Indiana Chapter
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Contact us at gro.fcat@retpahCNI

Our Mission

To restore the American chestnut tree to its native range within the woodlands of the eastern United States, using a scientific research and breeding program developed by its founders.

The American Chestnut Foundation is restoring a species – and in the process, creating a template for restoration of other tree and plant species.

The Indiana Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation is tasked with developing regionally adapted families of American chestnut trees (ie, specific to Indiana mother trees) and other state-related tasks.

The Indiana Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation is tasked with developing regionally adapted families of American chestnut trees (ie, specific to Indiana mother trees) and other state-related tasks.

Meadowview (TACF’s main orchard in Virginia) harvested its first blight-resistant nuts in 2005. Indiana has 2 completed families and has begun reforestation trials with potentially blight-resistant American-type trees, using sound ecological principles. The return of the American chestnut to its former niche in the Appalachian hardwood forest eco-system is a major restoration project that requires a multi-faceted effort involving 6,000 members and volunteers, research, sustained funding and most important, a sense of the past and a hope for the future.

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🎃 From all of us at Meadowview Research Farms, have a spook-tacular Halloween! May your night be free of blight and all things weevil (not evil!)—and full of chestnut cheer. 🌰👻 We’re brewing up serious science in our cauldrons to bring the American chestnut back from the dead—no tricks, just treats for the next forest! 🌳🧪 #HappyHalloween #ChestnutRestoration ... See MoreSee Less

Chestnut blight changed everything. Watch how this deadly fungus transformed a once-mighty tree. ... See MoreSee Less

6 CommentsComment on Facebook

The last time I saw a chestnut tree was 50 years ago in Detroit. I was a kid and saw the trees lined up and down our street die one by one.

Has anyone ever tried spraying copper sulfate & lime mixture on a tree to kill the fungus

Wonder if the genes can be changed on the blight fungus so it will die off.

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We’re thrilled to see Backpacker shining a light on the American chestnut and TACF’s work to restore this mighty tree. 🌰 Read the article here: www.backpacker.com/stories/american-chestnut-trees-comeback/ ... See MoreSee Less

We’re thrilled to see Backpacker shining a light on the American chestnut and TACF’s work to restore this mighty tree. 🌰 Read the article here: https://www.backpacker.com/stories/american-chestnut-trees-comeback/

17 CommentsComment on Facebook

We have one across the street from our new home in Leicester NC. We have been collecting!

What's the difference between the American Chestnut and the Chinese chestnut tree? I recently planted 7 of the Chinese variety.

Not barefoot though!!! 😆

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It can be tricky to tell the difference between various chestnut varieties. In this video, TACF staff membe Angus shows the differences between Chinese chestnut leaves and stems and American chestnut leaves and stems. ... See MoreSee Less

16 CommentsComment on Facebook

Nice details. I can easily confirm exactly what you’re sharing. We have both on our property. TY

In momma’s yard, 2 chestnut trees plant 50 years ago.

Thank you! Can you do a breakdown of the chestnuts themselves too??

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Latest News

Indiana Chapter Annual Meeting

Indiana Chapter Annual Meeting

This year the Indiana Chapter of TACF will hold an in-person annual meeting. The date is January 14, 2023. The location is the Fitness Farm of Indianapolis. Our chapter science officer, Jim McKenna, has generously arranged for us to use a room at Fitness Farm at no...

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Pure American chestnut harvest at Duke orchard

Pure American chestnut harvest at Duke orchard

Duke orchard is a germplasm conservation orchard started with a generous contribution from Duke Energy Company. Many of the trees have produced nuts for a number of years. Some years pollen is applied in spring to produce controlled crosses. This year the trees were...

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New germplasm conservation orchard (GCO) in Clinton county

New germplasm conservation orchard (GCO) in Clinton county

This orchard was established three years ago to preserve the genetic material of the Indiana American chestnuts at the Duke orchard at Purdue. The Duke trees were all cloned from old existing chestnuts from all over Indiana. Unfortunately, the Duke chestnuts have all...

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