Creative/sustainable use for phragmites

[Nathan Ayers]

One of my old Permaculture instructors, Wayne Weisman, has been using the pragmites for roof thatching. From the looks of his photos, it would make a good straw as well for all the gardeners on the island.

http://www.permacultureproject.com/kins ... -in-spring

I will have to try this out this summer. I am also interested in whether or not those phragmites have the proper sugar balance to brew ethanol. Most combustion vehicles on the road can tolerate a blend upwards of 50% ethanol brew. Instead of an invasive species, we could have a locally sourced fuel product made right on the island.

for more info on that, I recommend this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Alcohol-Can-Be-Ga ... 0979043778