Weeds, invasive species & gardening

Weeds, invasive species & gardening 

Cochrane is home to beautiful parks, pathways and open spaces, and we all play a role in keeping them healthy. Managing weeds and invasive species helps protect our natural environment, and there are ways you can help — whether it’s reporting problem plants, pulling weeds on your property or getting involved in community efforts. 

We all have a role in weed control  

Some weeds are more than just a nuisance — they can spread quickly and harm local ecosystems. That’s why Alberta has a Weed Control Act, which regulates weeds and classifies them as either noxious or prohibited noxious.    

If you spot provincially regulated weeds in Cochrane: 

• On public property — Notify Parks and Open Spaces at parks@cochrane.ca. 
• On your own property — You’re responsible for managing noxious weeds and destroying prohibited ones on your property. This is enforced by the Weed Control Act and Cochrane’s Nuisance and Unsightly Premises Bylaw. Pulling, mowing, digging or using an appropriate treatment can help stop the spread. Bag any removed weeds and dispose of them in your black bin. 
• On private property (someone else’s yard) — Report concerns to Municipal Enforcement at peace.officers@cochrane.ca. 

Please include as much information as possible when reporting weeds, including pictures.   

For details on regulated weeds, check out the Alberta Weed Control Act and the Alberta Invasive Species Council. 

How we control invasive weeds 

Our Parks and Open Spaces team follows an environmentally responsible approach to weed control, balancing natural methods with careful, limited use of herbicides. We focus on: 

• Prevention — keeping plants and turf healthy through fertilizing, aeration and other care 
• Manual control — cutting, trimming and removing weeds by hand when possible 
• Targeted herbicide use — applied only when necessary, using Health Canada–approved products; if herbicide is used, we notify residents in advance and post signs for 48 hours after application 

Get involved: become a Thistle Bounty Hunter - September 9th, 2026

Looking for a way to make a difference and raise money for your local group? Our Thistle Bounty program lets teams, schools classes or non-for-profit groups remove invasive species while earning a $300 reward for their organization.  

How it works: 

• Open to Cochrane-based organizations or schools
• Groups must provide 10 volunteers for a three-hour weed chop     
• Participants must bring own THICK WORK GLOVES and GARDEN SNIPS
• Minimum age: 10 years old
• 2026 Date and location: September 9th, Riviera Park Space along the Bow River, 9am -12pm
• Limited to 6 groups -  register here today! Thistle Bounty Hunters Application | Town of Cochrane

Gardening & public land 

We love seeing residents take pride in their yards, but please remember that public land — including parks, pathways and open spaces — must remain natural and accessible for everyone. If you’re unsure whether land belongs to you or the Town of Cochrane, a good rule of thumb is if it’s outside your fence, it’s Town land. 

Activities not allowed on public land include:   

• Planting gardens, trees or shrubs 
• Mowing, spraying or fertilizing grass 
• Dumping materials (organic or inorganic) 
• Installing fences, rock walls, sheds or composters 
• Storing vehicles, trailers or equipment 

If you have any questions about permitted activities, reach out to Parks and Open Spaces. 
Email: parks@cochrane.ca 
Have a request? Use our Operation Request to get in touch.