A few years ago, it looked like interest in the annual May tree planting program of the Cochrane Environmental Action Committee (CEAC) was faltering.

Currently preparing for the 25th edition of the May event, CEAC president Tim Giese says that's no longer the case.

"We've gone from, hmmm, I think it's run its course, to it's getting close to being oversubscribed," says Giese.

Held in partnership with the Town of Cochrane, Branches and Banks is an annual event that promotes environmental stewardship and community spirit through the planting of trees and environmental enhancement activities within the community. 

It's being held over two days and includes both a corporate/school planting day on May 12 and a public event on May 13.

This year's site is along the west bank of the Bow River near the SLS Centre and Jim Uffelmann Memorial Park.

"That's a huge area where we think we can probably schedule events for one, two, maybe even three years. There's a lot of room there for a lot of trees."

Some classes from RancheView, Cochrane High, and École Manachaban Middle School are scheduled to participate in the May 12 event. Garmin, who played a large role last year, are once again sending a crew, and Giese says Chevron might also be participating.

At the May 13 public planting event, he says they'll be educational outreach on related topics, such as riparian areas and invasive species.

You can expect to hear more as the event draw closer.

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