Bamboo Forest in Prattville,AL

[ChrisM]

Here are some pics of the Wilderness Park where I live in Prattville,AL. Locally it is called the Bamboo Forest. There is a sign talking about the history of the park and the origins of the bamboo. Misidentified on the signage as it states the is Ph. bambusoides and four types of such. The bamboo was purchased from a Washington import in the early 1900's. WWII training was done here. I identify Henon, Robert Young, Yellow groove( most likely) and some A.tecta. Possibly some P.aurea as I found a few small culms with distinct compaction growing near the P.aureosulcata looking plant. Unfortunately the park is managed by the state in is always very unkept. Huge poplars are down throughout the park. It is very awe- inspiring for anyone once down in there. Enjoy.

[serenityinbamboo]

Great photos Chris!! How many acres do you think it covers???

[ChrisM]

The park is just over 26 acres, but not quite all of it is covered. It is hilly with a spring seepage/ pond in the center that turns into a stream as it slopes toward downtown. This park above all other bamboo groves has always given me incentive to plant lots of bamboo.
Chris

[serenityinbamboo]

Truly INSPIRING!!!

[Iowaboo]

Why is there a berm there?

[BooKing]

That's what Lance 's place is going to look like in 2050.

[Iowaboo]

But shorter. much shorter. Hey, where's my parvifolia!!!!!!!!!

[foxd]

How about the GPS coordinates of the Prattville bamboo forest?

[ChrisM]

The burm is the raised asphalt( deteriorated) pathway that makes a cirlcle in the park. How do I give you the gps location? Do I go on google and find the park?

[David]

Hello Chris,

The henon is beautiful especially where it has intergrown with Robert Young. Interesting the way the henon has sought the high ground of the berm. Must be a boggy area.

Roger Lewis told me about this park, and I'd really like to visit one day. Perhaps Beth and I might meet you and your wife(and the Clumbers) for a personal tour.

Thanks for sharing the pics!

Regards.

[foxd]

The burm is the raised asphalt( deteriorated) pathway that makes a cirlcle in the park. How do I give you the gps location? Do I go on google and find the park?

This might be a good starting place:

http://www.terraserver.com/imagery/imag ... 305&t=&OL=

[ChrisM]

Would love to have you down David, just give me a heads up. The terraserver won't let me zoom, but it is about 32.478 x -86.477. I was able zoom right to the parking lot on the hybrid google maps, but no long/lat on the screen. I was hoping to see the boo on the image, but not distinguishable enough. Still lots of trees in the park.
Chris

[foxd]

Chris, is this close?

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=32.478+-86.475

[mantis]

Another option is to try Google Earth.

[ChrisM]

foxd, if you zoom in on that page and look to the left of the arrow and see
Eswick Dr., the entrance is right across the street on Upper Kingston. The trail travels down in a north easterly flow from the parking lot into the grove.