World Wildlife Day is a time to recognize and celebrate the incredible biodiversity that sustains our ecosystems. At Frog Hollow Farm, we are deeply committed to regenerative farming practices that not only produce nutrient dense organic fruit but also create a thriving habitat for wildlife. From pollinators like monarch butterflies and native bees to majestic owls, our farm is a sanctuary for species that play vital roles in our environment. Here’s how we foster wildlife and promote biodiversity on our farm.

Wildlife We Support on Our Farm

Habitat loss has led to the decline of many species, but at Frog Hollow Farm, we are creating a refuge for pollinators and beneficial wildlife. For example, monarch butterflies are endangered and rely on milkweed to feed and lay their eggs, so we have planted over 170 native plants from the Xerces Society since 2021 to support their population and the population of other pollinators alike. Our efforts have already resulted in monarchs returning to our farm, and we plan to continue that effort year after year! Native bees are also crucial pollinators, with about 70 species found in our Brentwood region. To support them, we’ve collaborated with the Urban Bee Lab at UC Berkeley to plant year-round flowering species that provide nectar and pollen, while also maintaining a pesticide-free environment where they can nest safely. Additionally, barn owls help naturally manage gopher populations, rather than relying on harmful chemicals to do so. To support the declining number of barn owls, we have installed owl boxes throughout the orchard, providing a safe nesting space and encouraging their presence as part of our integrated pest management system.

Regenerative Practices that Support Wildlife

Beyond providing habitat for monarchs, bees, and owls—to name a few— we implement farming techniques that enhance biodiversity and promote wildlife at every level of our ecosystem:

• Hedgerows: In partnership with the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), we have planted California-native hedgerows, which serve as food and shelter for a variety of wildlife. For example, Catalina Cherry produces berries that attract birds, while Grey Pine provides perching spots for raptors. Manzanita offers berries loved by many bird species, and flowering shrubs such as Wild Rose and St. Catherine’s Lace ensure a continuous nectar supply for pollinators.
• Cover Crops: Instead of clearing plant life from the understory of the orchard, we allow natural vegetation to flourish alongside intentionally planted cover crops. These green carpets serve as a refuge for beneficial insects and wildlife while also enhancing soil moisture retention, aeration, and fertility. Cover crops play a critical role in pest management by attracting predatory insects that keep harmful pest populations in balance.
  
• Composting - Supporting the Wildlife Beneath Our Feet: Healthy soil is teeming with life, and composting is essential to fostering this underground biodiversity. Compost introduces organic matter that feeds beneficial macro- and microorganisms like worms, bacteria, and fungi, which improve soil structure and fertility. These organisms play an essential role in breaking down nutrients, supporting plant health, and creating a rich, resilient growing environment. We consider these unseen heroes of our farm just as much a part of the wildlife as the other creatures we support!
  

A Commitment to Regenerative Agriculture & Flavor

At Frog Hollow Farm, we see regenerative farming and wildlife conservation as deeply interconnected. The incredible species found on our farm—big and small, above and below ground—not only sustain life on Earth but also act as our partners in growing legendary fruit that is good for you and the planet. By nurturing habitats for local wildlife while enriching soil health and biodiversity, we foster a future where agriculture and nature thrive together. 

health and biodiversity, we foster a future where agriculture and nature thrive together. 

This World Wildlife Week, we invite you to join us in celebrating and protecting the vital creatures that make our fruit—and our planet—so extraordinary. You can now pre-order our legendary spring and summer stone fruit and taste the difference that fruit grown in partnership with nature makes: Shop Pre-Orders.