just wondering if this would work. if it does it would look pretty cool.

I've seen it on bows, both in a wrapped form by James Parker (Huntworthy Productions) around the entire d-shaped limb and as a traditional backing.  Hopefully Pat B will come along to give you some good advice on harvesting and applying bark backings.

that sounds interesting and different. im keeping an eye on this..

-hov

Seen it done. Not sure how much it helps the bow but looks cool. Of course, careful with the grain orientation. You have to turn it sidewise or it will be brittle.

that would definately look cool.  Im gonna watch this as well.  Pat B has done some awesome of cherry bark backings that I have seen on here.  Hopefully he will come by with some advice on harvesting and preparing the bark.

I did a birch bark backed birch bow last year. I used Yellow birch and it looked real cool. I just took strips about 3" wide from around the tree and glued it on with titebond. You will want to get it as thin as possible and remember that you are only attaching the layer that is against the bow. the rest of the backing is only holding by its bond to itself. I was concerned that the constant firing would make this come off. It wasn't a problem up to the point of permanent fix. Broke the bow  :(  It can look very good though and give it a shot. Not sure how much added strength it adds though.

Hummm? I just got a supply of birch logs. I didn't plan to try this but now I might!

I've used it.  Bark backings are difficult to get flat and tight to the bow, but look nice once you pull them off.  

I used birch (paper) bark to cover a sinew backed bow a few years ago. I didn't harvest the bark, it was given to me .  The paper birch bark is layers of thin bark. I separated a single thin layer by soaking it in warm water then glued it down with TBIII. I think hide glue should work fine too.