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.
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.
for the
2024 American Chestnut Symposium
October 23-26, 2024
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.
Chestnut Chat Series
Assisting Evolution: The History of American Chestnut Breeding and New Innovations
Join us on Friday, September 20, 2024, from 11:30AM – 1:00PM (EPT), for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat.
Special guests Mike Aucott, John Scrivani, and Jared Westbrook will discuss American chestnut breeding from the 1950s to the present, exploring various methods, goals, and the results that have been achieved. Mike will discuss the F1-F2-F3 Timber Type program and Large Surviving Americans (LSAs) established at Codorus State Park, PA. The late Dave Armstrong originally planted these to diversify the breeding materials available to TACF. John will discuss the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station’s (CAES) Timber B1s and B2s, LSAs, and advance backcross tree planted at Lesesne State Forest in central Virginia. Jared will discuss plans for TACF’s recurrent genomic selection program (RGS) and how we are using trees described by Mike and John to supplement populations of backcross trees located among TACF’s network of growers.
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...
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Early bird registration for the 2024 American Chestnut Symposium closes on Sunday, September 22. Take advantage of this special discounted rate before it's too late!
The event takes place the evening of Friday, October 25th and Saturday, October 26th, and will be jam-packed with speakers, tours, and special guests. Read about the entire event at the link: tacf.org/2024-american-chestnut-symposium/
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Carolina friends, want to help harvest hybrid American chestnuts? You'll have a chance this weekend! Visit the link for all the information and to RSVP. preview.mailerlite.io/emails/webview/1001266/132117206160901386
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Deer are harvesting our chestnuts this year (also in NC). We have 3 huge chestnut trees that were here when we bought our home over 20 years ago. I’ve never eaten one.
Bug is a polydactyl or Hemingway cat, which means he has an extra toe. He doesn't know how to use his extra toe (yet). He does know how to sit on command and enjoys sleeping, making his body really long, and observing nature.
He's very sociable and loves car rides (he even got into a neighbor's car and went on a school pickup run!) as well as walks around the neighborhood with his people.
He lives with Christine, TACF's Operations Specialist.
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Remember this beautiful painting by ME Chapter President Mark McCollough? He donated his time and talent to TACF last year, selling prints of this gorgeous piece to benefit the restoration of American chestnuts. He's using his skills to help more than just American chestnuts, though, and you can read all about the recent award he won for his efforts here: wildlife.org/mark-mccollough-receives-ding-darling-memorial-award/
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Beautiful painting
Join us on Friday, September 20, 2024, from 11:30AM – 1:00PM (EPT), for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat.
TOPIC: Assisting Evolution: The History of American Chestnut Breeding and New Innovations
Special guests Mike Aucott, John Scrivani, and Jared Westbrook will discuss American chestnut breeding from the 1950s to the present, exploring various methods, goals, and the results that have been achieved. Learn more and register here: tacf.org/event/chestnut-chat-american-chestnut-breeding-history-and-innovations/
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
I have 6 trees
Can anyone tell by this pic if these are American or Chinese?
Upcoming Events
Join us on Friday, September 20, 2024, from 11:30AM – 1:00PM (EPT), for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat.Assisting Evolution: The History of American Chestnut Breeding and New InnovationsSpecial guests Mike […]
The NC/SC Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation invites you to participate in our hybrid American chestnut harvest! We’ll be gathering at Pryor Orchard in Edneyville Township, NC, on Saturday, […]
The Durham Fair is one of the largest fairs in CT. We host an exhibit educating people about the American chestnut and our mission in the Discovery Center. Stop by, […]