Research and Breeding
Here is information and some links to the types of research and breeding activities that GA-TACF supports.
Mother Trees
Chapter members spend hours searching the mountains and hillsides of Georgia for American chestnut root sprouts that can be placed into our breeding program. One of the Chapter’s first pure American chestnut trees was found on Springer Mountain by Thomas Fowler and placed in the breeding program during the Chapter’s first breeding season. Since then many other trees have been located with the “Klaus” tree near Warm Springs bringing attention world wide as the most southern tree in the piedmont area.
Without the help of volunteers identifying new trees, our breeding program would come to a halt. Each “mother tree” can only be used to cross with one type of resistant pollen from TACF’s Meadowview Research Farm to produce about 100 backcross trees. This is usually accomplished within 2 years. The more trees we find, the more diverse the gene pool will become.
Orchards
Once nuts are harvested from the resulting backcrosses a suitable orchard must be located to plant them. Berry College was the first to offer a site that would house over 200 trees. The University of Georgia’s Mountain Research and Education Center in Blairsville became our second backcross orchard. Since then we have received many offers for orchard sites that are now in the testing stage. We test for soil suitability, predator protection and overall tree care to determine the best locations for advanced backcross trees. If you are interested in hosting a backcross or demonstration orchard, please contact us at gro.fca@retpahcag.
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GA-TACF friends, members, and supporters:
We are getting close to finishing up our chestnut harvest season! We have just two volunteer shifts left (see below). You may access opportunities via our VolunteerLocal volunteer registration system. Tasks include harvesting burs, shucking burs, and counting and processing nuts for storage -- both outdoor and indoor shifts will be available.
If you have not previously registered to volunteer with TACF, please do so via this link:
theamericanchestnutfoundation.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=99170&mc_cid=b5921f1d34&mc_eid=4ac...
After you have registered, you will be able to sign up for specific dates and shifts. Our last two harvest shifts will be this Monday, September 28 from 10 am - 3 pm and Wednesday September 30 from 2 - 6 pm at Berry College. Wednesday has been set up as a "shucking" day, but we may have one more tree to harvest as well. Registrants may select the upcoming shifts by clicking here:
theamericanchestnutfoundation.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=113887
As an all-volunteer organization in GA, our chapter cannot function without your help. Even if you won't be able to help during this harvest season, registering via VolunteerLocal now will enable you sign up for future volunteer opportunities.
Finally, please save the date for our Third Annual Chestnutoberfest at River Remedy Brewing in Rome on Oct 17 (1 - 7 pm) and a follow-up chestnut event there on November 21 (1 - 7 pm). These will be family-friendly events held to both thank volunteers and to educate the public about what we are doing. Our latest version of chestnut beer will be available along with cool chestnut merchandise, food including fire-roasted chestnuts, new GA-TACF merchandise, live music, etc. Come learn about what we do and have some fun!
Martin Cipollini, GA-TACF President
The American Chestnut Foundation River Remedy Brewing Co.
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I loved eating chestnuts when I was a kid in the 50s. My grandmother’s side yard was solid chestnut trees. I wd go out there barefooted regardless of what she said and I wd always regret it.
Where can I sell my Chestnut’s off of my large mature tree?
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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