Indigenous Flora in Metal
The Art
This sculpture is a tribute to the resilience of native species and the Escarpment’s 400-million-year evolution.
Made from weathering steel, the pieces include mushrooms and indigenous plants that will slowly rust over time, mimicking nature’s own process of transformation and decay. At its centre is a vintage cultivator, its metal roots extending into the ground—symbolizing the historical connection between settlers, Indigenous communities, and the land they shared.
This integration of past and present honors the region’s farming heritage while also drawing attention to sustainable practices. Positioned thoughtfully along the trail, the installation invites quiet reflection on how we relate to the land, its stories, and the species that have shaped its legacy.
The Artist
Renee Jensen
Renee's work is rooted in a deep appreciation for the natural world and an ongoing curiosity about how time, place, and people intersect. Renee is experimenting with different mediums, and has come to enjoy working with metal because of how it transforms—how rust can become a kind of storytelling in itself. In this piece,
Renee celebrates the strength and quiet persistence of native plants while also reflecting on the cultural and ecological histories tied to this landscape. The cultivator at the heart of the installation is a nod to the farming past, but also a reminder of how deeply human stories are entwined with the land. Through her art, she hopes to inspire a sense of connection and care—something that will grow and evolve just like the trail itself.
Find out more about Renee's art: www.reneejensenstudio.ca
