Since the beginning of society, the origin and nature of the honeybee has awakened the curiosity of humankind. For five million years, bees, best known for their sweet gift of nature, has been an animal of special sanctity, symbolizing many things to a diverse cultural cross section of people world-wide.  Today, more than ever, bees play a crucial role in our ecosystem. Over one- third of the fruits and vegetables we eat depend on bees for pollination. Because of their important role as pollinators,  the tracing of their  sudden-die off (Colony Collapse Disorder) in recent years is a critical environmental issue. On February 25 and 26 the Greenwich Audubon is offering two important programs on Bees and how it relates to our environment and future.

FILM SCREENING & PRESENTATION BY GUNTHER HAUK Queen of the Sun: What Are the Bees Telling Us? Saturday, February 25 ~ 6:30-9:00 pm Join Gunther Hauk for a local screening of the acclaimed film 'Queen of the Sun'. Gunther has been a biodynamic beekeeper for 35 years and is featured in the film. An introduction by Gunther will precede the film.  The film is a profound, alternative look at the global bee crisis from Taggart Siegel, director of THE REAL DIRT ON FARMER JOHN. Taking us on a journey through the catastrophic disappearance of bees and the mysterious world of the beehive, this engaging and ultimately uplifting film weaves an unusual and dramatic story of the heartfelt struggles of beekeepers, scientists and philosophers from around the world including Michael Pollan, Gunther Hauk and Vandana Shiva. $10-$20 suggested donation for Audubon and Spikenard Farm. Space very limited.  RSVPs required to Jeff: 203-869-5272 x239.

BEEKEEPING WORKSHOP WITH GUNTHER HAUK Toward Saving The Honeybee: An Introduction to Sustainable & Biodynamic Beekeeping Practices and Principles Sunday, February 26 ~ 1:00-4:00 pm This workshop is for current beekeepers and those who are interested in learning more about beekeeping with natural approaches, including biodynamic beekeeping. Don't miss this exciting and rare opportunity to learn from the master himself! Gunther's beekeeping workshops are full of information, lively discussion, Q&A, and inspiration. Space very limited. $50 workshop fee will be donate to the Spikenard Honeybee Sanctuary efforts for bees and to Audubon Greenwich's conservation and education initiatives. RSVP required to Jeff Cordulack: 203-869-5272 x239.

More about Gunther Hauk: Gunther Hauk was a Waldorf teacher for 23 years and was co-founder of Spikenard Farm in 2006 and the Pfeiffer Center in 1996. Hauk is the author of Toward Saving the Honeybee (published by the Biodynamic Association). He and his wife Vivian are now located in Floyd, Virginia, where they are building up the honeybee sanctuary in which people can experience the healing of the land, the honeybees, and, ultimately, the human being.  www.spikenardfarm.org. For more information about Gunther Hauk, the Spikenard Farm Sanctuary, and the issues facing honeybees and other native pollinators, visit our event website: www. greenwich.audubon.org

Audubon Greenwich's Nature Store Hours:

Tues-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m./ Sundays 12-5 p.m. / Store Closed Mondays

NATURE SANCTUARY ADMISSION Members: No charge Nonmembers: Adults $3.00/Students & Seniors $1.50 (Please pay in the store)