Honeybee Memories

In the decades we lived on our 8000-tree Washington cherry orchard, pollination was a worrying time. The temps had to be 65 degrees or above for the honeybees to leave the hive and pollinate the cherry blossoms. If the weather was warm, the honeybees darted in abundance. In full pollination mode, the honeybees produced a loud background buzzing sound throughout the day. It was a miraculous comfort to hear them at work. That being said, I’d forgo my daily walk around the orchard due to fear of getting stung or struck by bees zipping by.

Today we work with family cherry farmers across the Pacific Northwest – which means I no longer have to worry about getting stung – but I do share their concerns every season about pollination and weather patterns. Agriculture and connection to the land are at the heart of what we do. The balance between humans and nature is delicate, and must be respected. All of Chukar's products - from dried cherries to chocolate cherries - depend entirely on the success of the small but mighty honeybee.

You can help the native bees in your own yard. Here's some great suggestions from the Arboretum Foundation about Pacific Northwest bees and habitats.