Contact us at gro.fcat@retpahCIRAM
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About Us
The MA/RI Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the restoration of the American chestnut in our states. We support and work in coordination with The American Chestnut Foundation, other state chapters, and our much-appreciated volunteers and cooperating organizations.
Our orchards are primarily composed of hybrid American chestnuts that incorporate varying amounts of Chinese chestnut blight resistance, and we are always interested in new volunteers and technologies to further these and related goals. Our Annual Meetings usually have a Chestnut Potluck with delicious food; we like to have fun and we work hard. We wish to welcome all interested in this work restoring this beautiful keystone species.
Key Contacts
John Occhialini, President
Katherine Desjardin, President Emeritus
Brian Clark, Vice President of Orchard Development
Michael Novack, Vice President of Scientific Planning
David Marinelli, Vice President of Membership & Outreach
Bradford Smith, Secretary
Paul Wetzel, Treasurer
Directors
Lisa Alofsin, Wakefield, RI
Haylee Balme, Coventry, RI
Mike Chace, Coventry, RI
Dominic Cuce, North Attleboro, MA
Jaime Donalds, Lunenburg, MA
John Emery, Concord, MA
Yvonne Federowicz, North Kingstown, RI
Michael Grames, Spencer, MA
Richard Hoffman, Wilbraham, MA
Karen Jones, Amherst, MA
John Meiklejohn, Granville, MA
Laura Meyerson, Kingston, RI
John Petrakis, Framingham, MA
Joshua Soojian, Leicester, MA
Massachusetts / Rhode Island Chapter Menu
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Rufin laid the foundation, set an example, advised, mentored & encouraged many chapter members to pursue the restoration of American chestnut. We stand on his shoulders and continue the journey realizing that the MA/RI Chapter wouldn't be where it is today without his dedication & persistence.
As a member of TACF for over 33 years he nurtured not only chestnut trees but relationships and partnerships such as the one at MassWildlife where generations to come will enjoy the fruits of his labor at the Rufin Van Bossuyt American Chestnut Orchard. He left this world a better place with a rich legacy of faith, hope and love. May his life of service, integrity, and compassion be a shining example for generations to come.
Rufin Van Bossuyt, Jr. Obituary January 10, 2026 - Pickering & Son Upton Funeral Home
www.uptonfunerals.com
View Rufin Van Bossuyt, Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Highlighting the wonderful teamwork between the Somerset Sportsman's Club and Bristol Aggie for establishing the 2025 planting of American Chestnut hybrids!
Bristol Aggie students nurturing and documenting seedlings for planting at the Somerset Sportsman's Club - www.facebook.com/share/p/1BuzSJf8Et/
Somerset Sportsman's Club members preparing planting site for American Chestnut planting - www.facebook.com/share/p/15gvcVrPh4/
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Thank you to the MA/RI Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation for your inspiration, knowledge and resources to take on a restoration project like this. Our vision is inspiring every Sportsman's Club in New England to get involved.