BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//The American Chestnut Foundation - ECPv6.17.4//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://tacf.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The American Chestnut Foundation REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20230312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20231105T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20230312T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20231105T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20240310T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20241103T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20250309T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20251102T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240411 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240414 DTSTAMP:20231206T191459Z CREATED:20231206T190731Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231206T191459Z UID:10001902-1712793600-1713052799@tacf.org SUMMARY:TACF Annual Spring Meeting DESCRIPTION:Save the date for TACF’s Annual Spring Meeting\, April 11-13\, 2024. \nMore information coming soon. URL:https://tacf.org/event/tacf-annual-spring-meeting/ LOCATION:TN CATEGORIES:The American Chestnut Foundation ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tacf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Meadowview-spring-meeting-600.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240414T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240414T140000 DTSTAMP:20240412T185547Z CREATED:20240412T185452Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240412T185547Z UID:10001958-1713088800-1713103200@tacf.org SUMMARY:MA/RI-TACF Spring 2024 Quarterly Meeting (online) DESCRIPTION:Meeting will be online\n \n\nThe American Chestnut Foundation is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.\nJoin Zoom Meeting\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/82427954398\nMeeting ID: 824 2795 4398\nPasscode: 1904\n\nAgenda coming soon – please send agenda items to Kathy URL:https://tacf.org/event/ma-ri-tacf-spring-2024-quarterly-meeting-online/ LOCATION:TN CATEGORIES:Massachusetts / Rhode Island,The American Chestnut Foundation ORGANIZER;CN="Kathy Desjardin":MAILTO:marichapter@tacf.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240415T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240415T160000 DTSTAMP:20240404T140609Z CREATED:20240404T140603Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240404T140609Z UID:10001954-1713175200-1713196800@tacf.org SUMMARY:VA - Planting at Lesesne State Forest DESCRIPTION:The VA Department of Forestry and VATACF will be planting 300 bareroot seedlings at Lesesne State Forest on Monday\, April 15th. Planting will begin at 10 am and last until we are finished (likely 4-6 hours depending on how many folks come out). Please come out and help us plant these trees in our effort to restore the American chestnut! \nPlease note that the terrain we are planting on has a lot of brush and debris\, it is not easy to get around. If you have movement issues I recommend selecting another of our volunteer events. Bring water\, lunch/snacks\, bug spray or sunscreen if needed\, and gardening gloves. We will have all the equipment required for planting. \nThank you and we hope to see you there!!\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Location Specifics: This event will take place at Lesesne State Forest. There is no specific address but if you enter Lesesne State Forest Trail Head into your GPS or on Google Maps it will get you here. (Lat\, long: 37.83619\, -78.97078). There is a metal gate\, to enter the orchard/planting area\, drive through the gate and take the first right. This will take you to a shed where you can park. URL:https://tacf.org/event/planting-at-lesesne-state-forest/ LOCATION:Lesesne State Forest\, Lesesne State Forest Trailhead\, State Rt 680\, Roseland\, VA\, 22967\, United States CATEGORIES:The American Chestnut Foundation,Virginia ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tacf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/VA-Lesesne-state-forest-sign-900.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Cassie Stark":MAILTO:cassie.stark@tacf.org GEO:37.842068;-78.964072 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Lesesne State Forest Lesesne State Forest Trailhead State Rt 680 Roseland VA 22967 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Lesesne State Forest Trailhead\, State Rt 680:geo:-78.964072,37.842068 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240418T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240418T200000 DTSTAMP:20240403T195104Z CREATED:20240403T195104Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240403T195104Z UID:10001951-1713466800-1713470400@tacf.org SUMMARY:CT-TACF Presentation on the Restoration of The American Chestnut sponsored by The Heritage Land Trust DESCRIPTION:Jack Swatt stands next to a wild American chestnut tree in Seymour\, CT \nCT-TACF Presentation on the Restoration of The American Chestnut sponsored by The Heritage Land Trust \nJoin Jack Swatt\, President of the CT Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation for an informative talk about the American Chestnut tree. The American chestnut was a reliable provider of food and shelter for wildlife as well as Native and Early Americans until an introduced blight fungus crippled the species in the early 20th century.  Learn about the history of the American chestnut\, it’s decline and the efforts currently underway to try and restore this keystone species back to the forests of Connecticut. URL:https://tacf.org/event/ct-tacf-presentation-on-the-restoration-of-the-american-chestnut-sponsored-by-the-heritage-land-trust/ LOCATION:Bad Dog Brewery\, 117 Water St\, Torrington\, CT\, 06790\, United States CATEGORIES:Connecticut,The American Chestnut Foundation END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240419T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240419T130000 DTSTAMP:20240315T202004Z CREATED:20240315T201546Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240315T202004Z UID:10001945-1713526200-1713531600@tacf.org SUMMARY:Chestnut Chat - Growing Chestnuts DESCRIPTION:Growing Chestnuts: Best Practices for Planting and Maintaining American Chestnut Trees\n \n \n \n \n \n Join us on April 19\, 2024\, from 11:30AM – 1:00PM (EPT)\, for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ready to get your hands dirty? Let’s talk about growing chestnuts! In this episode\, we will cover all the basics of planting\, growing\, and maintaining American chestnut trees. TACF staff and expert volunteers will talk about how to plant chestnuts from seed and from seedlings\, including bareroot and containerized seedlings\, as well as considerations for planting in the spring versus the fall. Bring your questions and don’t miss this Chestnut Chat that is sure to become an instant classic. \n \n \n \n \n \n HOW TO PARTICIPATE (via Zoom Webinar) \nPre-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. \n \n Pre-Register Here URL:https://tacf.org/event/chestnut-chat-growing-chestnuts/ LOCATION:TN CATEGORIES:Chestnut Chat,The American Chestnut Foundation ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tacf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ciera-planting-american-chestnut-900.