Much-beloved historic Cochrane landmark destroyed in powerful windstorm
Global News
Cochrane's 'Grandfather Tree' -- a much-loved feature of the town's natural landscape, was destroyed by the windstorm that swept across Alberta on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.
Its a sad day for the residents of Cochrane.
On Friday morning, the town just outside Calgary announced that a longstanding and much-loved community landmark was destroyed by the windstorm that swept across Alberta on Thursday, during which wind gusts reached about 85 km/h.
Known as “The Grandfather Tree” — a white spruce, estimated to be about 300 years old — it has long been a celebrated feature of Cochrane’s natural landscape.
The ancient tree was part of a stand of trees growing southwest of Bighill Creek, near the historic Cochrane Ranche.
Its most impressive feature was its huge root system, with many of the roots growing outward, above ground, to help support the weight of the tree.
“This is a beloved landmark,” said Cochrane Mayor Jeff Genung, as he surveyed the damage to the tree on Friday. “To locals this is really a secret gem.”
“Growing up in Cochrane, I played in this forest along this big hill creek for many, many hours, and the tree was always the place where — my friends and I were like — we will meet you at the tree.”
Genung says there has been an outpouring of support and emotional tributes to the tree.
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