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.
Hurricane Helene
TACF’s national office in Asheville, NC will be closed for business until further notice.
Western North Carolina was one of the areas hit hardest by Helene. Thankfully, all staff are safe but still without power, internet, and water, including the national office. Therefore, Asheville staff are on emergency leave and will be slow to respond. We appreciate your patience during this challenging time.
2024 American Chestnut Symposium
October 23-26
in Cromwell, CT
Open to the public on Friday and Saturday, October 25-26
Become a sponsor
2024 Raffle
Purchase your chance to own this priceless American chestnut chef’s knife for just $25
TACF is offering not one, but two chances to win an extremely rare, Antique River Logs® handcrafted Kasumi® Damascus chef knife with an American chestnut handle! Ticket sales end October 20 and the drawing will be held at the 2024 American Chestnut Symposium October 26. (You don’t need to be present to win.) Valued at over $1200. Learn more.
Your
Support
Matters
Grow a Legacy
Plant the Seeds of Tomorrow’s Forests
Thanks to thousands of dedicated members and supporters like you, we continue to make progress restoring the American chestnut. The first season of the Recurrent Genomic Selection (RGS) breeding program was implemented this summer, but we need your support to see it through. Your generosity makes all the difference. Thank you!
Please support the 2024 End of Year Appeal.
The New Brand is Here!
TACF is thrilled to announce the launch of its new brand. Check out the new look, sound, and feel in our official Brand Center. Learn more about this exciting development in the Press Release.
Now Streaming
CLEAR DAY THUNDER: Rescuing the American Chestnut is now available for public viewing! For just $10, you will receive unlimited views and the ability to watch on multiple devices and to download.
All proceeds support the film’s production costs and The American Chestnut Foundation’s mission to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range.
Science Strategies
Breeding, Biotechnology, and Biocontrol
United for Restoration
Support Our Research
How to identify an American chestnut tree
Learn how to identify American chestnuts and send us a sample for identification.
Support The Restoration
How to receive seeds & seedlings
Learn how to get American chestnut seeds and seedlings from TACF.
Latest News
TACF Unveils New Brand
TACF Unveils New Brand to Celebrate 40+ Years of American Chestnut RestorationAsheville, NC 9/5/2024 The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) is thrilled to announce the launch of its new brand, marking a significant milestone in its more than 40-year journey dedicated...
Learn More About TACF’s Research Advisory Council
Over the course of The American Chestnut Foundation’s 41 years, the organization has consistently sought external scientific expertise to ensure that its programming and progress are on track.To reach this goal, The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) holds two bodies...
Press Release: Partnership in Genetic Research Between TACF and Virginia Tech
Partnership in Genetic Research Between The American Chestnut Foundation and Virginia Tech Guides Efforts to Restore the American Chestnut Tree Asheville, NC, July 23, 2024 Indigenous trees adjust to the climate and environmental circumstances of their locality as a...
Find us on Facebook
Our office will be closed today, Monday, October 14, in recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day. We will reopen tomorrow, Tuesday, October 15.
This photo was was submitted to our 2021 photo contest by Florian Carle.
78 CommentsComment on Facebook
Never heard of it. I do celebrate Columbus Day and Independence Day, however.
It amazes me how many people are surprised that a group teaching the value and belonging of a native tree that were decimated by European settlers failing to manage the land well and a nonnative diseases would also be.. {checks notes} teaching the value and belonging of native people that were decimated by European settlers and their diseases.
Really HATE when organizations I otherwise like and support jump on the political and venture signaling band wagons instead of focusing on what they do. Stay on task and stop pandering.
This week at Meadowview Research Farms we welcomed Dr. Ong's class from King University, to help with the processing of burrs! They shucked nearly 5,000 burrs and harvested over 8,000 seeds this week alone. With the harvest season wrapping up at MRF, we've collected more than 40,000 seeds in total this year! These seeds play a vital role in TACF's research and breeding programs, and any extras are sent to collaborators. Amazing teamwork and dedication to preserving our future!
#americanchestnutfoundation #ChestnutRestoration #Conservation #SeedHarvest #americanchestnut
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Thank you King University!
Deadline to submit application has been extended to 10/11/24. To submit an application click the following link: forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=5tAJQo_f0Umjzau-SCHT1aJ2IY5hp3FJhGALFFb7NDZUNUFVMTlVS...
The 2024 American Chestnut Symposium Diversity Scholarship covers the cost of registration for the full symposium events for awardees, including meals ($225 value). It does not cover travel costs or lodging.
Eligible applicants should be from a historically underrepresented group (gender identities, racial and ethnic backgrounds, disability, or socioeconomic status), living in New England and over the age of 18. Applicants are responsible for transportation to the symposium in Cromwell, CT.
#americanchestnut #chestnut #rootedinrestoration #chestnutblight #restoration #conservation #nature #environment #forestry #scholarship #education #diversity #DEI
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Although Meadowview Research Farms experienced only minor damage from Hurricane Helene, the wider Washington County region and parts of southwest Virginia faced significant destruction. Our community has been deeply affected and is currently seeking assistance for relief efforts. Designated locations are in need of volunteers and donations. Now is the perfect opportunity to connect with those around you and provide support. Together, we can aid our community in its rebuilding and recovery process.
In addition to MRF, TACF’s national headquarters is located in downtown Asheville, NC. The national office did not flood and TACF Asheville staff are safe. Please keep an eye out for ways to help Asheville, NC recover from Hurricane Helene as well.
#americanchestnut #castaneadentata #americanchestnutfoundation #ChestnutResearch #ConservationScience #hurricanehelene
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
TACF’s national office in Asheville, NC will be closed for business until further notice. Western North Carolina was one of the hardest areas hit by Helene. Thankfully, all staff is safe but still without power, internet, and water, including the national office. Therefore, Asheville staff is on emergency leave and will be slow to respond. We appreciate your patience during this difficult and challenging time.
18 CommentsComment on Facebook
Just come back. Until then, stay safe down there you all.
I thought Chestnut trees were wiped out long ago?
Greetings TACF. We are in Floyd County VA but have space to provide temporary housing for someone from the Asheville area that needs emergency housing (a family with young kids or individual) We have been trying to put the word out... We met you last December when we donated my mom's (Barbara Knapp) chestnut papers... If you know of someone that needs a place to land for a while, please let me know!
Upcoming Events
Do you like to dig holes? We will be digging about 800 of them for an advanced research field trial of all different types of chestnuts on the state nursery […]
All are welcome! Location: Somerset Sportsman's Club Times & Zoom link to be posted; approx. 10am-3pm, Sunday, October 20, 2024 (HYBRID) Please send agenda items to Kathy.
We will be planting an advanced research plot of about 800 chestnut trees in a field resistance trial to evaluate all types of chestnut trees from throughout the breeding program […]