Trochu Arboretum

Trochu, Alberta

Type: Park/Landscape
Address: 622 North Road, Trochu, AB, Canada
Get directions
Hours: Open Always
Phone: 4035505415

A local historical site found in the heart of the Central Alberta prairies; the Trochu Arboretum is a nature lover’s paradise. Home to our heritage larch and wych elm trees, as well as numerous specimens of colourful trees and flowers. We also offer unique educational programs in the field of horticulture. An ornithologist’s haven with a diverse population of birds which are found in our fountains and ponds. The visitor amenities include picnic tables, wheelchair friendly washrooms, and an interpretive centre available for group rentals. The site is also available for weddings, photo shoots, and group tours. During the month of December, we light up winter with our ‘Forest of Lights’ display.

Amenities

Educational Institution
Family-Friendly
Parking
Parkland
Washrooms
Wheelchair Access

Fun Facts

William Garrick came from England in 1905 and to Trocchu in 1908. He served as CPR lands agent and was in real estate, loans and the insurance business. In 1913 he became Secretary/Treasurer for the Municipality of Roach and held this office until the end of 1941for the MD of Ghost Pine. In I918 he purchased this property from Dr. Milne. He planted most of the mature trees on te site and built the house and garage in the 1920’s. In 1946 he moved to Victoria, B.C and returned to England in 1951 where he died

Dr. Milne came West from Ontario in 1908 and became Trochu’s first medical doctor. The quarter section of which this acreage is a part was acquired by Dr. Milne from the Calgary and Edmonton Railway Company in 1911. It was subdivided into 800 town lots but with the intervention of WW1, none of the lots were developed. In 1913 Dr. Milne left for further study in England. Th then served as a captain in the British Army and did war surgery until 1918. He returned West in 1919 to practice in Calgary until his retirement in 1957.

Dr. Hay was born in Medicine Hat in 1914. He took his medical training at the University of Alberta and earned his degree in 1942. World War II was in progress, and he entered military service as Captain in the Army Medical Corp. He served as a doctor overseas in Europe. He returned to Canada in 1946 and came to Trochu in August of that year to begin a medical practice that was to last for the next 27 years. In 1947 he purchased this property as his home and kept a cow, poultry and bees for a time. He had many talents besides his medical practice. He was an accomplished pianist, artist and gardener. Many of the trees, shrubs and flowers on the property were planted by him. Dr. Hay was much admired and respected by the people of Trochu and a large surrounding area as both a doctor and friend. He died here at his home in 1973.

Sandy & Mary Welbourn purchased this property in 1982. It had remained unlived and not maintained for 10 years. They did repairs on the house and some landscaping and used the property as a summer residence but maintained a home in Calgary. Sanday saw the potential for an Arboretum here. With his persistence, hard work and vision for the future. The Arboretum at Trochu was officially opened on July 1, 1989. The Town of Trochu now owns the property but the Arboretum is run by the Trochu & District Arboretum Society. Sandy & Mary now reside in West Bank BC,