(Cochrane, AB) - The Town of Cochrane is inviting residents to take part once again in the Community Tree Fruit Round-Up, a successful community initiative that brings neighbours together to reduce wildlife attractants, prevent food waste and support local food programs and wildlife rehabilitation.
Now in its third year, the Community Tree Fruit Round-Up continues to grow through strong resident participation. Over the past two years, the initiative has helped divert hundreds of pounds of fruit from local yards to organizations that can put it to meaningful use. By collecting excess fruit before it attracts wildlife such as bears, residents help keep neighbourhoods safer while supporting food access and animal care in the community.
“The Community Tree Fruit Round-Up continues to show the strength of community action in Cochrane,” said Trish Kluane, Manager of Parks and Open Spaces . “Residents are making a real difference by reducing wildlife attractants, supporting local food security and helping provide food for injured and orphaned animals in rehabilitation. As the initiative enters its third year, we are excited to see this community effort continue to grow.”
Residents are invited to collect excess fruit from their yards and bring it to the designated drop-off location. Fruit that has fallen on the ground will be donated to the Cochrane Ecological Institute, where it helps feed injured or orphaned animals being rehabilitated. Freshly picked fruit that has not touched the ground will be distributed to local food security organizations, including the Cochrane Food Bank, Îyâhrhe Nakoda Food Bank and the Helping Hands food sheds.
Fruit that is too soft or mushy for donation cannot be accepted and should be placed in residents’ green bins for composting.
The Town also encourages residents to check in with neighbours who may need help picking fruit from their trees. Lending a hand helps more residents participate and keeps additional fruit from becoming a wildlife attractant.
The Community Tree Fruit Round-Up takes place on August 22, September 12 and September 26, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Town of Cochrane Operations shop parking lot, 124 Griffin Road. Volunteers will be on-site to assist with donations and ensure fruit is 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.