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240420T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240420T160000 DTSTAMP:20240330T115036Z CREATED:20240220T194412Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240330T115036Z UID:10001935-1713603600-1713628800@tacf.org SUMMARY:CT-TACF at the Woodbury Earth Day Celebration DESCRIPTION:Come celebrate Earth Day with the CT chapter of TACF in Hollow Park at Woodbury. TACF volunteers will have a table in the park to tell you all about chestnuts! And David Liedlich\, one of our members to the board of director\, will lead a Tree Identification walk during the day. \nHappy Earth Day! URL:https://tacf.org/event/tacf-at-the-woodbury-earth-day/ LOCATION:Hollow Park\, Woodbury\, Hollow Rd\, Woodbury\, CT\, 06798\, United States CATEGORIES:Connecticut,The American Chestnut Foundation END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240420T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240420T110000 DTSTAMP:20240403T200900Z CREATED:20240403T200900Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240403T200900Z UID:10001952-1713607200-1713610800@tacf.org SUMMARY:CT-TACF Presentation on the Restoration of The American Chestnut sponsored by The White Memorial Conservation Center DESCRIPTION:Jack Swatt stands next to a wild American chestnut tree in Seymour\, CT \nCT-TACF Presentation on the Restoration of The American Chestnut sponsored by The White Memorial Conservation Center \nMore than a century ago\, nearly 4 billion American chestnut trees were growing in the eastern U.S. They were among the largest\, tallest\, and fastest-growing trees. The wood was rot-resistant\, straight-grained\, and suitable for furniture\, fencing\, and building. The nuts fed billions of birds and animals. It was almost a perfect tree\, that is\, until a blight fungus killed it more than a century ago. The chestnut blight has been called the greatest ecological disaster to strike the world’s forests in all of history. The American chestnut tree survived all adversaries for 40 million years\, then disappeared within 40. Jack Swatt\, President of the Connecticut Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation provides an overview of the history\, value\, blight impact\, and revival of this iconic tree. \n10:00 a.m.\, A. B. Ceder Room\, FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center’s programming expenses. Please pre-register online: American Chestnut Registration URL:https://tacf.org/event/ct-tacf-presentation-on-the-restoration-of-the-american-chestnut-sponsored-by-the-white-memorial-conservation-center/ LOCATION:White Memorial Conservation Center\, 80 Whitehall Rd.\, Litchfield\, Connecticut\, 06759\, United States CATEGORIES:Connecticut,The American Chestnut Foundation ORGANIZER;CN="Jack Swatt":MAILTO:jswattchestnut@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240420T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240420T153000 DTSTAMP:20240415T190247Z CREATED:20240415T164358Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240415T190247Z UID:10001959-1713607200-1713627000@tacf.org SUMMARY:Carolinas Chapter Wild American Chestnut Seed Planting Event DESCRIPTION:You are invited to help plant wild American chestnut seed at the Pryor Conservation Orchard located at 12 Will Hill Road\, Hendersonville\, NC. The planting event starts at 10:00 AM on April 20 and will conclude by early afternoon. Dress for field work\, including sturdy shoes\, gloves\, and cap or hat.  Bring a garden spade\, rake\, and shovel if possible. Bring water to drink\, a snack\, and a lunch.  GPS coordinates for the orchard are 35.40259\, -82.29317. Check out directions to the location before arriving as cell phone coverage is spotty near the orchard.  Let us know that you are coming by emailing a confirmation to tacf.carolinas@gmail.com.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReplyForward \n\n\nAdd reaction URL:https://tacf.org/event/carolinas-chapter-wild-american-chestnut-seed-planting-event/ LOCATION:Pryor Orchard\, Hendersonville\, NC\, 28792\, United States CATEGORIES:Carolinas,The American Chestnut Foundation GEO:-82.29308;35.40297 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240423T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240423T150000 DTSTAMP:20240412T161127Z CREATED:20240412T161119Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240412T161127Z UID:10001957-1713866400-1713884400@tacf.org SUMMARY:OH - Celebrating the American Chestnut DESCRIPTION:Celebrate the American chestnut at The John Bartram Arboretum.\nThe day will begin at 10:00am with a keynote presentation by Dr. Greg Miller titled “Chestnuts in America.” At 1:00pm we will lead a chestnut walk on Wildflower Hill and then plant American chestnuts at 2:00pm on Wildflower Hill. For more information on American chestnuts ahead of time\, join us for one of our showings of The American Chestnut Foundation’s documentary “Clear Day Thunder.” For more information visit our Facebook Page. URL:https://tacf.org/event/oh-celebrating-the-american-chestnut/ LOCATION:John Bartram Arboretum at Kendal at Oberlin\, 600 Kendall Dr\, Oberlin\, OH\, 44074\, United States CATEGORIES:Ohio,The American Chestnut Foundation ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tacf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/OH-John-Bartram-Arboretum-River-birch-and-bald-cypress.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Rachel Duncan":MAILTO:rduncan@kao.kendal.