Our Story
At its core, Sanctuary Farm is a love story.
In 2005, Meg and Tim married. Inspired by the work of EF Schumacher, Thomas Berry, Joanna Macy and Indigenous Elders, the Tobens formed The Eco-Institute. Meg served as its Executive Director for 20 years. During that time, Sanctuary Farm hosted weddings, memorial services, rite-of-passage events, educational programs, large family gatherings, and corporate retreats.
Meg and Tim have raised their two spirited children on this land, and feel deeply fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from the thousands of inspiring people who have passed through this place.
IT WAS THAT COMMUNITY THAT WAS THE GENESIS and core of Sanctuary Farm. Meg & Tim met in March 2002, at a lecture by the Eco-Theologian, Thomas Berry. A few months later, they fell in love. Tim lived on beautiful land west of Chapel Hill, NC and the two began planting a garden and planning a future together. Sanctuary Farm grew out of their deep love for the Earth and their belief in the importance of Sanctuary.
They began inviting friends and neighbors to the farm for monthly potluck dinners. Dinner topics revolved around ways to become better stewards of the Earth – engaging permaculture techniques to grow organic food and herbal remedies, building renewable energy systems to power buildings and vehicles, using mud and hay and local resources in natural building. At first, only a few folks attended, but word spread and after two years, a community of interest had formed that often included 50-75 guests at potlucks. IT WAS THAT COMMUNITY THAT WAS THE GENESIS and core of Sanctuary Farm.
In 2023, at the encouragement of a mutual friend, Pam and Constantin traveled to North Carolina and were immediately drawn to the beauty and mission of Sanctuary Farm. The farm’s beauty, sense of peace, sustainable practices, and vibrant community captured their hearts.
Since joining the team, Pam and Constantin have become integral members of the farm, contributing their energy, skills, and passion to its ongoing work. Whether tending the gardens, hosting events, or fostering connections among visitors and residents, they are dedicated to nurturing the land and the people who call Sanctuary Farm home. After spending time immersed in the rhythms of life on the farm, learning from the garden and each other, Consti and Pam welcomed their son Silas into the world in August of 2024.
Today, we offer this sanctified place for private events. Welcome!
Co-Founders: Tim and Meg Toben
Tim is an environmentalist and entrepreneur. He founded and served as the CEO of Knowledgebase Marketing, Inc. Tim chaired the Board of the UNC Institute of the Environment for four years and served on the Boards of the Duke Nicholas School, Environmental Defense Fund, and Conservation Trust of NC. He served as Chairman of the NC Energy Policy Council by appointment of Governor Beverly Perdue. Tim is a trail runner and lover of the farm, his family, and the mountains.
Meg has 28 years of experience as an environmental educator, and 20 as an executive director of The Eco-Institute. Meg knows and loves the land here deeply, having raised her family on it for the past 22 years. In 2015, Meg was honored with the Piedmont Environmental Leadership Award. Her love for art, ritual, Earth, and humanity inspires her to offer healing space of deep renewal to all who visit Sanctuary Farm. Meg was born and raised near the Chesapeake Bay and loves the water.
Venue Manager, Pam Morrow and Farm Manager, Constantin Demuth
With over a decade of experience as a CPA, Pam built a career in public accounting before following a deeper calling and a desire to explore new ways of living—one rooted in the land and closer to nature. Leaving the corporate world, Pam set out to explore and immerse herself in different land-based projects. Along the way, she met Constantin, and together they traveled, worked on farms and sustainable living initiatives. Now she is dedicated to creating a life that aligns with the rhythms of nature while integrating her business knowledge. Pam enjoys spending time with her family, working outdoors, and cultivating community. She finds joy in bringing people together to create meaningful experiences while sharing the beauty and restorative energy of the land at Sanctuary Farm.
Constantin has a background in human geography, regenerative agriculture, and the culinary world. With a passion for preparing spaces and bringing people together, he cares deeply about hosting-ensuring that every guest feels welcome and that their needs are met. A trail runner at heart, Constantin enjoys time outdoors, tending the garden, and spending time with his son, Silas. He lives with his family in a small strawbale cottage on the land. Constantin was born and raised in Berlin, Germany.