Last week, Cochrane bid farewell to one of its most cherished landmarks: the 300-year-old Grandfather Tree. This majestic white spruce, a symbol of the region’s history, was brought down by powerful winds late January 16 or early in the morning on January 17
The storm was so intense that residents took to social media to share stories of nailing down their barbecues to prevent them from blowing away. While high winds are common in Cochrane, it seems the centuries-old tree had grown too frail to endure the forceful gusts it had withstood for hundreds of years.
Some locals speculate that the tree’s decline may have been hastened by the very affection it inspired. Over the past decade, the Grandfather Tree became a social media sensation, attracting countless visitors who marvelled at its grandeur. Its gnarled roots and sweeping canopy made it a favourite spot for selfies, wedding, and landscape photography.
Ironically, the features that made the tree so iconic also made it vulnerable. Visitors often scaled its branches and clambered over its roots, compacting the soil and accelerating erosion. To address this problem, the town of Cochrane recently installed fencing around the tree to protect it from further damage.
Despite these measures, time and nature had their way. The mighty tree, loved by generations, has finally fallen.
Outpouring of Love
The news of the tree’s demise quickly spread on social media, with thousands sharing personal memories and photos of the beloved landmark. Many long-time Cochrane residents recalled family photos, wedding proposals, and moments of spiritual joy under the canopy of the Grandfather Tree.
Lisa Almond, Executive Director of Community Safety & Wellbeing for the Town of Cochrane, encapsulated the sentiment, telling Cochrane Now, “It’s the most loved tree in Cochrane. I immediately think of the students who went through all the effort of naming the tree. There’s so much history around it. So, yeah, it’s a sad day.”
She added, “We definitely wanted to preserve its life a little bit longer. But now, we’re looking at what we can do to preserve its memory instead.”
On January 17, arborists visited the site to explore the possibility of propagating seeds from the Grandfather Tree. Alongside plans to grow young trees from its seeds, the town invites the community to contribute ideas on how best to commemorate the iconic landmark.
“We’ll be engaging with the community to gather ideas on how we can memorialize the tree and the site,” Almond said. “There will definitely be a way to honour its legacy.”
A Future Legacy
Bill Belsey, a former teacher at RancheView School and his students were responsible for getting the town of Cochrane to name the Grandfather Tree the “official tree” of Cochrane in 2022.
Belsey suggested on Facebook, “I would like to suggest that the extensive root system and any salvageable part of its massive trunk be allowed to remain. I suggest that Cochrane’s very talented and creative Widahl Woodcraft be asked to create art from these remaining sections.”
Many others commented on Facebook and expressed similar hopes that the town would make a memorial, such as a bronze statue, plaque, or a bench. Others hope that parts of the tree can be used to make memories.
For example, Lilly Storring wrote on Facebook, “Hopefully, this magical fallen wood is harvested and used for beautiful trinkets, wands, and magical memories. Let’s preserve the area so the babies can spring from its stump.”
Lacy May Ranger suggested, “Art… Carve it, make wood ornaments for trees and run a fundraiser for the community with the sales…. Spoons from the branches… so much you could do with that.”
Desireé LeBoeuf said, “We should make a totem pole out of it.”
But not everyone agrees that the town should use the tree, but rather that nature should run its course.
For example, former Mayor and Councillor Judy Stewart wrote, “Perhaps we can leave the tree where it lies and let nature address the loss. Fallen trees are very important in an urban forest. Many species need fallen trees for various natural functions. Let’s leave it be.”
Yvonne Spies agreed with Judy Stewart, writing, ”If possible, leave the trunk and root system natural. Don’t try to carve them up or make them into some art item. Let what remains stay as Nature grew it, a tribute to the grand old tree.”
Geoffrey Villebrun argues that “the best gift Cochrane can give the tree is to continue to let it give life back to the forest. We should leave it.”
How can we best honour the 300-year-old patriarch of the Cochrane area? Head over to our Facebook channel and let us know your thoughts.
