Supporting Nature: Our Commitment to Pepperwood Preserve and Wildlife Conservation

As I reflected on my goals for the coming year last December, I decided to take a step deeper into the natural world that has always been so close to my heart. I enrolled in a program by the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources department to become a certified California Naturalist. The program, administered by Pepperwood Preserve in Sonoma, offered a perfect opportunity to deepen my understanding of nature’s complexities and how we can all play a part in its preservation.

Over the course of ten Saturdays in early 2024, I joined a diverse group of 25 individuals, gaining both classroom and hands-on experience in all areas of natural science. My capstone project focused on wildlife connectivity and "road ecology"—a field studying the impacts of roadways on wildlife populations, particularly the deaths caused by animal crossings. As I immersed myself in this topic, I began with a sense of concern about the state of wildlife and the environment. However, by the end of the program, I emerged feeling inspired and hopeful by the progress being made in conservation efforts.

For Mike and me, our connection to nature runs deep. One of our fondest memories from our early days together was hiking the forests of Howell Mountain. While we often found ourselves lost or out of water, those hikes were a chance to discover our shared love for the land and its creatures. That passion has stayed with us ever since, becoming a central part of who we are.

This year, we want to do more than just appreciate nature—we want to give back. That’s why Retro Cellars is pledging 20% of all wine sales through the end of the year to support the critical conservation work of Pepperwood Preserve. By doing so, we hope to help further their efforts in wildlife protection, ecosystem restoration, and environmental research.

We invite you to join us in supporting this cause. When you purchase our wines, you’re not just treating yourself to exceptional wines; you’re also contributing to the preservation of the natural world we all love. Learn more about Pepperwood Preserve and our mission to make a difference. Together, we can help ensure that the wild places we cherish remain for generations to come.

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Pepperwood Preserve: Located in the heart of Sonoma County – a globally recognized biodiversity “hotspot” – Pepperwood Preserve is a 3,200-acre biological reserve and research station. The preserve is an important refuge for more than 900 species of native plants and wildlife and we think of it as a
living laboratory, hosting researchers from around the world.