Perhaps not literally but a Squamish, British Columbia cidery is taking fruit that might attract bears and turning it into a tasty apple cider. “We live in bear country,” explained Northern Cidery Co. co-owner and head cider maker, Alison Round, “Bears frequent yards to eat apples. Some people cut down very unique varietal trees (to eliminate apples) and we didn’t want that to happen.”
Working with landscapers at SOLScapes they identified fruit tree owners needing help. Rather than letting apples languish and attract bears, volunteers picked them and brought them to Northern Cidery Co., a popular stop on Squamish’s Craft Tasting Trail.
Round went to work crafting a cider using the apples, many of them from trees planted by early immigrants and of varietals not easily found. “That’s the fun part of trying to save the bears,” laughed Round. The label on each bottle of Squamish Heirloom Cider explains how rescuing fruit rescues bears.
The program started in 2018 but Round has big hopes for this blend of conservation and hospitality. “We will be doing it every year. $1 for every bottle sold goes to conservation. People have been very receptive.”
So next time you’re in Squamish, drink a cider and save a bear.
You can learn more at https://northyardscider.com
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