Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, the Town of Cochrane is excited to announce the return of the Community Tree Fruit Round-Up—a community initiative that encourages residents to clean up their yards, reduce wildlife attractants, and support local causes.
The 2024 Round-Up received an incredible response from the community, resulting in hundreds of pounds of fruit being donated to local food banks and the Cochrane Ecological Institute. Building on that success, this year’s event aims to make an even greater impact by continuing to divert surplus fruit to where it’s needed most.
Residents are invited to collect excess fruit from their yards and deliver it to the designated drop-off site. Fruit that has already fallen will be used to support the rehabilitation of injured or orphaned wildlife at the Cochrane Ecological Institute, while freshly picked fruit will be distributed to local food security organizations including the Cochrane Food Bank, Îyâhrhe Nakoda Food Bank and Helping Hands food sheds. Fruit that is too soft or mushy for donation can be placed in residents' green bins for composting.
“The Community Tree Fruit Round-Up made an incredible impact in its first year,” said Trish Kluane, Manager of Parks and Open Spaces. “Residents came together not only to reduce wildlife attractants but also to support local food banks and wildlife rehabilitation efforts. We’re excited to build on this success and make an even greater difference in our community this year.”
The 2025 drop-off events will be held on August 23, September 6, 13, and 20, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Town of Cochrane Lagoon (141 Bow Bend Way). Volunteers will be on-site to assist and ensure donations are sorted appropriately.
For more information about the Community Tree Fruit Round-Up, visit cochrane.ca/TreeFruitRoundUp or contact parks@cochrane.ca.
To learn more about the Cochrane Ecological Institute and the important work they do, visit ceiwildlife.org.
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