by Mason

Leaves flutter and stalks sway. A man cuts a piece of bamboo to make a basket. In Nepal, this amazing grass has had many different uses for generations. It is still used for clothing, furniture making, and even walls on houses or animal shelters. Another amazing use of bamboo is in construction, scaffolding, and even giant swings called pings. As a food-source, cattle and goats munch on their nutritious leaves while people find the baby shoots quite delicious.  As we where traveling we saw it in multiple regions, including the Terai and up at tree line! In these different places it creates important habitat for animals such as song birds.

One day when we were trekking, I found a good size piece of bamboo and decided to try it as a walking stick. This was really useful, especially for going downhill.  It was both strong, light, and gave me something to focus on rather than the pain in my body.  At one camp, I also found a big piece of bamboo and made a flute with it, after trying at least a dozen prototypes.  Sadly, it takes a lot of practice to play and no one wants to hear a crumby, high-pitched flute.  

Although this grass has many great uses, it can also be invasive. It can sometimes even take-over jungles if it’s not in its natural habitat.  In Nepal, where it grows in abundance, people appreciate its many uses, but if you ever want to plant bamboo, remember to keep it contained.