To help preserve the legacy of Cochrane’s Grandfather Tree, Cochrane Parks and Open Spaces is asking for cooperation from community while they conduct safety work on Jan. 30.
For the safety of the public, the Grandfather Tree trail will be closed off to all bicycle and pedestrian traffic during this time. The Town asks all residents and visitors to respect the posted signage and to follow any directions by staff working in the area.
As part of the safety measures, a portion of the upper tree will be removed to mitigate any fire risks. Branches along the trunk will also be pruned to stabilize the tree, which will allow it rest more securely on the slope. All wood removed from the site will be preserved for future use in a commemorative project.
Mayor Jeff Genung thanks the community for sharing their thoughts and suggestions on how to commemorate the historic White Spruce.
“This tree has been a cherished part of our community, and we want to ensure it’s remembered for future generations. If you have any ideas to share, we’d love to hear from you,” Genung said.
Propagation specialists successfully collected seeds and meristem cutting from the top of the tree. They are working closely with a grower to propagate the seed and are also looking at innovative tissue culture micropropagation techniques to create potential clones of the Grandfather Tree.
Once all ideas have been gathered, they will be presented to council for consideration. Residents can still submit their suggestions for commemorating the Grandfather Tree by emailing [email protected]. Submissions are being accepted until Friday, January 31, 2025.
