The 2025 gathering brought together bamboo enthusiasts, researchers, and industry professionals for an engaging mix of field tours, hands-on learning, and networking.

Conference Highlights

Clemson Moso Grove –a two-acre stand of mature Phyllostachys edulis (Moso bamboo), one of the most impressive groves in the Southeast.

Historic Phyllostachys nigra ‘Henon’ Grove – a 50-year-old stand, originally purchased by longtime ABS member Robert Sutton from Avery Island via mail order.

National Bamboo’s Facility Tour, a leading innovator in bamboo processing and sustainability. As an official sponsor of the second day of the conference, National Bamboo hosted attendees at their new processing facility in Shelby, NC, providing:

Live demonstrations of cutting-edge bamboo processing techniques, including:

Bamboo biochar production for soil enhancement and carbon sequestration

GroZome bagging to improve plant growth and sustainability

Bamboo powder milling for commercial applications

Workshops & discussions led by National Bamboo’s team of experts

A hosted lunch, giving attendees time to connect while learning about the future of bamboo-based industries

• Saturday – November 1 – Warren Wilson College, Ashville NC – a visit to a native American bamboo grove of Arundinaria Gigantea and Phyllostachys viridis ‘Robert Young’. Presentations about  ‘Rivercane’ (native American bamboo), early bamboo industries in America and nigra seedling production.