Pollinators play a keystone role in most ecosystems and are essential for almost a third of our food production. Despite their importance, pollinators are facing serious declines worldwide due to threats such as pesticides, climate change, habitat loss, invasive diseases, and pests. Bees, one of our most important pollinators, are among the many pollinators that are struggling. In the United States there are around 4,000 native bee species, at least 23% of which are in decline.

We can help pollinators by creating and restoring pollinator habitat areas. Ideally, a pollinator habitat is located in a pesticide-free area and near a water source, that includes shelter structures, nesting materials, host plants, and a mix of blooming and nectar plants that are available year-round. The good news is most of these elements are already in your area!

Providing a diverse mix of native blooming plants, shrubs, trees and grasses is the best way to support our pollinators. Native plants are especially beneficial for pollinator habitats because they have evolved specifically to survive our California climate and better support our native pollinators. Floral diversity also supports a variety of pollinator diets and extends the window of nectar and pollen availability.

A healthy abundance of pollinators not only supports the surrounding ecosystem but provides benefits for us as well. Globally, up to 75% of all flowering plant species and 35% of all food crops rely on a pollinator for reproduction.

To learn more about the benefits of hosting pollinator habitat on your commercial farm or ranch, check out our Pollinator Habitat Restoration on Working Lands guide: 

Eligibility Requirements

• Are you a commercial farm or ranch? This program is intended for business operations. 
• Are you willing to greatly reduce and/or completely stop the use of pesticides on your farm or ranch? We do not want to invite pollinators and other beneficial insects to a place that is unsafe for them.
• This program does not fund farmers or ranchers who want to start keeping commercial honey bees.

Our field team will set a time to come out and walk the property with you.  We then create a report for you including plant lists and project ideas based on your goals. If any project suggestions align with our implementation funding, we can discuss that option. 

To sign up for a free site visit, please fill out this short form to teach us about your land and goals.