2026
American Chestnut Symposium
& Fall Meeting: Restoration Now!
November 6-7
Greenbelt, MD
Watch this page for more info–speaker lineup and schedule coming soon!
The Future of American Chestnut Restoration Is Taking Shape.
You have heard about TACF’s new direction. You may have questions about what it means, how it works, and why we believe it offers the strongest path forward.
At TACF’s Fall Meeting, hear directly from the scientists leading this work.
Dr. Jared Westbrook, TACF director of science and lead author of the landmark research published in Science, will explain the science behind TACF’s approach.
Cassie Stark, TACF’s director of science implementation, will illustrate how science is being translated into breeding, testing, and restoration across the chestnut’s native range.
Learn why resistance to chestnut blight and Phytophthora root rot requires a multi-trait strategy. Gain insight into how recurrent genomic selection gives us the ability to build resistance while maintaining the diversity, adaptability, and forest function of the American chestnut.
This is more than a breeding program. It is a plan for the future of our forest.
Come learn about the forest we are building for your grandchildren.
Rooted in Restoration, Connected Through Community
The American Chestnut Foundation is a community of thousands of passionate volunteers, members, partners, supporters, landowners, scientists, and industry professionals, working together across generations to restore an iconic tree, an ecosystem, and our relationship with nature. This symposium is a unique opportunity to celebrate successes, build new relationships, and help forge the path toward restoration of the American chestnut.
Full Registration
$225 Early Bird Rate! (Regular $275)
Join us Friday and Saturday and enjoy speakers and events, including: social hours, Friday lunch and dinner, plus Saturday lunch! Add on a special orchard tour for just $20 more!
Saturday Half Day Pass
$100
Join us Saturday and enjoy the morning speakers, or opt for a special orchard tour for just $20 more! Both plans include lunch!
Registration will be open soon!
Venue
Crowne Plaza
Address: 6400 Ivy Lane, Greenbelt, MD 20770 (map)
Phone: (800) 227-6963
Website: Crowne Plaza by IHG
Symposium
All symposium meetings and events will be held at the Crowne Plaza venue. Meeting room details available soon.
Crowne Plaza College Park – Washington DC
6400 Ivy Lane
Greenbelt, MD 20770
(map)
Field Trips
Meet the trees (and see what they’re up against)! Special offsite orchard outings and breeding tours will be offered. Your $20 tour ticket includes tour and transportation. Stay tuned for more info!
Closest Non-Venue Hotels
- Sonesta Select Greenbelt College Park (0.4 miles)
(301) 441-3311 - Residence Inn by Marriott Greenbelt (0.5 miles)
(301)982-1600 - Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/Greenbelt (0.5 miles)
(301) 474-7400
Sponsorship
We warmly invite you to become part of this bold mission by sponsoring this important gathering.
Promote your business to a group of dedicated donors, members, conservationists, nature lovers, private landowners, scientists, and industry professionals by sponsoring the 2026 American Chestnut Symposium! As a sponsor, your contribution supports symposium scholarships, speaker sessions, student poster sessions, and the ever-popular Awards Banquet. TACF will promote your company through our: eSprout newsletter, award-winning Chestnut magazine, website, social media platforms, and electronic and printed event promotional materials. Click here to learn more!
Open Call for Posters and Student Flash Talks
TACF’s poster session highlights research topics dedicated to species restoration, with a focus on American chestnut projects. Cash prizes will be awarded for the top three posters and special student registration rates are available. The poster session will take place on Friday, November 6, 2026. For more information, read the Request for Proposals.
Together we can save the American chestnut.
We look forward to seeing you there!