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240424T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240424T193000 DTSTAMP:20240415T185054Z CREATED:20240415T185054Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240415T185054Z UID:10001961-1713981600-1713987000@tacf.org SUMMARY:Chestnut Talk DESCRIPTION:Doug Gillis\, President of the Carolinas Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation\, will discuss the demise and restoration of the American chestnut tree at the Huntersville Garden Club’s meeting on April 24. The Garden Club will meet at Waterbean Coffee\, 9705 Sam Furr Road\, Huntersville\, NC starting at 6:00 PM and concluding at 7:30 PM. URL:https://tacf.org/event/chestnut-talk/ LOCATION:Waterbean Coffee\, 9705 Sam Furr Road\, Huntersville\, NC\, 28078\, United States CATEGORIES:Carolinas,Chestnut Chat,The American Chestnut Foundation END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240425T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240425T200000 DTSTAMP:20240425T133957Z CREATED:20240425T133957Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240425T133957Z UID:10001965-1714068000-1714075200@tacf.org SUMMARY:RI - Clear Day Thunder Screening DESCRIPTION:On Thursday\, April 25th at 6pm\, the RIHS will be screening a new documentary film from The American Chestnut Foundation:Clear Day Thunder\, a documentary about the efforts of passionate citizen scientists and researchers working to restore this ecologically and economically significant tree species. More info here. URL:https://tacf.org/event/ri-clear-day-thunder-screening/ LOCATION:Aldrich House\, 110 Benevolent St\, Providence\, RI\, United States CATEGORIES:Massachusetts / Rhode Island,The American Chestnut Foundation ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tacf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/clear-day-thunder-movie-poster-900.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240425T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240425T203000 DTSTAMP:20240412T161444Z CREATED:20240330T114915Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240412T161444Z UID:10001950-1714071600-1714077000@tacf.org SUMMARY:CT - Screening of the Documentary "Clear Day Thunder" - Middle Haddam DESCRIPTION:On Thursday\, April 25\, Christ Church on 66 Middle Haddam Road in Middle Haddam will host a screening of “Clear Day Thunder”. The 52-minute documentary describes the rescuing of the American Chestnut tree. \nThe screening will take place in the Christ Church Middle Haddam parish hall and run from 7-8:30 pm. Free parking for the event is at the rear of the church on Long Hill Road. Admission is free. \nThe American chestnut once dominated portions of the eastern U.S. forests\, from Maine to Mississippi. Numbering in billions\, the tree was one of the tallest and fastest growing in those regions. Pollinators depended on the flowers\, and wildlife\, livestock\, and people relied on its nutritious nut. Tall and fast-growing\, the tree’s wood was rot-resistant and straight-grained\, making it an excellent source of lumber. \nIn the late 1800s a deadly blight was inadvertently imported to the U.S. from Asia as global horticultural trade increased. The American chestnut had no resistance and in fewer than 50 years the fungus had eliminated it as a mature forest tree\, rendering it functionally extinct. \n“Clear Day Thunder” features interviews with scientists\, volunteers\, and luminaries. Best-selling author Barbara Kingsolver\, Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell\, country music legend Dolly Parton\, and former President Jimmy Carter are just a few of the well-known figures committed to this historic conservation effort. URL:https://tacf.org/event/screening-of-the-documentary-clear-day-thunder-middle-haddam/ LOCATION:Christ Church Middle Haddam parish hall\, 66 Middle Haddam Road\, Middle Haddam\, CT\, United States CATEGORIES:Connecticut,The American Chestnut Foundation ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tacf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/clear-day-thunder-title-900.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Jerry Graham":MAILTO:graymore@yahoo.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240427T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240427T110000 DTSTAMP:20240328T124625Z CREATED:20240328T124454Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240328T124625Z UID:10001949-1714212000-1714215600@tacf.org SUMMARY:VA - Arbor Day Chestnut Tree Planting DESCRIPTION:Join us for Arbor Day in Leesburg\, VA\nThree chestnut seedlings will be planted at Ball’s Bluff Regional Battlefield and Park in Leesburg\, Virginia in celebration of Arbor Day. Please join us at 10AM on April 27th! URL:https://tacf.org/event/va-arbor-day-chestnut-tree-planting/ LOCATION:Ball’s Bluff Regional Battlefield\, Balls Bluff Rd\, Leesburg\, VA\, 20176\, United States CATEGORIES:The American Chestnut Foundation,Virginia ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tacf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/VA-Chestnut-Seedling-planting.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240427T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240427T160000 DTSTAMP:20240415T200253Z CREATED:20240415T200253Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240415T200253Z UID:10001962-1714212000-1714233600@tacf.org SUMMARY:Mountain Science Expo at the NC Arboretum in Asheville DESCRIPTION:Come learn and explore with us at the Mountain Science Expo at the NC Arboretum in Asheville for a free STEM-oriented science festival where you can interact with scientists\, explore nature\, and grow your curiosity! \nThe Mountain Science Expo is a part of the larger NC Science Festival\, a state-wide and month-long event dedicated to celebrating the impact of science educationally\, culturally\, and economically on our state. The NC Science Festival and the Mountain Science Expo hope to inspire children to pursue—and adults to support—the sciences\, such that North Carolina can lead the country and the world as a place of innovation and learning. This year’s theme\, in fact\, is “State of Innovation\,” highlighting how science is being driven forward within North Carolina. \nKids can get special Golden Tickets! Simply check out a science book from your local library\, and you’ll receive a Golden Ticket good for free parking the day of the event. \nThere is no additional cost to attend Mountain Science Expo beyond the standard parking fee. As always\, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). URL:https://tacf.org/event/mountain-science-expo-at-the-nc-arboretum-in-asheville/ LOCATION:NC Arboretum\, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way\, Asheville\, NC\, 28806\, United States CATEGORIES:Carolinas,The American Chestnut Foundation END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240427T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240427T140000 DTSTAMP:20240404T193657Z CREATED:20240131T155311Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240404T193657Z UID:10001926-1714213800-1714226400@tacf.org SUMMARY:Maryland Chapter Spring Meeting DESCRIPTION:The Maryland Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) is excited to invite you to our annual Spring Meeting. This is a fantastic opportunity to:\nHear from leading experts\n· Dr. Douglas E. Norris (Johns Hopkins): gain insights into tick-borne disease\n· Bruce Levine (TACF Chapters Committee Chair): get an update on the latest advancements in chestnut blight research\nEnjoy a delicious lunch\nNetwork with fellow chestnut advocates\nMeet and talk with the Maryland chapter Board Members\nTake home a FREE potted chestnut seedling (limited quantities are available) These seedlings are from a completed research project and offer a unique connection to the restoration effort. Choose between pure American Chestnuts from long-surviving trees or hybrids with partial resistance.