Rescuing the
American Chestnut
Our mission is to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range.
Our vision is a robust eastern forest returned to its splendor.
Annual Wild-Type Seed Sale
It’s almost here! TACF’s Annual Wild-Type American Chestnut Seed Sale is happening Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 9AM.
The cost per package of 10 seeds is $50, including shipping. (One bundle per customer.)
This is an extremely popular annual sale exclusively for current TACF members. Seed quantities are limited and are for sale while supplies last. Seeds may sell out quickly.
Please note that your membership or renewal must be received by March 1 and remain current through March 17 to be eligible to participate in the seedling sale.
did you know?
TACF is the steward of the most blight-resistant and most genetically diverse majority-American chestnut population in the world. (Meet the trees!)
This population is the foundation of our advanced RGS breeding program!
Chestnut Chat
Up Next: Chestnuts Across Maine
Join us on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 11:30AM – 1:00PM (EPT), for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat webinar.
Chestnuts Across Maine (CAM) is an exciting new initiative of the Maine Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation (ME-TACF), partnering with land trusts, state parks, schools, and town squares to establish small plantings of American chestnuts on publicly accessible lands. Their vision is that by 2035, anyone who wishes to see a live American chestnut tree can find one less than an hour’s drive from home, and see chestnut trees thriving within a 10-minute walk of every Maine school. Join Maine Chapter Vice President, Eva Butler, to learn more about this inspiring effort and how it’s taking root across the state.
Harnessing the Power of Genomics
The American Chestnut Foundation is using an advanced breeding method called recurrent genomic selection (RGS) to save the American chestnut. Learn more about this exciting technique by watching this introductory video, or take a deep dive into RGS on our breeding page.
Inspiring!
CLEAR DAY THUNDER: Rescuing the American Chestnut is now available! For just $10, you will receive unlimited views and the ability to download and watch on multiple devices.
All proceeds support The American Chestnut Foundation’s mission to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range.
Support Our Research
Found a tree?
Learn how to identify American chestnuts and send us a sample for identification.
Support The Restoration
Want a tree?
Learn how to get American chestnut seeds from TACF.
Latest News
Black History and the American Chestnut
Black History Month provides an important opportunity to honor the past while also recognizing how Black knowledge, leadership, and community continue to shape the present. From histories rooted in land and survival to modern platforms and outdoor spaces where...
TACF Honors the Winners of the 2025 Volunteer and Partner Service Awards
The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) honors outstanding volunteer community builders and pillars across its network of 16 state chapters, as well as the vital partners who support and participate in the Foundation’s restoration efforts. Each year, TACF’s staff...
Membership Auto Renewal is Here!
Exciting new Membership feature You asked and we listened! Several members have inquired about automatic annual membership renewals. We are excited to announce that we have added this feature and you can now set your membership donation to automatically renew each...
Science Strategies
Breeding, Biotechnology, and Biodiversity
United for Restoration
The American Chestnut Foundation takes a holistic approach toward chestnut restoration, utilizing a three-pronged research strategy known as 3BUR (Breeding, Biotechnology, and Biodiversity, United for Restoration). These research tracks are implemented through mutually beneficial collaborations, so we can explore all avenues to reach the common goal of saving and restoring this species as quickly as possible.
Find us on Facebook
January might feel like the quiet season, but at our research farms it’s already time to get growing. This month, we’re sowing chestnut seeds that will be used in upcoming research and breeding efforts. Starting seeds in January gives us a valuable head start on the growing season, allowing seedlings to establish early and be ready for genotyping in the spring and summer. Each seed represents an important step forward in our research, helping us better understand growth, resistance, and performance across chestnut species and hybrids. #AmericanChestnut #RestorationInProgress
#ChestnutResearch #ForestRestoration #MeadowviewResearchFarms #ChestnutSeedlings
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Does everyone's staff retreat include fungus, tree bark, and chestnut beer... or just ours?
#americanchestnut #explorepage #restoration #conservation #chestnuts #worktrip #staffretreat
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Does everyone's staff retreat include fungus, tree bark, and chestnut beer... or just ours?
#americanchestnut #explorepage #restoration #conservation #chestnuts #worktrip #staffretreat
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
how do we get american chestnut seedlings to plant?
Great video!!!
Black History Month provides an important opportunity to honor the past while also recognizing how Black knowledge, leadership, and community continue to shape the present. From histories rooted in land and survival to modern platforms and outdoor spaces where connection and representation matter.
Throughout February, we will share a series of four stories that explore Black relationships to land, legacy, and community, looking at both historical foundations and contemporary expressions. We begin with an exploration of the Coe Ridge Colony, an African American community founded after the Civil War, whose history offers important insight into self‑determination, resilience, and adaptation.
Visit tacf.org/black-history-and-the-american-chestnut/ to read more about the Coe Ridge Colony!
#BlackHistoryMonth #americanchestnut #Blackhistory2026 #restoration #conservation #forestry #environment #explorepage #nature #history
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Before January comes to a close, here are our 2026 Ins and Outs. Tell us yours in the comments!
#americanchestnut #explorepages #restoration #conservation #forestry
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
I tagged y’all on TikTok in a video about a chestnut I found!!!
This is pretty funny!
i planted a bunch last year, and am anxious to see their growth this year,.....
Upcoming Events
Members of VA-TACF will be on site at the Claytor Nature Center Education Building (River View Deck) to answer questions about the mission and efforts of TACF as well as […]
Come join us to plant chestnut seeds in our greenhouse at the Augusta Forestry Center in Crimora, VA. We will be mixing soil, filling pots, and planting around 700 seeds. […]
Stop by our table in the CT Federated Garden exhibit to see the work of the Foundation. If you would like to volunteer for this event, please click here […]