Western Maryland 4-H Education and Research Center – University of Maryland
Founded: 2008
Address:
4H Camp Rd, Swanton, Garrett County, Maryland – Google map
Challenges: Poor soils and cool climate have slowed tree growth. Trees were further damaged by deer after failure of the fencing caused by heavy snow. As a result, the outer fence has been removed and a special effort is being made to save 17 of the best remaining trees by protecting them within individual fences. For the latest 2020 inventory click here.
Contacts:
Shelley Packard – Steward, Master Gardener
Linda Harris – Mountain Laurel Garden Club
Ann Sherrard – Extension educator, U of Md
Plantings: (Note: Source of resistance – pink=Clapper, blue=Musick)
Maryland Chapter Menu
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Two American chestnut hybrids showing off their early spring leaves. These trees were planted about 10 years ago behind Lucy Herring Elementary in West Asheville.
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Approximately how tall are the trees?
Maryland Friends!
The spring meeting of The Maryland Chapter of the American Chestnut
Foundation will be at the Gaithersburg Library, Meeting Room 3 on Saturday,
April 26, from 10:30 – 2:30. The meeting is free and open to the public.
The meeting will begin with an update on the TACF chestnut restoration program. Our featured speaker will be Donald Edward Davis, scholar, former Fulbright fellow, and author of The American Chestnut, An Environmental History. The American chestnut tells the story of the American chestnut from Native American prehistory through present day efforts to restore the American
chestnut to its former place in the eastern deciduous forest.
You do not want to miss this presentation and discussion!
Visit the link to learn more and register! tacf.org/event/maryland-chapter-spring-meeting-5/
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Happy National Volunteer Week! 🌿
We're sending a heartfelt thank you to all the amazing volunteers who show up, dig in, and make a real difference. Your passion and dedication help us grow stronger every day—thank you for being part of the movement!
#volunteerweek #americanchestnut
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It's time for an update on the Recurrent Genomic Selection (RGS) process. Staff and volunteers, including Hannah and Christine from our Asheville office, have been diligently collecting leaf tissue samples from seedlings produced by our first RGS crosses, which were carried out in the summer of 2024. Last week, each tree was tagged for identification, ensuring accurate tracking throughout the genotyping process. The DNA from these samples will be sequenced, and the resulting data will directly inform and enhance our ongoing breeding program.
#americanchestnut #castaneadentata #americanchestnutfoundation #meadowviewresearchfarms
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Join us tomorrow, Friday, April 18, 2025, from 11:30AM – 1:00PM (EPT), for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat.
Got questions about growing chestnuts or tips to share? Join us for the Chestnut Growers Town Hall! Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just starting, this event is your chance to connect, share insights, and learn from experts. Ask your questions on topics like site selection, soil nutrition, varmint control, and more. Our expert panel will answer questions and share their top growing tips. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the chestnut restoration community!
Visit tacf.org/event/chestnut-chat-chestnut-growers-town-hall/ for more info and to register.
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