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.

Your
Support
Matters

Please support the 2024 End of Year Appeal

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!

Restoration Roast Coffee

Restore yourself and the American chestnut tree with a smooth, rich cup of Restoration Roast coffee. Each nutty sip supports The American Chestnut Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring the American chestnut to its native range. PennyCup is donating $2 from every bag to support this important mission. To purchase a bag, visit the PennyCup website!

Chestnut Chat Series

Chestnuts Roasting Holiday Special

Join us on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 11:30AM – 1:00PM (EPT), for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat.

Everyone knows the line from The Christmas Song, “chestnuts roasting on an open fire.” Yet few of us alive today in the United States remember when vendors on street corners sold roasted chestnuts during the holidays. Luckily, chestnut popularity is on the rise! Join TACF staff and special guests from around the world to learn the art of roasting chestnuts and to hear tales of fond holiday memories growing up with roasted chestnuts on the fire. Learn about the flavor profiles of different chestnut species and the booming new business of chestnut agriculture in the US. Happy Holidays!

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire

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.

Clear Day Thunder movie poster

Science Strategies

Breeding, Biotechnology, and Biocontrol
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 Biocontrol United for Restoration). These research tracks are meant to be integrated through collaborations that are mutually beneficial, so we can explore all avenues to reach the common goal of saving and restoring this species as quickly as possible.

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 American chestnut seeds

Learn how to get American chestnut seeds from TACF.

Latest News

TACF Unveils New Brand

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...

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Learn More About TACF’s Research Advisory Council

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...

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Find us on Facebook

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Chestnuts Roasting is finally here! Come on down to Sweetbay Brewing Co and experience the iconic holiday tradition of roasted chestnuts. Sweetbay Brewing will be unveiling a limited edition chestnut beer, and settle in for the inspiring story of the American chestnut and live music. If you aren't convinced yet, check out some of our past Chestnuts Roasting events! Don't forget we changed the time to 5PM, can't wait to see you there!
#fall #chestnuts #americanchestnutfoundation #americanchestnut #ChestnutRoasting
... See MoreSee Less

Chestnuts Roasting is finally here! Come on down to Sweetbay Brewing Co and experience the iconic holiday tradition of roasted chestnuts. Sweetbay Brewing will be unveiling a limited edition chestnut beer, and settle in for the inspiring story of the American chestnut and live music. If you arent convinced yet, check out some of our past Chestnuts Roasting events! Dont forget we changed the time to 5PM, cant wait to see you there!   
#fall #chestnuts #americanchestnutfoundation #americanchestnut #ChestnutRoastingImage attachmentImage attachment+3Image attachment

We are thankful for this abundant and resilient tree that brings us together. Thankful for a species with such a rich history touching millions of lives across this land, from animal to arthropod. Thank you for sharing this journey with us. #theamericanchestnut #theamericanchestnutfoundation #meadowviewresearchfarms #CastaneaDentata ... See MoreSee Less

We are thankful for this abundant and resilient tree that brings us together. Thankful for a species with such a rich history touching millions of lives across this land, from animal to arthropod. Thank you for sharing this journey with us. #theamericanchestnut #theamericanchestnutfoundation #meadowviewresearchfarms #castaneadentata

The American Chestnut Foundation's national office will be closed starting today, Thursday, November 28 through Sunday, December 1. We will reopen Monday, December 2. ... See MoreSee Less

The American Chestnut Foundations national office will be closed starting today, Thursday, November 28 through Sunday, December 1. We will reopen Monday, December 2.

Here at Meadowview Research Farms, we do it for the trees and we do it for the team! Teamwork is a huge part of our daily operations at the farm. It takes a group effort for our team of six to get projects done, big and small. Recent team projects included replacing the current greenhouse walls with new plastic and our fall planting. Trees grown in the greenhouse are used for research or are grown out to be planted in the field for observation or future breeding, the work of each individual impacts the group as a whole. From putting a chestnut in a pot, to applying research treatments and taking data, to planting in the field, MRF staff work together as a team to get it all done. FOR THE TEAM!
#CHESTNUT #americanchestnut #meadowviewresearchfarms #theamericanchestnutfoundation #teamwork #greenhouse #planting #science #conservationscience #research
... See MoreSee Less

Here at Meadowview Research Farms, we do it for the trees and we do it for the team! Teamwork is a huge part of our daily operations at the farm. It takes a group effort for our team of six to get projects done, big and small. Recent team projects included replacing the current greenhouse walls with new plastic and our fall planting. Trees grown in the greenhouse are used for research or are grown out to be planted in the field for observation or future breeding, the work of each individual impacts the group as a whole. From putting a chestnut in a pot, to applying research treatments and taking data, to planting in the field, MRF staff work together as a team to get it all done. FOR THE TEAM!
#chestnut #americanchestnut #meadowviewresearchfarms #theamericanchestnutfoundation #teamwork #greenhouse #planting #science #conservationscience #researchImage attachmentImage attachment

Exciting update from TACF's Meadowview Research Farms! Please enjoy some footage from the ongoing 4-season research greenhouse construction. Contractors from GrowSpan Greenhouse Structures have been working hard for the past two weeks to get the greenhouse up and have made amazing progress so far. Beyond framing, the polycarbonate roof and side walls are going up and just today, heaters are being mounted! Once the exterior is complete, work will begin on building out the necessary environmental controls including the evaporative coolers and automated shading. With the weather growing continuously colder we are looking forward to having a warm and safe new home for TACF seedlings and experiments. We are so grateful to our generous donors for their dedication to the TACF mission and excitement for this project.
#greenhouse #research #TheAmericanChestnutFoundation #science #restoration #chestnut #ConservationScience #AmericanChestnut #MeadowviewResearchFarms
... See MoreSee Less

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Upcoming Events

11:30AM - 1:00PM

Join us on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 11:30AM – 1:00PM (EPT), for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat.Chestnuts Roasting Holiday SpecialEveryone knows the line from The Christmas Song, "chestnuts roasting […]

12:00AM - 11:59PM