\nHelp restore a piece of American history! Learn about the progress we’ve made in bringing back the American Chestnut\, and how you can contribute to this vital\nMission.\nRSVP is appreciated but not required.\nWe look forward to seeing you at the Gaithersburg Regional Library\, 18330 Montgomery Village Ave\, Gaithersburg\, MD 20879\nApril 27\, 2024\, beginning at 10:30 am\nSincerely\,\nKarl F. Mech\, Jr. President of MD-TACF\nkarlmechjr@gmail.com URL:https://tacf.org/event/maryland-chapter-spring-meeting-4/ LOCATION:Gaithersburg Regional Library\, 18330 Montgomery Village Ave\, Gaithersburg\, MD\, United States CATEGORIES:Maryland,The American Chestnut Foundation END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240501T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240501T193000 DTSTAMP:20240404T164607Z CREATED:20240404T164516Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240404T164607Z UID:10001955-1714588200-1714591800@tacf.org SUMMARY:CT-TACF Presentation on Restoration of the American Chestnut sponsored by the Berlin Land Trust DESCRIPTION:Join Fred Behringer\, Vice President of the CT Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation for an informative talk about the American Chestnut tree. The American chestnut was a reliable provider of food and shelter for wildlife as well as Native and Early Americans until an introduced blight fungus decimated the species in the early 20th century.  Learn about the history of the American chestnut\, it’s decline and the efforts currently underway to try and restore this keystone species back to the forests of Connecticut. URL:https://tacf.org/event/ct-chapter-presentation-on-restoration-of-the-american-chestnut-sponsored-by-the-berlin-land-trust/ LOCATION:Berlin-Peck Public Library\, 234 Kensington Road\, Berlin\, CT\, 06037\, United States CATEGORIES:Connecticut,The American Chestnut Foundation END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240504T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240504T140000 DTSTAMP:20240422T194526Z CREATED:20240422T193851Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240422T194526Z UID:10001963-1714813200-1714831200@tacf.org SUMMARY:Montreat Native Plant Sale & Arbor Day Celebration DESCRIPTION:Come join us in celebrating Arbor Day at the Montreat Native Plant Sale & Arbor Day Celebration!  The Carolinas Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation will be showing a screening of the documentary “Clear Day Thunder- Rescuing the American Chestnut” at 12:15pm.  There will be lots of opportunities for fun and learning to fill your day! \n\nNative Plant shopping!\nSpring Tea Party\nLocal strawberries from TC Farms/ PG Produce\nEnjoy snacks and ice cream or build a burger at the Huck\nLearn how to create your own Fairy Garden\nThe Nature Center will be open\nMontreat Treasured Trees – Meet the Black Mountain group. Sign up for a Montreat walking tour!\nChildren’s Activities offered by Montreat College\nInformation from Bearwise\, Firewise\, Montreat Landcare Committee\, Wildlife Habitat Certification\, The American Chestnut Foundation\, and more!\n\nSchedule of Events \n\n9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. — Native plants and plants that thrive here for sale\n9:45 a.m. — Arbor Day Proclamation\n10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon — Treasured Tree Hike leaving from Moore center field\n11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon — Spring Tea Party on Moore center field\n12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. —Screening of the documentary\, “Clear Day Thunder-Rescuing the American Chestnut” underneath Moore Center\n\nDirections to location – Moore Field\, Lookout Rd.\, Montreat NC (across the street from the Anderson Auditorium parking lot).  Follow Hwy 9/Montreat Road through the Gate into Montreat\, where the road becomes Assembly Drive. Continue on Assembly Drive about 9/10 of a mile\, then turn right on Lookout Rd. Moore Field will be on your left\, just blow the banks of Lake Susan. Ample parking is across Lookout Rd in the Anderson Auditorium lot. \n \n  URL:https://tacf.org/event/montreat-native-plant-sale-arbor-day-celebration/ LOCATION:Moore Center Field\, Lookout Road\, Montreat\, NC\, 28757\, United States CATEGORIES:Carolinas ORGANIZER;CN="Montreat Landcare Committee":MAILTO:info@montreatlandcare.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240504T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240504T150000 DTSTAMP:20240409T165320Z CREATED:20240409T163906Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240409T165320Z UID:10001956-1714824000-1714834800@tacf.org SUMMARY:NC- Lunch & Learn + special screening of CLEAR DAY THUNDER at The Cradle of Forestry DESCRIPTION:FIND Outdoors\, the Cradle of Forestry\, and The American Chestnut Foundation invite you a Lunch & Learn plus special film screening event: CLEAR DAY THUNDER: Rescuing the American Chestnut at the Cradle of Forestry. \nFIND Outdoors and the Cradle of Forestry play a significant role in preserving America’s forestry heritage and promoting sustainable land management practices for future generations. Additionally\, it is believed that historically the Cradle site contained American Chestnut Trees and the Pinchot Wood Slab Exhibit on site features an American Chestnut Tree slab that was showcased at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition\, also known as the Chicago World’s Fair. \nEntry fee for the Cradle of Forestry is $4-$8 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Schedule:\n\nLunch & Learn – (12:00 pm-12:45 pm) Jamie Van Clief will offer a presentation to anyone joining us during lunch to learn more about the mission of TACF. Anyone is invited to bring a picnic lunch to the Cradle of Forestry and join the discussion about the restoring mission of TACF. Session to be held in the Perkins Room.\nFilm Screening – (1 pm-2 pm) Indoor auditorium\, film is 51 minutes in length.\nQ&A with TACF staff with Jules Smith (2 pm-2:45 pm) Indoor auditorium.\n\nLocation: Cradle of Forestry\, the entry fee is $4-$8\, the Cradle of Forestry is open 10 am-5 pm\, TACF and FIND Outdoors will be there all day with their table displays to talk to visitors. Film goers are welcome to visit the Cradle of Forestry from open to close\, 10 am-5 pm. URL:https://tacf.org/event/lunch-learn-screening-cradle-of-forestry/ LOCATION:The Cradle of Forestry in America\, 11250 Pisgah Highway\, Pisgah Forest\, NC\, 28768\, United States CATEGORIES:The American Chestnut Foundation ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://tacf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NC-Clear-Day-Thunder-Cradle-of-Forestry.