From Trunks to Seats: How County Parks Repurposes Trees as Natural Wood Benches
Parks staff use their forestry skills to repurpose felled trees into natural benches that blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment
Santa Clara County Parks manages more than 52,000 acres of parkland, much of it forested with redwoods, oaks, sycamores, bay laurels, tan oaks and many other species of tree.
As in other forested environments, trees fall naturally or are removed for health and safety reasons. Normally, they are chipped or cut up and left to decompose in the natural parkland. Some trees are even sent into the green waste stream to be processed into mulch.
But a few select trees are pulled aside to be milled and repurposed into natural wood park benches for the enjoyment of park visitors.
These benches offer a unique opportunity for visitors to discover a comfortable resting spot along park trails. Hikers who use them appreciate the experience of resting their tired legs on these comfortable natural wood benches that blend seamlessly into the environment. Some park visitors even refer to them as art.
These natural wood benches are created by park staff who use their skills at felling trees to craft them. Besides offering picturesque resting spots, the benches boast a low carbon footprint because of the lack of transportation costs in their production and their biodegradability.
So, if you are at Mt. Madonna County Park, the Rancho San Vicente entrance to Calero County Park, or Hellyer County Park, keep an eye out for one of these special benches. When you find one, take the time to sit, rest and enjoy our County Parks.
And if you want to contribute to the ongoing cycle of these trees and benches, consider volunteering to help plant and maintain trees at County Parks. For volunteer opportunities, please visit Volunteer Opportunities - Parks and Recreation.
Article by Mike Will, manager of park maintenance services for the Santa Clara County Parks & Recreation Department.