Wondering what to do with those apples just sitting around the house? A Prince George business as the solution.
For the fifth straight year, Northern Lights Estate Winery and the Northern Bear Awareness Society are collecting apples, hoping to surpass a total of 100,000 pounds since the program's 2015 inception.
It helps the winery make local wine and reduce calls of problematic bears, while also allowing the winery give back to the broader area which includes wildlife habitat and community.
"When bears are attracted to residential areas, not only are the residents at risk but so are the bears, many bears are killed every year because they pose a risk to the health and safety of people in the area," Director of Operations at Northern Lights Estate Winery Moemie Touchette says in a release.
Both organizations say the idea came together after bear activity in areas of the city continued to grow year after year.
“The solution to both problems came together in a very natural way,” Operating Partner at Northern Lights Estate Winery Doug Bell adds in the release.
“In recent years there has been up to 25,000 calls about problem bears to the conservation office annually in BC and we believe that this program is making an impact in reducing these as well as raising money and awareness for the problem.”
The apples are used in the making of several wines including the Lumiere Blanche apple, Ursa apple, Boreal Frizante sparkling, and the newest addition of 2020, the 'Pink Knight.'
“Every fall Bears are needlessly destroyed due to human negligence. In addition to programs like these, our community needs to be mindful of all types of fruit growing in our yards as well as garbage cans and other attractants which can bring unwanted guests to our neighborhoods.” Northern Bear Awareness Society's Dave Bakker adds.
"This problem is not just a Northern one but is occurring in many communities across B.C."
In addition to this program, you can bring your own fruit to Hobby Brews and have your own wine created.
"This is a great way to use up excess fruit and restock your wine cellar at the same time."
Those wanting to bring their donation of apples can bring them to the winery.
Just follow the bins at the back of the winery to drop your fruit off while also following the rules.
