Blossoming Conservation: Hedgerow Farms’ Native Wildflower Work in Yolo County
If you’ve ever driven through Yolo County in spring and spotted rolling fields of wildflowers, you’ve seen the impact of native plant restoration. In our latest People & Places of Yolo County episode, we visit Hedgerow Farms and speak with Julia Michaels, a restoration ecologist dedicated to preserving California’s native wildflowers.
From Seed to Superbloom
Located near Winters, Hedgerow Farms spans roughly 300 acres and grows about 400 species of native grasses and wildflowers (Ag Alert). Julia describes their work as “creating their own superbloom.” They collect small amounts of wild seed with permission from natural habitats, then amplify them into thousands of pounds for restoration projects across California.
These seeds play a critical role in post-wildfire recovery, floodplain stabilization, and creating healthy habitats for pollinators and wildlife.
Protecting California’s Biodiversity
Hedgerow Farms provides native seeds to land managers, conservation groups, and government agencies—helping to rebuild resilient ecosystems statewide (Civil Eats). Julia compares this work to a “captive breeding program” for plants, ensuring rare and at-risk species can thrive again in the wild.
Native plants are essential for a healthy environment. They are drought-tolerant, adapted to California’s unique climate, and provide food and shelter for native pollinators.
A Legacy of Restoration
Founded in the 1980s by John Anderson, Hedgerow Farms pioneered planting hedgerows—living barriers of native trees, shrubs, and flowers—between fields to benefit both agriculture and wildlife (Ag Alert). Today, Julia continues that mission while serving as president of the California Native Grasslands Association (CNGA), connecting research, education, and restoration practices.
Watch the Full Episode
See Hedgerow Farms in action and hear directly from Julia Michaels in our People & Places of Yolo County episode!
By supporting local conservation efforts like Hedgerow Farms, we help ensure that Yolo County will continue to bloom with native wildflowers for generations to come.
