Why American Chestnuts?
The American chestnut tree was an essential component of the eastern North American ecosystem. A late-flowering, reliable, and productive tree, unaffected by seasonal frosts, it was the single most important food source for a wide variety of wildlife from bears to birds. Rural communities depended upon the annual nut harvest as a cash crop to feed livestock. The chestnut lumber industry was a major sector of rural economies. Chestnut wood is straight-grained and easily worked, lightweight and highly rot-resistant, making it ideal for fence posts, railroad ties, barn beams and home construction, as well as for fine furniture and musical instruments.
Historical Significance of American Chestnut to Appalachian Culture and Ecology
By Donald E. Davis, Social Sciences Division, Dalton State College, Dalton, GA USA
By Donald E. Davis, Social Sciences Division, Dalton State College, Dalton, GA USA
Top 10 Reasons to Bring It Back!
1. Healthy Forests
Restoring the American chestnut will improve our forests and increase biodiversity.
2. Restoring an American Legacy
Referred to as the “cradle-to-grave” tree for its variety of uses, it was an important food source and cash crop for the people of Appalachia.
3. Superior Wildlife Food
A single American chestnut tree produces abundant and highly nutritious food for wildlife year after year.
4. Reclamation
Its fast growth and tolerance of rocky, acidic, and poor soils makes it perfect for returning degraded landscapes, such as those left by surface mining, to diverse and healthy forests.
5. Road Map for the Future
American chestnut research creates a template for restoration of other species across the world.
6. Outstanding Timber
The American chestnut spreads its branches wide as a shade tree and produces large, white flowers before its abundant fruit production.
7. Craftsmanship
A light, durable wood with lovely color and attractive grain appreciated for furniture and architectural elements.
8. Cuisine
The seed is smaller and sweeter than other chestnuts. It is often preferred for cooking and roasting because of its superior flavor.
9. Landscaping
The American chestnut spreads its branches wide as a shade tree and produces large, white flowers before its abundant fruit production.
10. Conservation
Restoring the American chestnut will be a conservation achievement of historic proportions, turning around what is considered to be one of the worst ecological disasters of the 20th century.