Grandpa's Tree

About this verified tree

"This Didsbury giant has been a part of the Fisher family for four generations. It has withstood many north winds, harsh winters, tree climbers and fort builders. Great-Grandpa August Fisher sold his dairy farm in Calgary (where the airport now stands) and bought the farm west of Didsbury. Like other farmers, he planted shelterbelts around the homestead and fields. The value of trees as wind breaks and for retaining moisture is well known within the farming community. Grandpa Don Fisher says it’s not just the planting of trees that is important: the tending of them is equally so. August picked up the tree saplings in the early 1920s, during a trip to British Columbia to purchase lumber for the barn. He also brought back a surprise—a very young Shetland pony packed in a piano box! We don’t know for sure, but perhaps this gift was meant to keep his son Ernest amused while the cottonwood sapling had a chance to grow. Mixed farming was done initially; it was enough and kept everyone fed. Still, many farmers had to work off the farm occasionally. Regardless of the need for outside work, the farm is the centre of being. For the Fishers, life on the farm feeds the very essence of what is important about family: dedication, hard work and careful tending. Life has always revolved around the children. Where their priorities stand is obvious: today’s fort builders, upon arrival, run to “Grandpa’s Tree”, their first greetings reserved for this cherished family member." ~ Libby Fairweather 2008 Heritage Trees of Alberta This tree is one of the largest Black Cottonwoods in Alberta.

Species

Black Cottonwood

Scientific name

Populus trichocarpa

Area

Alberta

Circumference

5.61 m