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Photo gallery – CT 40th TACF Anniversary Celebration

The American Chestnut Foundation is celebrating 40 years of research and restoration!

Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in Hamden started to plant chestnuts as early as 1941, and has been an incredible partner for the Foundation, allowing fruitful collaborations between their scientists and TACF. It was therefore the ideal place to celebrate this anniversary amongst their multitudes of chestnut orchards!

On Sunday October 8, the CT Chapter at the Lockwood Farm hosted the following program:

  • 1 pm: Guided tour of the chestnut orchards by CAES Assistant Agricultural Scientist Susanna Keriö, TACF-CT Chapter President Jack Swatt, and TACF-CT Chapter Outreach Coordinator Florian Carle.
  • 2 pm: Screening of TACF’s new documentary film CLEAR DAY THUNDER: Rescuing the American Chestnut outside, under the Pavillon
  • 3 pm: Self guided tour & hike at Sleeping Giant to see significant chestnut trees like “Sleeping Giant”, “Graves”, or “Mahogany”

This event was co-sponsored by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station who generously welcomed us at their farm.

 

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We love to see so many people come together for American chestnut restoration.Back in August, Meadowview Research Farm staff members Lucinda Wigfield and Brian Henrich attended the NE-2333 meeting: Biological Improvement of Chestnut through Technologies that Address Management of the Species and its Pathogens and Pests. The meeting provided an opportunity to connect with fellow researchers, learn from a variety of presentations, and share in the latest developments in chestnut research and restoration.
As part of the meeting, Lucinda and Brian also joined a field trip to Johns Creek, getting an up-close look at chestnut research and restoration efforts in the field.
We’re glad that Meadowview staff were able to learn with other scientists and to be part of the ongoing work to restore this important native tree!
#MeadowviewResearchFarm #AmericanChestnut #ChestnutResearch #ChestnutRestoration #NE2333 #ForestRestoration #NativeTrees
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We love to see so many people come together for American chestnut restoration.

Several chestnut enthusiasts recently had the opportunity to visit John's Creek's planting in Virginia. One of the most memorable sights was the claw marks left by black bears foraging for chestnuts as they prepare for winter, a testament to the planting's success and its growing role in supporting wildlife. The visit took place during this year's NE2333 annual meeting.

#AmericanChestnut #ChestnutRestoration #ForestHealth #WildlifeConservation #HealthyForests
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Several chestnut enthusiasts recently had the opportunity to visit Johns Creeks planting in Virginia. One of the most memorable sights was the claw marks left by black bears foraging for chestnuts as they prepare for winter, a testament to the plantings success and its growing role in supporting wildlife. The visit took place during this years NE2333 annual meeting.#AmericanChestnut #ChestnutRestoration #ForestHealth #WildlifeConservation #HealthyForests

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Hopefully the damaged bark does not serve as a corridor for the blight to enter living tissue.

Have seen a number of true wild, pure American chestnut trees damaged by black bear. These trees are large enough to survive multiple years of “attacks” by black bear.

Are these engineered trees or crossbred?

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This excellent article takes a deep dive into the history of the American chestnut, the science driving restoration efforts, and the communities helping make recovery possible. Be sure to read the perspectives shared by TACF Director of Science Jared Westbrook, Board Member Jim Searing, and PA/NJ Chapter member Mike Aucott. 🌳🌰

Read the article: rivertownsmagazine.com/stories/the-return-of-the-american-chestnut-tree,146154

#americanchestnut #forestry #ForestRestoration #citizenscience #conservation
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This excellent article takes a deep dive into the history of the American chestnut, the science driving restoration efforts, and the communities helping make recovery possible. Be sure to read the perspectives shared by TACF Director of Science Jared Westbrook, Board Member Jim Searing, and PA/NJ Chapter member Mike Aucott. 🌳🌰Read the article: https://rivertownsmagazine.com/stories/the-return-of-the-american-chestnut-tree,146154  #AmericanChestnut #Forestry #ForestRestoration #CitizenScience #Conservation

50 CommentsComment on Facebook

Thanks for sharing! This was a great article and we're glad to be part of the restoration efforts.

I have acreage, but no idea how to purchase these.

I will be pleased if a 100 ft, tall tree with a sweet chestnut can be developed from any of these approaches.

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The 2026 American Chestnut Symposium is taking shape! The current schedule is live, featuring expert presentations, panel discussions, restoration updates, networking opportunities, and field tours designed to bring our community together around the future of American chestnut restoration

Have research, restoration work, or a project to share? Consider participating in the poster session and connecting with fellow scientists, volunteers, conservation professionals, and chestnut enthusiasts.

Learn more, explore the schedule, and register today at tacf.org/2026-american-chestnut-symposium/

#ForestRestoration #conservation #forestry #nativespecies #americanchestnut
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The 2026 American Chestnut Symposium is taking shape! The current schedule is live, featuring expert presentations, panel discussions, restoration updates, networking opportunities, and field tours designed to bring our community together around the future of American chestnut restorationHave research, restoration work, or a project to share? Consider participating in the poster session and connecting with fellow scientists, volunteers, conservation professionals, and chestnut enthusiasts.Learn more, explore the schedule, and register today at https://tacf.org/2026-american-chestnut-symposium/ #ForestRestoration #Conservation #Forestry #NativeSpecies #AmericanChestnutImage attachmentImage attachment+2Image attachment

1 CommentComment on Facebook

I will do my best to make it!

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