The Panda Refuge

Years ago I left my humble town of Conway Arkansas in search of adventure and knowledge, and for nine years I traveled the world with the military and on my own. In these years I saw how people often missed the greatest things that were right in front of them and those that were happiest were the ones that became one with their surroundings.

One of the most beautiful places I have ever visited is the mountains of Taiwan where bamboo grows in a variety of sizes. From the smallest thinnest bamboo to the largest as big as oak trees there was a use for every bit of it. Plus it was great for the environment. It purified toxins in the soil better than most plants, filitered CO2 from the air more efficiently than most forests, and because of it's growth rate and having different forms of harvesting is the perfect timber.

Now for those that may not have the chance or the ability to travel to foreign lands I would like to bring a taste of those places home but also show people what they are missing right in front of them. I believe there can be a fusion of great things from all locales in one place, but not lose focus of any one influence.

My vision for The Panda Refuge is not only a place where bamboo grows, but also a place of education, meditation, beauty, and more. I want to create an outlet that is inexpensive for people to use that can provide an atmosphere of brainstorming and education of the environment. I want a student and an old veteran to be able to sit in the same garden and appreciate the beauty of such a place while letting go of the past and clearly seeing a future. Perhaps people could even use it as a yoga retreat or a place to simply study.

Along the way I'm sure this will be a place that brings friends, minds, ideas, and organizations together. And I truly hope there will be more people than I expected that will be able to utilize such a place.