Our History
Spikenard Farm was born out of the realization that something had to be done for the honeybees and the Earth to make sure that the next generations will witness this marvelous insect , so important to our life and evolution on our beautiful planet.
The work for over 30 years with bees, plants, children and adults, inspired by Rudolf Steiner's work, gave Gunther Hauk the necessary experience to understand and foresee the need of the honeybee worldwide. Out of this the vision of a Honeybee Sanctuary was born and shared with like-minded individuals, and in the summer of 2006 Gunther and his wife Vivian incorporated this initiative as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) educational and research organization with the name " The Spikenard Farm". Since then, many individuals and a number of foundations have helped to let this vision become a reality.
Our beginnings:
A generous donor purchased a conventionally managed 610 acre farm for this purpose in southwestern Illinois where the operation began in the summer of 2007 and received the organic certification 2 years later. Economic, environmental and social difficulties forced the organization to re-locate to a safer place for the honeybees.
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New home:
Since November 2009 the work continues on a beautiful, hilly land in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Floyd, Virginia. This land was offered to the organization in lease by Terry Brett and his family. The bees have found a safe and peaceful home and the sanctuary has grown and continues to be developed. Floyd is a very special place, a true community where we have found many friends and supporters. The ongoing excellent work of a team helping with the administration, marketing, outreach and development has given the necessary support and structure for the organization.
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The Spikenard plant (nardostachys jatamansi) originates in the Himalayan Mountains and belongs to the Valerian family. Also known as 'nard', it is a source of rich essential oils with an equally rich history. Horace once promised Virgil a whole barrel of his best wine in exchange for a tiny phial of nard, which was a common ingredient in ancient Japanese incense recipes. It stood for centuries as an evocation of the perfume of the lost Garden of Eden, and was the costly ointment with which Mary Magdalena anointed Jesus. Nard oil has strong, warm, musky notes, similar to the aroma of healthy humus. For us, this oil inspires deeds that harmonize the relationship of heaven and earth. A blessing, if this can be achieved for the honeybees!
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Founders
Photo courtesy of Mark Mosrie/Out Here Magazine
Gunther Hauk, director. He has been an educator educator, biodynamic gardener/farmer and beekeeper for nearly four decades. In 1996 he co-founded the Pfeiffer Center and built up one of the first biodynamic training programs in the US. Since that time he has been lecturing and giving workshops on biodynamic / sustainable beekeeping methods. His book "Toward Saving the Honeybee" was first published in 2002. Together with Vivian he co-founded Spikenard Farm Honeybee Sanctuary in 2006.
Vivian Struve-Hauk, artistic and administrative director. She is an educator, therapist, gardener, photographer, beekeeper and co-teaches with Gunther at the Sanctuary. Her artistic sense and healing capacities find expression in the order and beauty developed in the sanctuary.
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