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240511T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240511T130000 DTSTAMP:20240425T142309Z CREATED:20240425T141718Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240425T142309Z UID:10001966-1715418000-1715432400@tacf.org SUMMARY:VT-NH Chapter Annual Meeting DESCRIPTION:Please join us for the Annual Meeting of the VT/NH Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation on Saturday\, May 11\, 2024\, from 9-1 at the Tracy Memorial Library\, 304 Main Street\, New London\, NH. \nAnnual business meeting is 9-10 (all members welcome). \nThe program is from 10-1\, including lunch. \nProgram topics include: \n\nPlanting strategies while waiting for a blight-tolerant transgenic tree to replace Darling 58\,\nA presentation by Consulting Forester\, Charlie Moreno\, from southern NH on his experience and recommendations for out-planting chestnut trees on private land\,\nA panel discussion with the New London Conservation Commission (a long time TACF member)\, led by President Bob Brown\, about the concept of the VT/NH Chapter resourcing local conservation commissions with planting materials\, supplies and expertise.\n\nFollowing lunch\, Bob and the New London Conservation Commission will take interested attendees to see their local efforts\, including chestnut plantings from previous years. \nWe hope you will join us! RSVP if you plan to attend so we can arrange for lunch. RSVP to: Evan Fox at Efox407@gmail.com. URL:https://tacf.org/event/vt-nh-chapter-annual-meeting/ LOCATION:Tracy Memorial Library\, 304 Main St\, New London\, NH\, United States CATEGORIES:The American Chestnut Foundation,Vermont / New Hampshire ORGANIZER;CN="Evan Fox":MAILTO:efox407@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240515T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240515T140000 DTSTAMP:20240514T190449Z CREATED:20240425T170235Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240514T190449Z UID:10001967-1715767200-1715781600@tacf.org SUMMARY:VA - Hike to See Large American Chestnut at Devil's Marbleyard near Glasgow DESCRIPTION:NOTICE: This hike has been canceled due to weather. We hope to try again at some point in the future! \nJoin TACF Chief Conservation Officer Sara Fitzsimmons to see a large surviving American chestnut at Devil’s Marbleyard in Glasgow\, VA! \nCome out to Glasgow\, VA for a strenuous (yet rewarding!) 3-mile roundtrip hike to see “the most metal American chestnut” affectionately named “Keith Richards.” The tree is shaggy and blighted\, but successfully fighting off the fungus! \n*Note\, this hike includes traversing boulders\, please keep this in mind. \nDetailsWhen: Wednesday\, May 15th10:00AM until ~2:00PM \n*RSVP here to join us! Participation limited to 20 people* \n \n RSVP\n \n \n \n \n \n Meeting place: Parking lot at Belfast Trail:Petite’s Gap Road\, Glasgow\, VA37.57116347568343\, -79.49166527512308View link to hike on AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/devils-marbleyard-via-belfast-trail?u=i&sh=jek9no URL:https://tacf.org/event/hike-large-american-chestnut-at-devils-marbleyard/ LOCATION:Devil’s Marbleyard\, Petites Gap Rd\, Natural Bridge Station\, VA\, 24579\, United States CATEGORIES:The American Chestnut Foundation,Virginia ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tacf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Keith-Richards-lsa-va-sara.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Fitzsimmons":MAILTO:sara.fitzsimmons@tacf.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240517T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240517T130000 DTSTAMP:20240613T162214Z CREATED:20240423T175954Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240613T162214Z UID:10001964-1715945400-1715950800@tacf.org SUMMARY:Chestnut Chat: European Chestnuts Before and After Blight DESCRIPTION:European Chestnut: Impressions of Natural Stands Before and After Blight\n \n \n \n \n \n Join us on May 17\, 2024\, from 11:30AM – 1:00PM (EPT)\, for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A stand of old-growth European chestnuts in the Caucasus Mountains of Europe before chestnut blight in the 1990s.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Fred Paillet from the University of Arkansas will discuss a fascinating mystery in the distribution of the European chestnut: was it native to Western Europe or brought in by the Romans? If it was native\, how did it survive glacial advances? Join Fred as he recounts his firsthand experience with the European chestnut tree in the Caucasus Mountains and Mount Etna\, and how it has been impacted by the arrival of chestnut blight on the European continent. \n \n \n \n \n \n HOW TO PARTICIPATE (via Zoom Webinar) \nPre-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. \n \n Pre-Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Fred Paillet and His Work\nOne question that haunts European chestnut is whether it was native to Western Europe or brought in by the Romans. The issue is confounded by the great extinction of trees like hickory and hemlock by the repeated advance of ice sheets north of the Alps. I know of one convincing pollen study that does show chestnut present in the mesic foothills of mountains in northern Spain in the previous interglacial (Eemian) when the climate was similar to the Holocene. But it is unclear how the tree would have survived through the much drier times of glacial maxima. One analogy might be sycamore maple (A pseudoplanatus) which is considered native to central Europe\, but now wildly invasive all over Britain. \nMy experience with European chestnut is based on information provided by Russian colleagues while working alongside them at Hubbard Brook\, and then two extended visits to their research site in what was once the Caucasus Biosphere Preserve which supposedly contained virgin chestnut-dominated forest. This was in the early post-soviet times when severe economic conditions had allowed wildlife decimation and chestnut seed establishment was rampant. This was at a time when blight had not made its appearance. I have since heard from a local U of AR graduate student working with rural farmers in Azerbaijan that blight appeared there in 2008\, but had lost contact with Russian colleagues by then\, and the population is disjunct with a gap in the central Caucasus. But it’s hard to believe that blight hasn’t made it across by now. The attached photo provides a glimpse of old-growth chestnut and beech as they appeared during my visit in the 1990’s. \nI have also worked in France and Switzerland\, with visits to northern Spain and Italy along the way. In many places chestnut seemed to be an invasive species\, with many chestnut saplings in the understory of oak and hornbeam stands. The situation often reminded me of American chestnut invading local forest at the West Salem Wisconsin stand. In all cases\, blight was around\, and older trees were showing lots of dead branches in their crown even if nuts were being produced. One tourist bus trip up to the summit of Mt Etna passed through a subalpine chestnut forest belt composed of blighted multi-stemmed chestnut coppices clearing producing a good crop of nuts at the time (September). My impression was that the trees on Mt Etna were capable of suppressing competition and reproducing by seed even with blight clearly present. URL:https://tacf.org/event/chestnut-chat-european-chestnuts-before-and-after-blight/ LOCATION:TN CATEGORIES:Chestnut Chat,The American Chestnut Foundation ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tacf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/european-chestnuts-in-europe-fred-paillet.