The Mid-States Chapter was formed in the summer of 2003. Current members are from Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois, but anyone interested in bamboo in our general neighborhood is very welcome.
The Midstates Chapter is growing rapidly with 68 members since last June 2003. It covers mostly zones 4, 5 and 6 in the Midwest states and offers classes about growing and containing bamboo in cold climates.
The winter meeting was held at the educational center of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens and the spring meeting was held at Burton's Bamboo Garden, in Morrow, Ohio. New shoots were emerging after another harsh Midwest winter.
This area of southwest Ohio is the birth place of world famous bamboo botanist F. A. McClure who grew up on a farm in Sidney, Ohio. His Ph.D. thesis was “Making Paper from Chinese Bamboo“ while another well known botanist, Robert Young, was from Cleveland, Ohio and both were alumni of Ohio State University.
For those interested in joining our newest chapter, contact Midstates Chapter President .
The Mid States Chapter has changed its meeting schedule in an attempt to encourage a larger attendance. Due to the ever increasing gas prices, and since most people live hours away, it's believed that a bamboo “Gathering” will be better attended if held locally.
Members are encouraged to contact President Jerry Burton to arrange a time and location for the gathering. They'll be asked to recruit locally as well as other information related to the gathering. This should also increase the total number of memberships in ABS.
Our spring and fall meetings will continue to be held at Burton's Bamboo Garden for those wanting to see the many groves and learn about their growth and containment.
Jerry gives a seminar on the versatility of bamboo and has many props showing how it's used for flooring, clothing, music, interior decorating using “bricks” and, it's number one use, “containment”! He also speaks to many garden clubs, parks and radio programs as well as visitors to the garden coming from senior centers to view the groves. He was recently featured on PBS's “Our Ohio” as a “bamboo farmer” in Ohio.
, President