The Salmon Garden
Metal Sculptures by Peter Elvy
This art installation is created to pay homage to native salmon and highlight the importance of conservation and environmental responsibility. It features a school of 13 metal sculptures of salmon swimming amongst waves of ornamental grasses, driftwood and rock. On a windy day, the fish which are supported on flexible metal stems, appear to be migrating towards the spawning channel. Long after Lang Creek Salmon have returned to complete their life cycles and die, the sculptures remain as a permanent reminder of their struggle to spawn and their immeasurable gift to the world.
The Life Cycle of the Salmon
Wood Carving by Mike Brown
The massive half log chainsaw carving welcomes visitors and volunteers to the Lang Creek Salmon Centre. At 12 feet in height, and 30 feet in length, it marks the gateway to the spawning channel and frames the main bed of the Native Plant Garden. The carving depicts the life cycle of the salmon beginning with the eggs, followed by alevins with their egg sacs, smelts, adults, and finally in the representation of an enormous carved Tyee.
Lang Creek Chinook
by raku artist, Ed Oldfield
Raku fired molds, taken from an actual forty-seven pound Chinook, are embedded in two River Rock Cairns also created by the artist. The structures with implanted logs provide the foundation to support the Life Cycle of the Salmon wood carving.
To learn more about the artist, edsraku.com
The Seniors’ Bench
Built from local red cedar, this bench was gifted to the Garden and was designed especially for seniors and rests beside the Creek under a shady Broad Leaf Maple. A carved line drawing of a salmon is on the back of the bench. Above it is a plaque which reads, “Celebrating lifelong learning in our Natural Classrooms” September 2010
Artisan Bench
The rustic bench is nestled between two cedar trees beside The Salmon Garden. It is hand crafted from thick, old growth, Red cedar planks salvaged from the shores of Lois Lake and treated with a tung oil finish.
Trillium Bench
This special bench backs against large garden rockery near a shady home to trilliums. It is built from yellow cedar sourced from a local mill. The wood has been finely sanded and treated with an eco-friendly product.
While taking a break in the dappled light near the Spawning Channel,
garden workers and visitors have a clear view of The Life Cycle of the Salmon wood carving.
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Lang Creek Native Plant Garden Logo
The “ Fish and Flower” design celebrates the vital relationship between salmon and native plants. The generic salmon form represents all Pacific salmon which return to the spawning channel including; Chinook, Chum, Coho, and Pink. The black and red respectfully acknowledges coastal First Nations artistic traditions while the green and white Dogwood is the floral emblem of British Columbia. Fish, flower, and stream are all embraced within concentric “circles of life”.
The logo appears in publications, on gift cards, and Garden signage.
The Salmon Preservation Pathway
A wheelchair accessible pathway of custom engraved brick pavers is in progress. It will encircle the gardens, grounds, and Alex Dobler Salmon Centre. Supporters are invited to participate in the project by donating pavers as memorial tributes to loved ones and pets, or dedications for special events such as births, anniversaries, retirements, and unique forms of community service. All funds raised will be invested in the Salmon Preservation Foundation for local conservation and educational programs for students.
For information on how to order, volunteer, or for updates go to salmonpreservation.org