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240519T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240519T160000 DTSTAMP:20240403T201653Z CREATED:20240403T201653Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240403T201653Z UID:10001953-1716123600-1716134400@tacf.org SUMMARY:CT-TACF Planting at Wilton Land Conservation Trust Orchard DESCRIPTION:Wilton Land Conservation Trust Orchard at 183 Ridgefield Rd.\, Wilton CT (Rain date – June 2nd\, same time) \nPlease bring work gloves and water.  Possibility of exposure to Poison Ivy and ticks so please wear appropriate clothing. URL:https://tacf.org/event/ct-tacf-planting-at-wilton-land-conservation-trust-orchard-2/ LOCATION:Wilton Land Conservation Trust GCO\, 183 Ridgefield Rd.\, Wilton\, CT\, 06897\, United States CATEGORIES:Connecticut,The American Chestnut Foundation ORGANIZER;CN="Jack Swatt":MAILTO:jswattchestnut@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240530T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240530T210000 DTSTAMP:20240514T203935Z CREATED:20240514T185915Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240514T203935Z UID:10001970-1717093800-1717102800@tacf.org SUMMARY:GA- Rome International Film Festival's screening of Clear Day Thunder: Rescuing the American Chestnut DESCRIPTION:The American Chestnut tree was almost extinct. Blight had all but eradicated this native tree until dedicated scientists\, volunteers\, and some insightful celebrities like Dolly Parton\, President Jimmy Carter and musician Chuck Leavell banded together to bring the species back from the brink. Join RIFF\, The Historic DeSoto Theatre and The GA Chapter of the American Foundation for a fascinating film with important ties to Northwest Georgia. \nModerated by Kathy Patrick\, past president and vice president of The GA Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation\, the discussion after the film will also include Dr. Martin Cipollini\, Professor of Biology at Berry College\, and Lisa Thomson who was instrumental in making the film and managing celebrity appearances. \nClick here for the event website and to get FREE tickets! URL:https://tacf.org/event/ga-rome-international-film-festivals-screening-of-clear-day-thunder/ LOCATION:Historic DeSoto Theater\, 530 Broad St\, Rome\, GA\, 30161\, United States CATEGORIES:Georgia,The American Chestnut Foundation ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tacf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Clear-Day-Thunder-at-RIFF.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kathy Patrick":MAILTO:gachapter@tacf.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240601T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240601T160000 DTSTAMP:20240515T162211Z CREATED:20240515T161832Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240515T162211Z UID:10001971-1717228800-1717257600@tacf.org SUMMARY:MA- TrailsFest 2024 DESCRIPTION:Join us for TrailsFest on June 1st\, National Trails Day! Come for morning hikes and trail work\, stay for a festival to celebrate trails\, getting outdoors\, and connecting our community members with organizations supporting our land\, trails\, and outdoor activities.\n\nMA/RI-TACF Chapter will be tabling in the afternoon in the Partners’ Tent. URL:https://tacf.org/event/trailsfest-2024/ LOCATION:Wachusett Mountain Ski Area\, 499 Mountain Road\, Princeton\, MA\, United States CATEGORIES:Massachusetts / Rhode Island,The American Chestnut Foundation ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tacf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NTD24FlyerUpdated-900.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="TrailsFest":MAILTO:Trailsfest2024@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240601T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240601T120000 DTSTAMP:20240528T174348Z CREATED:20240528T174001Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240528T174348Z UID:10001974-1717236000-1717243200@tacf.org SUMMARY:VA- Chestnut pollination demo & training DESCRIPTION:Come to Lesesne State Forest for a demonstration of controlled pollination of American chestnuts as part of our breeding program. In the two hours\, you will have the opportunity to see the process hands-on and also see the results of over 50 years of chestnut research. Come prepared for outdoor conditions and hazards. Bring water and sturdy shoes. Dependent on decent weather. \nPlease email John Scrivani at vachestnut@gmail.com to reserve a spot. URL:https://tacf.org/event/chestnut-pollination-demo-training/ LOCATION:Lesesne State Forest\, Lesesne State Forest Trailhead\, State Rt 680\, Roseland\, VA\, 22967\, United States CATEGORIES:The American Chestnut Foundation,Virginia ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tacf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/pollination-by-hand-with-catkin-900.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="John Scrivani":MAILTO:vachestnut@gmail.com GEO:37.842068;-78.964072 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Lesesne State Forest Lesesne State Forest Trailhead State Rt 680 Roseland VA 22967 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Lesesne State Forest Trailhead\, State Rt 680:geo:-78.964072,37.842068 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240603T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240603T170000 DTSTAMP:20240507T163153Z CREATED:20240507T163110Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240507T163153Z UID:10001969-1717401600-1717434000@tacf.org SUMMARY:PA-Inoculations at PSU Arboretum DESCRIPTION:Spend a day surrounded by chestnut trees and friendly people as we inoculate chestnut trees with blight to test their blight resistance at the Penn State Arboretum orchard in State College\, Pennsylvania. If you enjoy outdoor work then this is for you! The PSU arboretum is also a great living demonstration of TACF’s progress using traditional breeding processes where many steps of the backcross program can be viewed in one area. It’s also a wonderful time to visit State College during the relaxed summer schedule with fewer students in the valley.