American Bamboo
Society Florida Caribbean

Shanti has been dedicated to the world of bamboo since the mid-90's. After joining Walt Disney Imagineering design team in Florida as their expert in bamboos and ornamental grasses, she embarked on her own farming journey. Along the way, her fascination with the medicinal properties of bamboo grew, leading her to establish Bamboo Leaf Tea in 2008. As the pioneer in utilizing bamboos for medicinal purposes, Shanti has become a renowned expert in bamboo nutraceuticals. Shanti works primarily in the regenerative agriculture field consulting and planting bamboos in diverse projects spanning from small-scale 1/4 acre plots to expansive 200-acre sites. Her work caters to various settings, including zoos, animal rescues, and traditional agricultural settings. She is passionate about bamboos and facilitates the annual Bamboo Art Contest for the ABS as well as many bamboo events.

Hunter Vickers, a fifth-generation Florida farmer, found himself facing the mounting difficulties that many farmers in the state were experiencing due to the increasingly challenging traditional practices of citrus and cattle farming. Determined to find alternative solutions, he embarked on a quest for innovative approaches to sustain his farm. It was during this search that he crossed paths with Shanti Pierce, who introduced him to the world of bamboo.Inspired and intrigued by the potential of this versatile plant, Hunter is now spearheading a bamboo co-op project. The primary objective of this initiative is to harness the untapped potential of the numerous underutilized bamboo species that flourish in the southeastern United States. By establishing a cooperative network, he aims to not only invigorate the local agricultural landscape but also contribute to sustainable practices that can reshape the future of farming in Florida.

Maya Glenn is pursuing a double major in art and psychology at the University of Central Florida. Born and raised on a bamboo farm, Maya has developed a deep appreciation for their beauty and versatility. Her upbringing has cultivated an extensive knowledge and expertise in the many uses of bamboos. Throughout her childhood, Maya had the opportunity to live in Costa Rica, where she not only cared for goats and tended to bamboo groves, but also attended a local school and became fluent in Spanish. This experience broadened her understanding of different cultures and further fueled her passion for the natural world. Maya's fascination with bamboos extends beyond their practical uses. She seeks to explore their artistic applications, finding ways to incorporate the unique qualities of bamboo into her artwork. She also hopes to combine her passion for art with her understanding of human behavior to create art therapy programs that utilize nature and its calming presence.

Born in the Jungles of the island of Guam, David takes a “Natures the Teacher” Approach to all of his Play/Work in Permaculture. Listening and observing the patterns of nature, sharing what he sees with the world and coaching systems into abundance. Second to being a student of nature, David was a student of and mentored by Geoff Lawton. David received his PDC from Permaculture Research Institute Australia. After years of research and development on his 120 acre farm in Oklahoma, David Now travels the world, Teaching and consulting in permaculture. David specialises in large scale land restoration projects, many of which are focused on water and nutrient flow. David also is focusing half of his work now on discussions and research on permaculture of how we can relate as humans in more harmony.David believes Permaculture is not about what we know, it is about us realizing, we know very little, and constantly stopping and soaking in all of nature in every moment, then dancing in harmony.

Ava Glenn is a college student currently pursuing a degree in archeology. Her passion for animals, particularly reptiles, has driven her to devote her spare time to caring for and learning about these fascinating creatures and she currently works at Gator Land as a caretaker and educator. Ava's affinity for nature extends beyond the realm of animals. Having grown up on a bamboo farm, she developed a profound appreciation for plants and their intricate interactions with nature. Ava was further nurtured during her time in Costa Rica. Living on a bamboo farm in this biodiverse country, she had the opportunity to immerse herself in a unique cultural experience. Alongside her daily duties looking after the resident goats, she attended a local school, absorbing knowledge from a diverse group of teachers and students who instilled in her a love for different languages and cultural exchange. With her deep-rooted love for the past and the natural world, she aims to bridge the gap between the knowledge of yesterday and the preservation of tomorrow.