If you’ve wandered the woods at Eau Claire’s Mount Simon Park recently, you may have encountered some amazing wooden structures and sculptures that seem to emerge from the earth itself. These organic creations are the handiwork of Ryan and Brandie Butler of Eau Claire. Beginning in August 2023, Ryan began transforming sticks and grapevines he found into lean-tos, walls, and even a massive circular “moon gate.” He and his family have put countless hours into the project, which he dubbed “Oak Lair.”

“We’re just a couple of regular folks that have some artsy ideas,” Ryan told Volume One photographer Andrea Paulseth, who came to snap these images.

“It’s a fun way to spent our time when we can together,” Brandie added.

In addition to their own hands, their primary tools have been a rubber mallet and a spade, although Ryan says he’ll occasionally clip off the sharp end of a branch so it doesn’t snag a child or pet exploring the wooden wonders.

“We didn’t get any permits. I didn’t think of that,” Ryan said with a laugh. “If the city has problem, they can tell me.”