\n\nThe event will be held Monday\, June 3rd in the arboretum orchard. The following Monday\, June 8th\, will be a rain reschedule date if necessary. Parking is available in the orchard. However\, if you prefer to park on campus and be picked up\, we can accommodate you. The orchard is located north of the University Park Campus\, and accessed from Big Hollow Road. Take Fox Hollow Road to Big Hollow Road and follow signs to the event. Please contact Lake Graboski\, North Central Regional Science Coordinator\, if interested in helping out – lake.graboski@tacf.org. URL:https://tacf.org/event/inoculations-at-psu-arboretum/ LOCATION:Chestnut Orchard at Penn State\, Chestnut Grove Lane\, State College\, PA\, United States CATEGORIES:Pennsylvania / New Jersey,The American Chestnut Foundation ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://tacf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/PA-aerial-chestnut-gove-Penn-State.png ORGANIZER;CN="Lake Graboski":MAILTO:lake.graboski@tacf.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240604T070000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240604T160000 DTSTAMP:20240603T183946Z CREATED:20240603T183628Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240603T183946Z UID:10001980-1717484400-1717516800@tacf.org SUMMARY:VT- Planting Seedlings in Williston DESCRIPTION:Come help us plant American chestnut seedlings at the Catamount Ourdoor Family Center in Williston\, VT!\nWe will meet on Tuesday morning at the Forestry Sciences Building at 7 am to load up the seedlings. \n\nUSFS Northern Research Station\nUVM Aiken Forestry Sciences Laboratory\n705 Spear St.\nSouth Burlington\, VT 05403\n\nWe will then head over to the Catamount Outdoor Family Center for planting! \n\nCatamount Outdoor Family Center\n592 Governor Chittenden Rd\nWilliston\, VT 05495\n\nIf you can’t make it to the 7 am meeting to load seedlings\, you are welcome to meet us at the Catamount Outdoor Center at About 8:00 am.  We will be planting large seedlings (2-4 foot tall). \nTo participate in the event or receive more information\, please contact:\nGary Hawley: gary.hawley@uvm.edu URL:https://tacf.org/event/vt-planting-seedlings-in-williston/ LOCATION:Catamount Outdoor Family Center\, 592 Governor Chittenden Rd\, Williston\, VT\, 05495\, United States CATEGORIES:The American Chestnut Foundation,Vermont / New Hampshire ORGANIZER;CN="Gary Hawley":MAILTO:gary.hawley@uvm.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240608T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240608T150000 DTSTAMP:20240603T184937Z CREATED:20240603T133454Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240603T184937Z UID:10001975-1717837200-1717858800@tacf.org SUMMARY:VA- Chestnut Inoculations at Blandy\, Day 1 DESCRIPTION:2024 Virginia Chestnut Orchard Inoculation Program\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Volunteers are needed for a citizen scientist task – inoculating chestnut trees to test their resistance to blight. A three-person crew\, or crews\, are required over three weekends\, working from 9 am to 3 pm. \nPlease email with your date preference and indicate whether you can work multiple days. It would be preferable to work both days of a weekend so we have continuity. \nContact Fred Hebard mbiew@comcast.net to participate. \nPlease join us for any inoculation events that you are available.\nJune 8-9 Blandy Experimental FarmChestnut Orchard Google map \n\nSaturday June 8 event\nSunday June 9 event\n\nJune 15-16   Sky Meadows State ParkSky Meadows Visitor Parking Google map \n\nSaturday June 15 event\nSunday June 16 event\n\nJune 22-23  Banshee ReeksBanshee Reeks Nature Preserve Visitor Center Google map \n\nSaturday June 22 event\nSunday June 23 event\n\n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June is a busy month for chestnut breeding. Tree inoculation will be done in the first half of June and pollination the second half. We use open pollinations to produce seed for our northern Virginia seed orchards\, and have mostly finished harvesting seed for them. Now the trees have grown up large enough\, it is time to test them for blight resistance. The first phase of selection entails inoculating them with the blight (giving them blight) and picking the winners. \nWhen seed orchard trees are about 2” in diameter and 10-15 feet tall they are ready to be inoculated. We do this by boring a hole in the bark\, removing a plug of bark and replacing it with a disk of agar and mycelium\, the chestnut blight fungus. The agar and mycelium are cut from a culture of the fungus in a Petri plate. I am currently in the process of generating large numbers of culture plates for our activity. \nIn trees inoculated in 2022 and 2023 we have seen clear and statistically significant separation of family means\, which is an indication that we have variability in blight resistance between families. Variation is good; we can pick the winning families and discard the losers. If there were no variation\, we couldn’t select the best families. There also is variation between families that share the same grandparent but not the same parents. Again this is good because we can select the best. Finally\, we can select the best trees within families as trees vary within families. \nOur experience has been that a crew of three people can inoculate two plots of 180 planted nuts per day\, from 9am to 3 pm. In 2023 we inoculated 11 plots\, and 25 in 2023. For 2024\, we have nine plots at Blandy\, five at Banshee Reeks and four or more at Sky Meadows. With two crews\, I estimate it will take two days to inoculate Blandy\, and one each Banshee and Sky Meadows. We may inoculate a few more plots at Sky Meadows as they are coming along fast and we are in danger of getting swamped next year. \nSuccessive weekends worked well this spring for planting\, so I hope we can repeat this progress this June. The plan is to inoculate Saturday and Sunday over the weekends of June 8th — Blandy\, June 15th — Sky Meadows\, and June 22nd — Banshee Reeks. Please email back with your date preference and indicate whether you can work multiple days. It would be preferable to work both days of a weekend so we have continuity. \nI look forward to getting out in the orchards with you and we will send out a confirming memo in the week prior to each weekend. \nYours Truly\,Fred \nFrederick V. Hebard\, PhDVice President\, Virginia ChapterThe American Chestnut Foundationmbiew@comcast.net276 356-8517 URL:https://tacf.org/event/inoculations-at-blandy-sat/ LOCATION:Blandy Experimental Farm and Arboretum\, 400 Blandy Farm Lane\, Boyce\, VA\, 22620\, United States CATEGORIES:The American Chestnut Foundation,Virginia ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tacf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/inoculation-hole-in-tree.