Spikenard Honeybee Sanctuary

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->“May we all take the time to totally embrace...

change and adapt so we can continue the evolutionary

process of becoming the People Made of Honey.

May we use the Earth Wisdom to make the proper decisions,

so that we and our next generations will not have regrets.

May we have the courage to change and shift and celebrate this great Shift of the Ages

with Mother Earth and Father Sun...” Part of a Mayan Prayer<-

Dear Friends and Honeybee Lovers,

This has been the most unusual winter in my long years of gardening and beekeeping. From December on, the bees have been able to gather pollen on many warm days (above 50 F). (SEE HIVE MELINA VIDEO BELOW) We heard that this situation occurred all over the East Coast. Seeing apricot trees blooming in Floyd in January amazed us even more! However, with such mild winter weather, the bee colonies weren’t compelled to get into a tight winter cluster. This is a very important part of the winter experience of a colony. In the cluster, the bees lower their metabolism and expend less energy. Instead of a winter slow-down, the bees were out flying, looking for food, during a period when there wasn’t much to find. We are wondering how this lack of winter rest will affect the bees as the year continues.

For now, though, things look very good for our bees. One of our tasks as beekeepers is to keep a close eye on the bees’ food supplies. As it turns out, now that spring has officially arrived, we see incredibly beautiful development in nature and know that the colonies have plenty of honey. The stronger colonies are bursting at the seams -- some have had drones since the middle of March and we have already had to expand them. Swarms can be expected any time as neighboring beekeepers have already reported some.

We are anxious to find out the results of this unusual winter over the next few months. The colonies definitely have more pollen than ever before! We are so grateful that the winter survival in our apiary was excellent.

Since everything in the Sanctuary gardens is early in its development, we can hardly keep up with all that needs to be done. We look forward to getting some strong help on the volunteer days we have scheduled. (SEE BELOW)

We are happy that this year we can offer a seasonal or part-time intern position for someone who is interested in sustainable beekeeping, loves gardening & landscaping, and enjoys a small town/country environment. There is a lot going on here in Floyd: agriculture, music, arts, and community activities. If you are interested or know of somebody, please contact us at info@spikenardfarm.org.

If you haven't visited our webpage lately, we have a new look and an online store (thanks to Elizabeth for the face-lift). This year has gifted us with excellent support in the different aspects of the organization: Morgan in bookkeeping, business planning, & development; Courtney with her artistic and professional design work; Elizabeth with all the website and media efforts; Bob as our editor and computer adviser; and Jane as our Sanctuary assistant.

Jane brings beekeeping and gardening experience, a deep love for all the animals, and a strong interest in the biodynamic aspects of beekeeping and agriculture. Her presence and work as the farm activity coordinator is of great value. She helps make it possible for Spikenard Farm to have interns and visitors on a regular basis.

Another unique opportunity is opening up this year: a new, in-depth, two-year sustainable/biodynamic part-time training, for which the response is heartening. Sustainable/Biodynamic Training

Spikenard Farm's capital campaign got off to a great start last year. We were able to raise $133,000. This allows us to purchase the 25 acres we are currently leasing. We recently started the second phase. We are aiming to raise $175,000 for an educational building and infrastructure. We hope to be able to report soon on the progress.

As you can imagine, this work with and for the bees fills us with much to do. However, we are also gifted with great joy and deep satisfaction. And without your interest, your friendship, and your help, we could not do it. In order to continue, we need your support. Any amount is appreciated. Donation

We close with our sincere gratitude for you being with us on this journey. Please enjoy the pictures Vivian has captured.

Have a wonder-filled, jubilant spring.

For all of us at the Spikenard Farm Honeybee Sanctuary,

Gunther and Vivian

Volunteer Saturdays at the Honeybee Sanctuary

Come to the Honeybee Sanctuary, experience the bees, the beautiful landscape and serenity in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We are happy to offer these days for anyone interested in getting to know the sanctuary and/or spending some hours with us working on the flower beds and on landscaping tasks. We are grateful for any helping hands.

Schedule:
9:00 AM-3:00 PM Work-time, with a break at 12:00

Please bring your own lunch. We will provide snacks and drinks.

3:00 PM-5:00 PM Tour of the Spikenard Sanctuary and conversation time. This is your opportunity to ask any questions you have and to share your own experiences with others.

If you come from further away, you might want to arrive on Friday and go the famous Floyd Country Store Jamboree in the evening, featuring different Blue Grass bands each week. In the warmer season, there will be locals jamming it up in the street, in the Barber Shop next door and across the street. At the store you can find delicacies like cans of "Road-Kill Opossum" (contents is ham) as a gift for squeamish friends; also books, clothing, and this and that.

You might make a long weekend of it, drive to the nearby Buffalo Mountain, where you enjoy a 360 degree panorama of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains; or you just take a leisurely ride on the Blue Ridge Highway, an experience worthwhile!

Dates: April14, May 12, June 16, July 21, August 11, September 15

Please let us know if and when you are planning to come so that we can well prepare for the day. info@spikenardfarm.org
Follow this link for directions
Thanks you warmly,
Gunther and Vivian

Trouble seeing this video? Follow this link Hive Melina

Volunteer Saturdays at the Honeybee Sanctuary

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