Nelson launches Fruit Tree Week to reduce wildlife attractants

Nelson residents are being encouraged to harvest fruit before it falls and clear fallen produce as part of Fruit Tree Week, running Sept. 14 to 18. The city says unmanaged fruit trees can attract bears and other wildlife.

File photo

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Nelson residents are being encouraged to pick ripe fruit, clear fallen produce and share excess harvests as the city prepares for Fruit Tree Week next week.

The City of Nelson says the campaign will run from Sept. 14 to 18, with members of the Youth Climate Corps providing education on fruit-tree management and reducing wildlife attractants. Limited fruit-picking assistance will also be available for residents who need help harvesting their trees.

“Many of Nelson’s fruit trees produce more fruit than households can use,” City of Nelson Climate and Energy Specialist Emily Mask said in the city announcement. “Fruit Tree Week is about giving residents practical tools and support to manage their fruit, reduce wildlife attractants, and make the most of these resources.”

Unharvested fruit can draw bears and other wildlife into residential areas, particularly when ripe fruit remains on trees or falls to the ground. The city is asking residents to pick fruit before it drops, collect fallen fruit regularly and share surplus produce with neighbours, friends or community organizations. Residents who no longer want fruit-producing trees are also encouraged to consider replacing them with non-fruiting species.

The campaign follows a June warning from the city that bear season was underway in Nelson. At the time, the city said a strong natural-food year had contributed to a larger local bear population and warned that unsecured garbage, fruit trees, bird feeders and barbecues could attract bears into residential neighbourhoods and the downtown area.

Provincial guidance also identifies ripe fruit as a food source sought by bears and recommends harvesting fruit as it ripens or before it is fully ripe. Residents who cannot use all of their fruit are encouraged to allow neighbours or friends to harvest it, while unwanted fruit trees can be removed.

Fruit Tree Week is part of Nelson’s broader effort to reduce wildlife attractants, which the city says also includes organics diversion, public education and wildlife-coexistence programs. Nelson’s FoodCycler initiative provides eligible households with countertop appliances that grind and dehydrate food scraps, helping keep food waste out of curbside garbage.

Residents can find Fruit Tree Week information and available resources through the City of Nelson’s website, along with information on wildlife attractants and bear-aware practices.

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