The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) works proudly alongside its 16 state chapters throughout the eastern US to fulfill our collective mission to return the American chestnut to its native range. Each chapter is crucial to this work, and their diverse contributions are invaluable.
The NY Chapter has been a strong partner in these scientific pursuits for more than 30 years, promoting American restoration based on transgenic trees developed at SUNY-ESF in Syracuse, which is still under regulatory review, while TACF and its other state chapters focused primarily on breeding. In 2023, TACF withdrew support for the transgenic chestnut program at SUNY-ESF due to performance concerns. Details can be found by visiting the Darling 58/54 webpage.
In March 2025, NY-TACF and the TACF national leadership met to discuss the future of the association between the two organizations. NY-TACF’s leadership remain committed to working with SUNY-ESF and its for-profit commercial partner on the Darling 54 transgenic chestnut program. The two organizations agreed to terminate their association. We are grateful for the NY Chapter leadership’s commitment, cooperation, and support over the years. Though our methods have diverged, we remain united in our passion for American chestnut restoration.
TACF will continue its research, outreach, and membership activities in New York. If you are a current member of the NY Chapter, your membership and benefits will continue through your expiration date, at which time we encourage you to renew. TACF is in the process of organizing a new chapter in New York whose activities will be aligned with TACF’s scientific program.
If you are interested in having a more active role, new volunteer opportunities for leadership in the NY Chapter will be announced soon. The only requirements are a passion for learning and a desire to restore this iconic tree species. There is excitement about renewed opportunities for connection, such as guided hikes, orchard plantings, speaking engagements, and productive dialog, all of which will continue to help grow this community of chestnut enthusiasts.
The ambitious goal of American chestnut restoration can only be achieved through working together toward mission success, and our state chapters are the backbone of this bold and steadfast effort.
For more information about:
- TACF’s NY Chapter, contact Northern Regional Outreach Coordinator Catherine Martini at gro.fcat@initraM.enirehtaC,
- growing American chestnuts or chestnut research in NY, contact North Central Regional Science Coordinator Lake Graboski at gro.fcat@iksobarG.ekaL, and
- the former NY Chapter, now named American Chestnut Restoration, Inc., contact Allen Nichols at moc.liamg@57.slohcinkjaf.