The Sunshine Coast Fruit Tree Project (SCFTP) is back for its second year and hopes to build on the success of 2009.
There were more than 40 fruit tree locations donated and more than 65 volunteer pickers last year. This combined community effort resulted in more than 1,700 kilograms of fresh fruit being harvested, of which 610 kilograms went to organizations like the Food Bank.
"The Fruit Tree Project is about building relationships in our community and increasing access to fresh local fruit," said advisory committee member Mary Degan. "There will be several learning opportunities including food preservation workshops, fruit tree care, and more in conjunction with the One Straw Society's Wednesday Food Hub at the Roberts Creek Community Hall."
SCFTP members harvest now through October and plan to pick regularly on Sunday afternoons and Tuesday evenings, weather and ripeness permitting. The harvest will be split between fruit tree owners, pickers, organizations that distribute food to those in need, and selling fruit to support the project.
"Picking fruit in a timely manner also dissuades bears from feasting in our backyards, and that means less chance of bear/human contact, and less damage to the food trees," Degan added.
Degan said the success of this program depends on volunteers, and there are many ways to get involved. If you have fruit trees, register with the SCFTP before your fruit is ready. As a volunteer, you could help with harvesting, preserving or distributing fruit, or assisting with workshops and fundraising activities. Donations and in-kind contributions from picking equipment like ladders or canning supplies, pie plates and more are always welcome.
For more information, go to scfruittree.org to register your trees or yourself as a volunteer, or contact Greg Welstead, SCFTP co-ordinator, at [email protected] or 604-740-6675.
Upcoming events include a two-day apple workshop with apple guru Harry Burton of Apple Luscious, July 14 and 15. To register, contact Robin Wheeler at 604-885-4505 or [email protected].
- Submitted
