Celebrate Pollinators: Nature's Unsung Heroes

By Linzi Gay June is National Pollinator Month, a time to shine a light on the vital role these incredible creatures play in our environment. From the familiar buzz of bees to the graceful dance of butterflies, pollinators tirelessly transfer pollen, enabling the growth of countless plants, including our essential food crops. Did you know that 1 in every 3 bites of food we eat relies on pollinators? Without them, our tables would be missing a vast array of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Imagine a world with fewer apples, berries, and melons. Imagine a landscape devoid of vibrant wildflowers. The absence of pollinators would have a devastating impact on food chains, biodiversity, and overall ecosystem health. Pollinators are the backbone of healthy ecosystems, supporting not only crops but also countless animal species. From birds that depend on nectar-bearing flowers to bees that produce honey, these interconnected relationships are essential for the survival of our natural world.

What can we do to support and protect our pollinators?

• Plant pollinator-friendly gardens: Choose native plants that provide a feast of nectar and pollen, creating a haven for bees and butterflies in your yard or community spaces.
• Avoid pesticides: Opt for organic and natural alternatives to protect both your garden and these vital creatures.
• Provide shelter: Consider installing bee houses, birdhouses, or bat boxes to offer safe havens for pollinators.
• Spread awareness: Share the importance of pollinators with others, educating your friends, family, and community about their critical role in sustaining our environment.

Clif Family Winery is committed to supporting pollinators in several ways:

• Planting Pollinator-Friendly Habitats: We actively cultivate pollinator-friendly areas at our Napa Valley farm and vineyards. Clif Family also contributes to the Monarch Joint Venture program by growing milkweed seed at our Valle di Sotto vineyard. This program works with landowners across California to conserve and create habitat for the Monarch butterfly.
• Advocating for Pollinator-Friendly Solar Farms: As solar energy development expands, so does the opportunity to create flowering landscapes that provide nesting habitats and diverse food sources for pollinators. The land under and around solar panels is ideal for planting nectar and pollen-producing plants.
• Solar Grown™ Honey Line: In 2020, we launched our Solar Grown Honey, made from hives located on or near solar farms. These hives benefit from the pollinator-friendly plants under the solar arrays, promoting biodiversity, enriching the soil, and providing additional benefits to the panels themselves.

Let's celebrate and protect our pollinators! Every action, no matter how small, can make a difference. By working together, we can ensure a healthy and vibrant future for these essential creatures and the ecosystems they sustain.