A Visit to Kimberton Hills: Insights on Biodynamics

On April 20th, John, Matt and I visited Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, located in Kimberton, PA. Kimberton Hills is just 30 miles outside of Philadelphia. We were eager and excited to be visiting an ecovillage so close to home. The property boasts 432 acres of lush green rolling hills and beautiful old trees. We were pleasantly greeted by a group working in the weavery. We came in through the back door but were nonetheless warmly welcomed. The weavery was equipped with over 6 weaving machines and beautifully woven panchos and wool seat cushions, all made by the residents.

We spoke with Diedra Heitzmann, the Executive Director of Kimberton Hills. She graciously and quite impressively answered all of our questions on how the village addresses farming, energy, recycling, waste, water and sustainable design. Diedra had been living at Kimberton Hills for 26 years, raised her family there and seemed to be the village mom.

Diedra explained how biodynamic farming works in lay mans terms. She said biodynamics is a farming technique that "pays attention to whats going on", referring to the stars, planets, moon and sun. Many people forget that there is a whole solar system out there that greatly affects plants, animals, and other biological cycles. She brought up how the moon affects the tides, to prove how the solar system plays a role in physical properties on the earth. Biodynamics integrates the earth and the world above into a whole systems approach. As well as being connected to the earth, Biodynamics also believes that plants and animals have a close connection to the sun, moon, stars, and plants. Diedra told us that many experiments show plants growing to their full capacity during certain astrological time frames. She also explained that harvesting a crop can result quite differently depending on the cycles of the cosmos. A cosmic calendar is used to reflect the optimum times for farming practices.

Diedra also spoke of the biodynamic preparations. Preparations are used to enrich the soil with nutrients and increase its fertility. She said, "soil started healthy in nature and we need to help heal what has been made unhealthy". Diedra shed insight on the strange use of horn manure. She said that the reason biodynamics uses a cow's horn is because they believe that the soul and spirit of the animal is located in the horn. All of the cows on the property still have their horns for this reason.

We spoke with Diedra for about an hour or so and then went on a long tour through the property, despite the rain. Kimberton Hills had a peaceful and spiritual energy. All of the residents were friendly and seemed content living and working at Kimberton Hills. I think it is an ideal place for an adult with developmental disabilities to live. In Camphill villages adults with special needs can learn and be enriched by a wide variety of real life activities. There they can have a fulfilling and rewarding life and feel like they are part of a special community. Camphill communities are also rewarding for adults and children without developmental disabilities.