Beloved Grandfather Tree lost in windstorm
The Town of Cochrane is deeply saddened to announce that the Grandfather Tree, a cherished community landmark, fell during a windstorm on January 16, 2025.
Estimated to be around 300 years old, the Grandfather Tree was a symbol of Cochrane’s natural beauty and a significant part of the town’s landscape for generations. Over the years, efforts were made to protect the tree and its surroundings, including the installation of fencing in late fall 2024 to address concerns about foot traffic, soil erosion and root damage. Despite these precautions, the strong winds proved too much for the aging tree. This beloved landmark stood as a symbol of connection and natural beauty for generations of Cochrane residents.
To honour its legacy, we have placed a special mailbox on-site, complete with a community journal. This mailbox invites you to share your memories, stories and reflections about the Grandfather Tree, helping to preserve its cherished history.