In 2012, we received a call that would become one of our most meaningful projects at Refined Rustic Furniture. Fish Creek Provincial Park, one of Alberta's crown jewels of natural preservation, needed to replace several deteriorating benches in their Native Gardens at The Ranche. This wasn't just another furniture project – it was an opportunity to contribute to a space that tells the story of our region's rich cultural and natural heritage.

The Historical Significance

The Ranche at Fish Creek Provincial Park stands as a testament to Alberta's ranching heritage. Originally established in 1873 by John Glenn, it represents one of the earliest European settlements in Southern Alberta. The Native Gardens, opened in 2000, was thoughtfully designed to honor both the indigenous plants of the region and the traditional knowledge of the First Nations peoples who first tended to these lands.

Our Contribution to the Legacy

When approached about this project, we knew we wanted to create something that would honor both the natural and cultural heritage of the site. We crafted five unique live edge benches, each one telling its own story through the wood's natural character. These weren't just replacement benches – they were pieces of functional art that would become part of the park's ongoing narrative.

The materials we chose held special significance. We used 100% salvaged wood reclaimed from the Porcupine Hills in Southern Alberta, specifically Cedar and Douglas Fir. These tree species have been integral to the region's ecosystem and were historically used by both Indigenous peoples and early settlers. By salvaging this wood, we were able to give new life to fallen trees while reducing environmental impact.

Craftsmanship Meets Conservation

Each bench was individually handcrafted to preserve as much of the wood's natural beauty as possible. We maintained the live edges of the wood – the natural contours of the tree – and carefully rounded the corners for comfort. This approach reflected our philosophy that furniture should honor the natural character of the wood while serving a practical purpose.

Understanding the cultural and educational importance of the Native Gardens, we chose to volunteer a portion of our materials and labor. This was our way of investing in a space that serves as both an educational resource and a peaceful retreat for countless visitors. The gardens, maintained by dedicated members of the Calgary Horticultural Society, continue to educate visitors about native plants and their traditional uses.

A Lasting Impact

Today, these benches continue to serve park visitors, providing rest spots where people can pause to appreciate the beauty of the Native Gardens. They've weathered the elements and aged gracefully, developing a patina that only adds to their rustic charm. It's deeply satisfying to know that our work contributes to the experience of the thousands of visitors who explore Fish Creek Provincial Park each year.

Custom Creations for Every Space

At Refined Rustic Furniture, we bring this same level of care and craftsmanship to all our projects, whether they're for public spaces or private homes. While these particular benches showcase the beauty of Cedar and Douglas Fir, we work with a variety of wood species including Walnut, Poplar, Aspen, Spruce, and others. Each piece is custom-designed to meet our clients' needs while highlighting the unique character of the wood.

Our ability to process most types of logs in-house allows us to oversee the entire creation process, from raw material to finished piece. This hands-on approach ensures that each item we create maintains the highest standards of quality while honoring the natural beauty of the wood.

Visit these benches and the Native Gardens at Fish Creek Provincial Park to experience firsthand how natural beauty, cultural heritage, and craftsmanship can come together to create something truly special.

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