PA – Grafting Workshop
February 6, 2026 @ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Join us for a Chestnut grafting workshop at Penn State on February 6th. This day-long event will include chestnut grafting method demonstrations, practice, and discussion, with the goal of developing grafting skills and relationships to preserve the unique genetics of chestnuts. There will also be a scion exchange for everyone to bring their own trees and share. It is not a requirement to bring scion wood or to be proficient in grafting, beginners are welcome!
The event will be held at Mendel’s Way Greenhouse: 131 Mendel’s Way, Bellefonte, PA 16823, and will be a daylong event starting at 9am. Please RSVP with Noah Vincent at ude.usp@3705ven. Attendance will be limited to 25 people.
Agenda
- 9:00 – 10:00 Scion Exchange/Social Hour
- 10:00 – 10:30 Overview of chestnut grafting and use in TACF breeding program. This will include brief introduction to what grafting is and how it is planned to be used to help breed blight resistant American chestnuts. We’ll look at the structure of chestnut seeds and sprouts and define some basic grafting methods so that we have an idea of what is planned for today’s activities.
- 10:30 – 12:00 Demonstrations of seedling, hypocotyl, and epicotyl grafting methods.
- 12:00 – 1:00pm Lunch Break. Pizza and sandwiches will be provided. People with dietary restrictions or those who wish are encouraged to bring their own lunch.
- 1:00 – 5:00 Grafting practice and discussion. Individuals will be given some time to practice grafting as supplies allow. More experienced group members will circulate and coach others. This will also be some time for questions about grafting and general discussion.
