Chestnut Chat: How American Chestnut Hybrids Interact with Their Environment

Join us on Friday, March 28, 2025, from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Eastern), for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat.

Special guests Dr. Camila Filgueiras, Assistant Professor of Biology at UNC Asheville, and Dr. Jonathan Horton, Professor and Chair of Biology at UNC Asheville, will discuss their research into the ecological interactions between American chestnut hybrids and their environment, with a focus on insect communities and soil biodiversity.

The American chestnut (Castanea dentata) once dominated eastern North American forests but was nearly eradicated by chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica). Hybridization efforts offer hope for restoring this iconic species, yet their ecological impacts remain largely unexplored. This seminar, led by an entomologist and a forest ecologist, will present groundbreaking research on how American chestnut hybrids interact with their environment, focusing on insect diversity, herbivory, soil biodiversity, and plant physiology. Our findings reveal that different hybrid types support distinct insect communities, influencing forest food webs and pollination dynamics. Soil biodiversity assessments indicate that hybrid stands may enhance belowground ecosystem function, while physiological analyses highlight their adaptive potential—especially under environmental stress. The research also provides valuable insights into how hybrid chestnuts compare to their purebred ancestors, with some hybrids showing promising resilience traits while others more closely resemble the pre-blight American chestnut. Beyond its scientific contributions, this project has provided hands-on learning experiences for students, fostering the next generation of researchers and conservationists. Funded in part by The American Chestnut Foundation, the research has led to conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and a deeper appreciation for the cultural and ecological significance of chestnut restoration. Join us as we bridge research, education, and real-world application to bring the American chestnut back to our forests. Whether you’re a scientist, grower, or simply passionate about conservation, this discussion will explore how hybridization can shape the future of forest restoration.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE (via Zoom Webinar)

Pre-registration is required to attend this event. Pre-register here. After registering you will receive a unique URL link to join the event on the day of the chat. You can also add the event to your calendar from the webinar registration approval page. The meeting will open 15 minutes prior to the start time to allow an audio and video test.

Presenters

Dr. Jonathan Horton, Professor and Chair of Biology at UNC Asheville