heartwood Revival is a dedicated mission to use this priceless, resilient timber and transform it into permanent economic assets.
The Economic & Environmental Business Loop:
Utilizing salvaged, flood-felled cypress from the historic flood, located at Roddy Tree Ranch for optimal storage. By honoring the region's natural history, we transform massive environmental debris into a high-value protected resource.
Instead of allowing these historic wittness trees to go to the mill, we have saved them to be world-class public art.
The Heartwood Trail:
Be a Part of the Revival
In Partnership with Extreme Weather Survivors