About Us
Our Mission
Our mission is to bring about the restoration of the American chestnut tree as a prominent part of Georgia forests.
The Georgia Chapter was founded to bring about the restoration of the American chestnut tree as a prominent part of Georgia forests by assisting the national foundation in its propagation efforts, by promoting public awareness through education and by supporting the scientific research efforts of TACF directed at restoring American chestnuts.
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
President – Dr. Martin Cipollini
Vice President – Jack Rogers
Secretary – Scott Laseter
Treasurer – Vince Payne
Science Coordinator – Dr. Martin Cipollini
Honorary Director – Mary Belle Price (posthumously)
Additional Board Members
Dr. Scott Merkle
Ana Metaxas
Dr. Caitlin Conn
Kylie Stover
David Keehn
Scott Laseter
Brian Williams
James Wentworth
Partnerships
The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) and the Georgia Chapter (GaTACF) seek out partners that will not only help further its chestnut restoration program but also bring attention to the importance of the chestnut in American history. These partners include major universities, private foundations and businesses, as well as state and federal government agencies. With plantings at high-profile sites such as the Carter Center, Callaway Gardens Preserve, and the Atlanta Beltline Arboretum Project, GaTACF has been able to attract significant support from many partners throughout Georgia.
Each of our partners offers a unique perspective on chestnut restoration and gives GaTACF the best possible opportunity to be successful in its efforts to bring the American chestnut back to the forests of Georgia.
Georgia TACF Partner Organizations
- Atlanta History Center
- Berry College
- Bittersweet Gardens
- Bottletree Bees
- Byron Herbert Reece Farm & Heritage Center
- Carter Center
- Charlane Plantation
- Cloudland Vineyards
- Dalton State College
- Douglas County
- Elachee Nature Science Center
- Friends of Smithgall Woods State Park
- Georgia Department of Natural Resources
- Georgia State Parks
- Georgia Forestry Commission
- Georgia Governor’s Mansion
- Georgia Piedmont Land Trust
- Georgia State Botanical Garden
- Kennesaw State University (Research Farm)
- Kistner Center
- North Georgia Canopy Tours
- Pettit Environmental Center
- Rabun Gap Nacoochee School
- Reinhardt University
- Rising Fawn Gardens
- Runnin’ Wild Farms
- Smith-Gilbert Gardens
- The Blueberry Farm
- The Callaway Gardens Preserve
- The Carter Center
- Cherokee County Recreation & Parks
- Sandy Creek Nature Center
- The University of Georgia (UGA) Horticultural Farm
- The UGA Mountain Research & Education Center (GMREC)
- The UGA Warnell School of Forestry
- The Southern Company (Georgia Power)
- Toccoa Falls College
- Trees Atlanta and the Atlanta Beltline Arboretum
- University of North Georgia
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- U.S.D.A. Forest Service
- Vogel State Park
- Young Harris College
FOR OUTSTANDING FINANCIAL SUPPORT WE WISH TO THANK
- Ailene Phillips Trust
- Dr. Austin Flint
- Berry College
- Eleanor & Tom Ratchford
- Georgia Appalachian Regional Commission
- Georgia State Specialty Crops Grant
- Lumpkin Coalition/Hemlockfest
- Dr. Martin Cipollini & Kathryn Patrick
- Mary Belle Price
- Rome Rotary Clubs
- Temple-Inland Foundation
- Urban & Community Forestry Commission
Georgia Chapter Menu
Georgia Facebook
You may have missed Chuck Leavell this time around, but luckily his work still made it to the taproom. 🍂✨
Grab a pour of the Chestnutoberfest he brewed with Justin December 13th at starting at 1pm! Perfect time to pick up your chestnut seedling as well!😉
Here’s to good friends, good music, and even better beer. Cheers! 🍻
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Check out this chestnut-themed interview with TACF's new CEO Michael Goergen on the "Naturally Scott" podcast!
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Last Friday, led by Reinhardt University's Kylie Stover and TACF's Jamie van Clief, nearly 90 hybrid chestnuts were planted at the Austin Flint orchard just north of Waleska. These chestnuts were pre-screened for Phytophthora root rot (PRR) resistance at Clemson University by Dr. Steve Jeffers and his crew. Those planted were the top performers that are expected to carry genetic resistance to this lethal chestnut disease. Here are just a few pics from the day! Volunteers included:
Hayden Stover
Charles West
Hailey Gregorich
Julia Hunt
Vinny Varsalona
Cassidy Wallace
CareyJo Titus
Mike Lloyd
Zach Felix
Keith Hudson
Jamie Van Clief
Kylie Stover
Matthew Bowman
Sarah Hill
Many thanks to all who helped out!
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Come to our event on Dec 13 at River Remedy in Rome (1-5 pm) to learn about projects like this and how you can help!
Latest News
GA-TACF’s 2nd Annual Chestnutoberfest!
It's that time of year again! Chestnut harvest is just wrapping up in Georgia and our next fun event is Chestnutoberfest on October 25 at River Remedy Brewing, Rome. 1-7 pm (note the brewery's new location). Hope you can join us to have some fun and learn about what...
GA-TACF’s Annual Meeting April 12 2025
The American Chestnut Foundation Georgia Chapter (GA-TACF) Notice of Annual Meeting GA-TACF will hold its annual meeting on April 12, 2025, starting at 10:00 AM at Kennesaw State University (see directions below). Chapter members are invited and encouraged to attend,...
GA-TACF Chestnut Seedling Distribution Event!
GA-TACF will hold a chestnut seedling distribution event on Saturday February 8 from 12 noon - 5 pm at River Remedy Brewing, Rome, GA https://www.riverremedybrewing.com/home Most of the seedlings will be hybrids derived from the TACF backcross breeding program. Most...