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Fred Hebard":MAILTO:mbiew@comcast.net END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240608T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240608T160000 DTSTAMP:20240606T131340Z CREATED:20240528T165526Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240606T131340Z UID:10001973-1717840800-1717862400@tacf.org SUMMARY:Help Pollinate Trees in Cookeville\, TN! DESCRIPTION:Have you ever wanted to be a chestnut breeder?\nPlease join us at the beautiful Tennessee Tech University Orchard for a one-day pollination workshop to learn the basics of chestnut breeding. \n \nThe workshop is a hands-on opportunity to learn and practice the techniques we use for controlled crosses in the TACF breeding program. We’ll cover all the steps in the process from finding and identifying an American chestnut tree\, how to recognize the male and female flowers\, emasculation and bagging\, pollen collection and handling\, labeling and record-keeping\, and the intimate details of hand pollination. \nThe training will begin at 10:00 AM Central. \nTennessee Tech University Orchard is located at:2395 Gainesboro Grade\, Cookeville\, TN\, 38501 \nYou should bring: a pair of garden clippers or tiny scissors\, a summer hat\, and some bug spray. Sensible shoes are a must! Dress for the weather and don’t forget to bring plenty of water and a snack. This is an all-ages\, rain or shine event. Everyone is welcome. No experience necessary. \nIn order to best coordinate the group please let Hill Hill-Craddock@utc.edu or Katheryn katheryn@htcnetworks.cl know you are coming. URL:https://tacf.org/event/help-pollinate-trees-in-cookeville-tn/ LOCATION:Tennessee Tech University Orchard\, 2395 Gainesboro Grade\, Cookeville\, TN\, 38501\, United States CATEGORIES:Tennessee,The American Chestnut Foundation ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tacf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/TN-volunteer-event-2023.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Hill Craddock":MAILTO:Hill-Craddock@utc.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240609T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240609T150000 DTSTAMP:20240603T184750Z CREATED:20240603T180334Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240603T184750Z UID:10001977-1717923600-1717945200@tacf.org SUMMARY:VA- Inoculations at Blandy\, day 2 DESCRIPTION:2024 Virginia Chestnut Orchard Inoculation Program\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Volunteers are needed for a citizen scientist task – inoculating chestnut trees to test their resistance to blight. A three-person crew\, or crews\, are required over three weekends\, working from 9 am to 3 pm. \nPlease email with your date preference and indicate whether you can work multiple days. It would be preferable to work both days of a weekend so we have continuity. \nContact Fred Hebard mbiew@comcast.net to participate. \nPlease join us for any inoculation events that you are available.\nJune 8-9 Blandy Experimental FarmChestnut Orchard Google map \n\nSaturday June 8 event\nSunday June 9 event\n\nJune 15-16   Sky Meadows State ParkSky Meadows Visitor Parking Google map \n\nSaturday June 15 event\nSunday June 16 event\n\nJune 22-23  Banshee ReeksBanshee Reeks Nature Preserve Visitor Center Google map \n\nSaturday June 22 event\nSunday June 23 event\n\n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June is a busy month for chestnut breeding. Tree inoculation will be done in the first half of June and pollination the second half. We use open pollinations to produce seed for our northern Virginia seed orchards\, and have mostly finished harvesting seed for them. Now the trees have grown up large enough\, it is time to test them for blight resistance. The first phase of selection entails inoculating them with the blight (giving them blight) and picking the winners. \nWhen seed orchard trees are about 2” in diameter and 10-15 feet tall they are ready to be inoculated. We do this by boring a hole in the bark\, removing a plug of bark and replacing it with a disk of agar and mycelium\, the chestnut blight fungus. The agar and mycelium are cut from a culture of the fungus in a Petri plate. I am currently in the process of generating large numbers of culture plates for our activity. \nIn trees inoculated in 2022 and 2023 we have seen clear and statistically significant separation of family means\, which is an indication that we have variability in blight resistance between families. Variation is good; we can pick the winning families and discard the losers. If there were no variation\, we couldn’t select the best families. There also is variation between families that share the same grandparent but not the same parents. Again this is good because we can select the best. Finally\, we can select the best trees within families as trees vary within families. \nOur experience has been that a crew of three people can inoculate two plots of 180 planted nuts per day\, from 9am to 3 pm. In 2023 we inoculated 11 plots\, and 25 in 2023. For 2024\, we have nine plots at Blandy\, five at Banshee Reeks and four or more at Sky Meadows. With two crews\, I estimate it will take two days to inoculate Blandy\, and one each Banshee and Sky Meadows. We may inoculate a few more plots at Sky Meadows as they are coming along fast and we are in danger of getting swamped next year. \nSuccessive weekends worked well this spring for planting\, so I hope we can repeat this progress this June. The plan is to inoculate Saturday and Sunday over the weekends of June 8th — Blandy\, June 15th — Sky Meadows\, and June 22nd — Banshee Reeks. Please email back with your date preference and indicate whether you can work multiple days. It would be preferable to work both days of a weekend so we have continuity. \nI look forward to getting out in the orchards with you and we will send out a confirming memo in the week prior to each weekend. \nYours Truly\,\nFred \nFrederick V. Hebard\, PhD\nVice President\, Virginia Chapter\nThe American Chestnut Foundation\nmbiew@comcast.net\n276 356-8517 URL:https://tacf.org/event/inoculations-at-blandy-sun/ LOCATION:Blandy Experimental Farm and Arboretum\, 400 Blandy Farm Lane\, Boyce\, VA\, 22620\, United States CATEGORIES:The American Chestnut Foundation,Virginia ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tacf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/inoculation-hole-in-tree.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Fred Hebard":MAILTO:mbiew@comcast.net END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR