About Us
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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Our office will be closed today, Monday, October 14, in recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day. We will reopen tomorrow, Tuesday, October 15.
This photo was was submitted to our 2021 photo contest by Florian Carle.
78 CommentsComment on Facebook
Never heard of it. I do celebrate Columbus Day and Independence Day, however.
It amazes me how many people are surprised that a group teaching the value and belonging of a native tree that were decimated by European settlers failing to manage the land well and a nonnative diseases would also be.. {checks notes} teaching the value and belonging of native people that were decimated by European settlers and their diseases.
Really HATE when organizations I otherwise like and support jump on the political and venture signaling band wagons instead of focusing on what they do. Stay on task and stop pandering.
This week at Meadowview Research Farms we welcomed Dr. Ong's class from King University, to help with the processing of burrs! They shucked nearly 5,000 burrs and harvested over 8,000 seeds this week alone. With the harvest season wrapping up at MRF, we've collected more than 40,000 seeds in total this year! These seeds play a vital role in TACF's research and breeding programs, and any extras are sent to collaborators. Amazing teamwork and dedication to preserving our future!
#americanchestnutfoundation #ChestnutRestoration #Conservation #SeedHarvest #americanchestnut
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Thank you King University!
Deadline to submit application has been extended to 10/11/24. To submit an application click the following link: forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=5tAJQo_f0Umjzau-SCHT1aJ2IY5hp3FJhGALFFb7NDZUNUFVMTlVS...
The 2024 American Chestnut Symposium Diversity Scholarship covers the cost of registration for the full symposium events for awardees, including meals ($225 value). It does not cover travel costs or lodging.
Eligible applicants should be from a historically underrepresented group (gender identities, racial and ethnic backgrounds, disability, or socioeconomic status), living in New England and over the age of 18. Applicants are responsible for transportation to the symposium in Cromwell, CT.
#americanchestnut #chestnut #rootedinrestoration #chestnutblight #restoration #conservation #nature #environment #forestry #scholarship #education #diversity #DEI
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Although Meadowview Research Farms experienced only minor damage from Hurricane Helene, the wider Washington County region and parts of southwest Virginia faced significant destruction. Our community has been deeply affected and is currently seeking assistance for relief efforts. Designated locations are in need of volunteers and donations. Now is the perfect opportunity to connect with those around you and provide support. Together, we can aid our community in its rebuilding and recovery process.
In addition to MRF, TACF’s national headquarters is located in downtown Asheville, NC. The national office did not flood and TACF Asheville staff are safe. Please keep an eye out for ways to help Asheville, NC recover from Hurricane Helene as well.
#americanchestnut #castaneadentata #americanchestnutfoundation #ChestnutResearch #ConservationScience #hurricanehelene
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TACF’s national office in Asheville, NC will be closed for business until further notice. Western North Carolina was one of the hardest areas hit by Helene. Thankfully, all staff is safe but still without power, internet, and water, including the national office. Therefore, Asheville staff is on emergency leave and will be slow to respond. We appreciate your patience during this difficult and challenging time.
18 CommentsComment on Facebook
Just come back. Until then, stay safe down there you all.
I thought Chestnut trees were wiped out long ago?
Greetings TACF. We are in Floyd County VA but have space to provide temporary housing for someone from the Asheville area that needs emergency housing (a family with young kids or individual) We have been trying to put the word out... We met you last December when we donated my mom's (Barbara Knapp) chestnut papers... If you know of someone that needs a place to land for a while, please let me know!
Latest News
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...
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...
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...