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The Fall Membership Meeting is scheduled for October 18, 2026 at the Milkhouse Brewery. Click for here details
The American Chestnut Symposium & Fall Meeting: Restoration Now! is scheduled for November 5-7 in Greenbelt, MD. For more information click here.
Here are the links to: the Maryland Chapter’s Photo Gallery, our private Facebook page, and our Instagram page.
Our Mission
The Maryland Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation has been formed to support the efforts of the national organization to restore the American chestnut tree, to identify and preserve American chestnut survivors in Maryland, and to promote educational and scientific research efforts directed at restoring American chestnuts in Maryland.
TACF members in Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia comprise the Maryland Chapter.
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How Can I Help?
The best way to learn of our activities and of the volunteer opportunities is to join our Google mail list.
To volunteer or to obtain more information concerning orchard maintenance activities or Chapter display events please contact us at moc.kooltuo@FCATDM or subscribe to our Orchard Volunteers Google Group.
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National Facebook
"It's hard to decide what you want to do for the rest of your life before you've actually had any experience..."
Tree Improvement Scientist, Lucinda Wigfield, of The American Chestnut Foundation, shares advice and insights on working in STEM.
Special thank you to PBS Appalachia Virginia and Emory & Henry University.
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Who cares.. talk about chestnuts? Lol
The restoration of the American chestnut requires both innovative science and a deep appreciation for the tree's cultural legacy.
We're grateful to see those stories highlighted in this recent news segment featuring TACF's Director of Communications, Jules Smith, and Director of Science, Jared Westbrook. The piece explores promising research into chestnut blight resistance and why restoring the American chestnut remains so important today.
You may recognize the closing quote: “Losing the chestnut tree was like losing a family member.” That's actually a quote from Dolly Parton, featured in our documentary Clear Day Thunder. Jules shared it in the interview because it beautifully captures what the loss of the American chestnut meant to so many Appalachian families. To learn more about Dolly's connection to the American chestnut and find out how to watch the documentary, visit our website.
Watch the clip, then visit the following link to see the full article and video: www.wbir.com/article/tech/science/environment/researchers-work-to-bring-back-the-american-chestnu...
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Crossing it with an Asian Variety to impart some resistance. I know of a stand of old-growth that is unaffected.
And then Trump will destroy them
UPDATE: Since the announcement of Project Tamarack, many members of our community have asked about the future of the American chestnut grove at Clements State Tree Nursery.
The quote featured in this post comes directly from the Project Tamarack website and states that the American chestnut grove will not be affected by the planned data center development.
As we continue to follow developments related to this project, we remain committed to sharing accurate information and updates with our community.
Source: Project Tamarack FAQ
#americanchestnut #WestVirgina #clements #forestry
25 CommentsComment on Facebook
The American Chestnut Foundation, I live nearby. We now know Tamarack is a different project further north. This site is the second phase of the Monarch Campus being developed by Nscale. Div of Forestry operated the nursery but DNR owned the land, which is in the process of being sold to the developer. I spoke to both of those agencies within the last few days.
The orchard is on the Monarch data center site, not the Tamarack site.
Feels like the entire USA needs to stand together to save the ecosystem. Same thing is happening in Driftless, USA. Our forest is full of butternuts, among other amazing, ecological wonders.
Recently, 45 students in grades 5-8 at Christ the King Church & School in Rutland, Vermont, helped harvest American chestnuts from trees planted by 8th graders back in 2019. Students opened burs, explored fertile and sterile seeds, felt the unique textures of the burs, and learned about the history of the American chestnut and the restoration efforts underway today.
A special thank you to TACF member Thomas Estill for leading this engaging experience and helping connect students with one of America's most iconic native trees. The students can't wait to roast them this week and experience that sweet starchy flavor.
#AmericanChestnut #ChestnutRestoration #EnvironmentalEducation #FutureForesters #STEMeducation
11 CommentsComment on Facebook
Are they blight resistant?
I did the same with a group of middle school students in northern lower Michigan. I was able to show them both young trees I had planted and mature trees more than likely planted by pioneer settlers to the area in the 1850's. The same family still owns the land the mature trees are on. The mature trees look healthy and are all 40+ feet tall-must have been planted beyond the blight line.
What a wonderful thing! We recently had three biology classes at Robin Hill Nature Preserve. It was a thrill to see the kids asking questions, making sketches and filling their notebooks.
Latest News
Maryland Chapter Fall Meeting & 2nd Annual Maryland American Chestnut Festival!
Join Us for the Maryland Chapter Fall Meeting& 2nd Annual Maryland American Chestnut Festival! Join fellow American Chestnut enthusiasts for an afternoon of learning, fellowship, and celebration of our efforts to restore this iconic American tree. The event is...
Beltsville orchard appeal
The Maryland Chapter is trying to save our Beltsville orchard. The USDA has announced its desire to shut down or repurpose the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC), putting TACF’s important chestnut orchard at risk. One of the major challenges to American...