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.
QUIZ: What does RGS stand for?
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Learn more about the exciting new RGS breeding program at TACF!
Chestnut Chat Series
Beetle Evolution and the Rediscovery of the Greater Chestnut Weevil
Join us on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 11:30AM – 1:00PM (EPT), for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat.
Special guests Duane McKenna and Michael Charles will discuss beetle evolution and the remarkable rediscovery of a lost species, the greater chestnut weevil. In the 1900s, an invasive fungal disease wiped out the American chestnut tree and caused many of the insects that depended on it to disappear or die out. One of those insects, the greater chestnut weevil, which was last seen in 1997, was thought to be extinct. But photos posted online in 2022 and 2023 suggest that this weevil might still be alive in at least two places. Learn more about this exciting discovery and how DNA studies have helped us understand how beetles are related and how they evolved.
did you know?
TACF is the steward of the most blight-resistant and most genetically diverse majority-American chestnut population in the world.
This population is the foundation of our advanced RGS breeding program!
Now Streaming
CLEAR DAY THUNDER: Rescuing the American Chestnut is now available! For just $10, you will receive unlimited views and the ability to download and watch on multiple devices.
All proceeds support The American Chestnut Foundation’s mission to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range.
Science Strategies
Breeding, Biotechnology, and Biodiversity
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 Biodiversity, United for Restoration). These research tracks are implemented through mutually beneficial collaborations, so we can explore all avenues to reach the common goal of saving and restoring this species as quickly as possible.
Support Our Research
Found a tree?
Learn how to identify American chestnuts and send us a sample for identification.
Support The Restoration
Want a tree?
Learn how to get American chestnut seeds from TACF.
Latest News
Rolling Out a Unified Look: TACF Chapter Logos Now Live Across All State Chapters
The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) is excited to announce the official rollout of newly designed logos for all state chapters. This initiative is part of a larger strategy to create a cohesive and professional visual identity across the entire organization,...
Changes to TACF’s NY Chapter
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...
2025 Photo Contest
Capture the Beauty of the American Chestnut and Reap the Rewards! Now Through December 31, 2025 Grab your camera and hit the trails—the American Chestnut Photo Contest is back! We’re looking for striking, creative, and unique images of American chestnut trees and...
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Huge thanks to our amazing Bonner Scholars, Maddy, our dedicated Farm Assistant, and Gabbie, our creative Social Media Intern for all their hard work this semester! We’re so grateful for their contributions and can’t wait to welcome them back in August for another season of collaboration.
#americanchestnut #castaneadentata #americanchestnutfoundation #meadowviewresearchfarms #emoryhenry #bonnerscholars
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Join us on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 11:30AM – 1:00PM (EPT), for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat.
Special guests Duane McKenna and Michael Charles will discuss beetle evolution and the rediscovery of a lost species, the greater chestnut weevil.
Visit tacf.org/event/chestnut-chat-beetle-evolution-greater-chestnut-weevil/ to learn more and register.
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Why don't they make a weevil that can't have babies? And put them in the wild? So it'll past it to overs so they'll die out!!!
Planting season is here! This week we planted around 140 genomically selected chestnut seedlings at Meadowview's Duncan Farm for seed orchard production. In 5–7 years, this new seed orchard will be used for breeding and collecting open-pollinated seeds to continually improve disease resistance among our trees. Exciting roots for the future!
#americanchestnut #castaneadentata #americanchestnutfoundation #meadowviewresearchfarms
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
out of five trees, I have only one that has survived. Two due to cold killing the tops (16-21 degrees) and two I think killed by squirrels or gophers.
I wrote to you recently and we have one out here in Oregon City OR. In the middle of our woods we just logged. It was planted about 1890. We are mailing out a sample today for you.
Awesome!! 🥰
We're hiring and the deadline is this weekend! Head to jobs.talenthr.io/tacf/nursery-manager/4 to learn more.
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Carolina friends, please join us on May 3rd!
Where: Pryor Orchard in Edneyville, NC - Address and additional details will be provided after you sign up and fill out a waiver.
When: Saturday, May 3rd 2025 at 10:00AM.
Bring: Closed toe shoes (no crocs, sorry!), gloves, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, water and a snack or lunch.
Spots are limited, visit theamericanchestnutfoundation.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=90477 to sign up.
For more information, please contact:
Regional Science Coordinator Jamie Van Clief: gro.fcat@feilcnav.eimaj
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Upcoming Events
Come plant with us at Matthews State Forest on May 13th starting at 9am. Meet us outside of the Matthews State Forest Education Center and we will bring/show you to […]
Join us at Cumberland State Forest to plant 250 hybrid chestnut trees on May 15th! Planting location is behind the main office in a field to the left if you […]
Beetle Evolution and the Rediscovery of the Greater Chestnut WeevilJoin us on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Eastern), for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat.Special guests […]