The Great Cochrane Thistle Chop – July 18, 2026
Join us for a morning with friends and neighbours at the first “Great Cochrane Thistle Chop”. Help us care for our beautiful community and the World’s longest trail!
When: Saturday July 18 | 9 – 11 am
Where: Environmental Reserve in the Riviera community along the Bow River trail
This inaugural project is organized in partnership by the Town of Cochrane, CEAC (Cochrane Environmental Action Committee) and the Trans Canada Trail #TrailCare25. Volunteers will spend the morning chopping and removing Canada Thistle as well as have the opportunity to learn about other invasive species in Cochrane. This community event is a great, active outing for all ages. Bring your friends and family or come on your own and meet your neighbours!
We recommend that all volunteers bring a water bottle, thick work gloves and cutting tools (pruners or garden shears) if you have them. A limited number of gloves and cutting tools will also be available for those that do not bring their own.
Be sure to dress for the weather as we go ahead Rain or Shine. Closed toe shoes and long sleeve shirts will provide protection from the thistles.
On site Volunteer Check-In starts at 9:00 am. Participants are asked to park in the lot at the Matt Kroll Park on the north side of the river and walk across the pedestrian bridge. Register at the white canopy located on the south side of the bridge near the pathway. (Please – NO parking at the Jim Uffelmann Memorial Park lot)
Want more information about this event? Please contact Jen, CEAC’s Thistle Chop coordinator, at: info@cochraneenvironment.org
Assist with event preparations by registering all participants (adults and youth) in advance. Sign up (free of charge) on Eventbrite at the link provided below.
Advance Registration: Click HERE !
Volunteers will be asked to sign the Town of Cochrane Parks Volunteer Participant Information and Acknowledgement Form. The form can be downloaded HERE. Participants are asked to bring a completed form for registration on the day of the event (copies will be available at the registration desk for those without a form).
Map – Thistle Chop Location in Riviera:
Parking and pedestrian route to thistle chop site:
