Connecticut news

Northern CT Land Trust Swann Farm Orchard Report

In the spring of 2007, the Northern Connecticut Land Trust (NCLT) established a chestnut orchard at their Swann Farm property on Reeves Road in Ellington, CT. An enthusiastic group of 20 volunteers prepared the soil, erected a 1,100 foot deer fence, and planted 230 chestnuts on two beautiful Saturdays in April.


Swann Farm Orchard Entrance. Photographer Gayle Kida – Oct '07 [click on photo to see larger version]

The one and a half acre orchard was planted with BC4 nuts harvested from a mother tree in Stafford, CT. The orchard had a successful first year. Germination and survival rates were nearly 90% and by early fall, the average seedling was almost two feet tall.

In the spring of 2008, we plan to plant a second line of nuts from another mother tree on space remaining at this site.


One season's growth of a backcross American chestnut. Photographer Gayle Kida – Oct '07 [click on photo to see larger version]

Many thanks to the volunteers who planted, watered weeded, and mowed the orchard, to the Bartlett Tree Experts who pollinated and harvested the nuts with their bucket truck, to the Norcross Wildlife Foundation who provided a grant toward the cost of the deer fence, and to Conrad-Fafard Inc. and W.H. Milikowski Inc. who contributed and delivered a generous supply of peat moss.

More information can be found at the Northern CT Land Trust web site.

James Gage – Northern CT Land Trust (and Director/Treasurer – CT-TACF)

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Two American chestnut hybrids showing off their early spring leaves. These trees were planted about 10 years ago behind Lucy Herring Elementary in West Asheville. ... See MoreSee Less

Two American chestnut hybrids showing off their early spring leaves. These trees were planted about 10 years ago behind Lucy Herring Elementary in West Asheville.Image attachmentImage attachment

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Approximately how tall are the trees?

Maryland Friends!

The spring meeting of The Maryland Chapter of the American Chestnut
Foundation will be at the Gaithersburg Library, Meeting Room 3 on Saturday,
April 26, from 10:30 – 2:30. The meeting is free and open to the public.

The meeting will begin with an update on the TACF chestnut restoration program. Our featured speaker will be Donald Edward Davis, scholar, former Fulbright fellow, and author of The American Chestnut, An Environmental History. The American chestnut tells the story of the American chestnut from Native American prehistory through present day efforts to restore the American
chestnut to its former place in the eastern deciduous forest.

You do not want to miss this presentation and discussion!

Visit the link to learn more and register! tacf.org/event/maryland-chapter-spring-meeting-5/
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Happy National Volunteer Week! 🌿

We're sending a heartfelt thank you to all the amazing volunteers who show up, dig in, and make a real difference. Your passion and dedication help us grow stronger every day—thank you for being part of the movement!

#volunteerweek #americanchestnut
... See MoreSee Less

Happy National Volunteer Week! 🌿 Were sending a heartfelt thank you to all the amazing volunteers who show up, dig in, and make a real difference. Your passion and dedication help us grow stronger every day—thank you for being part of the movement!#volunteerweek #americanchestnut

It's time for an update on the Recurrent Genomic Selection (RGS) process. Staff and volunteers, including Hannah and Christine from our Asheville office, have been diligently collecting leaf tissue samples from seedlings produced by our first RGS crosses, which were carried out in the summer of 2024. Last week, each tree was tagged for identification, ensuring accurate tracking throughout the genotyping process. The DNA from these samples will be sequenced, and the resulting data will directly inform and enhance our ongoing breeding program.

#americanchestnut #castaneadentata #americanchestnutfoundation #meadowviewresearchfarms
... See MoreSee Less

Its time for an update on the Recurrent Genomic Selection (RGS) process. Staff and volunteers, including Hannah and Christine from our Asheville office, have been diligently collecting leaf tissue samples from seedlings produced by our first RGS crosses, which were carried out in the summer of 2024. Last week, each tree was tagged for identification, ensuring accurate tracking throughout the genotyping process. The DNA from these samples will be sequenced, and the resulting data will directly inform and enhance our ongoing breeding program.#americanchestnut #castaneadentata #americanchestnutfoundation #meadowviewresearchfarms

Join us tomorrow, Friday, April 18, 2025, from 11:30AM – 1:00PM (EPT), for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat.

Got questions about growing chestnuts or tips to share? Join us for the Chestnut Growers Town Hall! Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just starting, this event is your chance to connect, share insights, and learn from experts. Ask your questions on topics like site selection, soil nutrition, varmint control, and more. Our expert panel will answer questions and share their top growing tips. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the chestnut restoration community!

Visit tacf.org/event/chestnut-chat-chestnut-growers-town-hall/ for more info and to register.
... See MoreSee Less

Join us tomorrow, Friday, April 18, 2025, from 11:30AM – 1:00PM (EPT), for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat.Got questions about growing chestnuts or tips to share? Join us for the Chestnut Growers Town Hall! Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just starting, this event is your chance to connect, share insights, and learn from experts. Ask your questions on topics like site selection, soil nutrition, varmint control, and more. Our expert panel will answer questions and share their top growing tips. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the chestnut restoration community!Visit https://tacf.org/event/chestnut-chat-chestnut-growers-town-hall/ for more info and to register.
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