For the second year in a row, Cochrane has been awarded a grant from the Trans Canada Trail (TCT) to assist with tree-planting initiatives this spring.

The town has received a $1,250 Trail Care grant to help purchase materials like soil and mulch for the planting events.

“These grants support the trail where it really counts – at the local level," states TCT CEO Mattieu Roy in a new release on the funding. "Trail groups can decide what their community needs most while making their mark on this incredible national trail network.”

"It is inspiring to see such strong interest in a nationwide effort to care for the trail that connects us all,” he continues.

Grants of up to $1,500 have been awarded through the program for the last five years 

In collaboration with the Cochrane Environmental Action Committee's Branches and Bank program, four classes of students, ranging from grades 5 to 10, along with some corporate business, will be participating in a tree planting event on May 24.

West Fraser (formerly Spray Lake Sawmills) continues to generously support the event. It is donating 300 White Spruce saplings, the official tree of Cochrane, and one of their experienced tree planters will be on hand to show the students how their specialized tools are used for reforestation. 

The following day, the 26th annual Branches and Banks tree-planting event is being held. 

Families interested in joining can register for the May 25 event at Branches and Banks - May 25, 2024 - Cochrane Environmental Action Committee. 

Last year, a record 2,200 trees were planted over the two days.

READ MORE: WATCH: Branches and Banks shatters record in 25th tree plant

June 1 is Cochrane Arbor Day, an initiative created by now-retired teacher Bill Belsey and his RancheView grade 6 class in 2022. The town will commemorate this special day by hosting a tree planting event as close to the date as possible, inviting students to participate and contribute to increasing the growth of our urban forest.

READ MORE: Local grade 6 students plant seeds for the future

That same day is special to the Trans Canada Trail. Its Trail Care program will culminate with a national Trail Care Day, including an event on the Amisk Wacîw Mêskanaw Trail (Beaver Hill Road Trail) in Edmonton.