It is late January and beehives are already being set up in the orchards of Central California. In what may seem unfathomable to those on the East Coast of the United States—poised to be battered by record breaking blizzards—California’s Central Valley is speckled with beehives.
Despite the drought, many orchards stand ready and waiting for spring.
This is in spite of what looks to be another year of relative drought for California. Yes, while there was extensive rain in December, the relative dryness of January in California continues to push some farmers to uproot their dying orchards in the face of another likely year of drought.
Dead orchard trees along the Interstate 5 are pulled up, waiting for removal. Testament to the lasting effects of California’s multi-year drought.
And yet, others orchards are ready and waiting for spring’s flowers with stacks of beehives. This leads to a ride of battling extremes along the Interstate 5: with beehives side by side with posters protesting the drought.
“Congress Created Dust Bowl” signs line the Interstate 5.