Maryland Chapter

 Hampstead Bypass Orchard – State Highway Administration

This orchard was founded in 2010, originally as a demonstration orchard, but in 2011 was converted to a backcross breeeding orchard. A deer fence was constructed in 2011 by our chapter members. The first lines were planted in 2011 and 2012, and 2 additional lines were planted in the spring of 2014 and 2015.

Address:
Rt 30 bypass, Hampstead, Carroll Co.  – Google map  – see below

Directions:
Starting at Westminster, Md., go north on Rt 27 about 3 miles to a right turn on Rt 482. Take Rt 482 about 4.5 miles to the Rt. 30 Hampstead bypass circle. Take the bypass north about 0.8 mile. The orchard is on the left (across the highway) behind a fence.  Due to a deep swale at the entrance, you will need a vehicle with good ground clearance (P/U or SUV) to enter the orchard proper.  Also, use caution when crossing the highway.  If traffic is heavy it is wise to continue north to the circle (about a mile) and return on the south bound side.  Note: See the map below.

 

Plantings:

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2014 – Mt. Phillip line MD72A x MDMO :   125 seeds.

2015 – 112 seeds- Berryville line MD 73A x CY 430 (BC3). Controls were 10 seeds – Haines 45 x open, 10 seeds – Hood Chinese x open and 10 seeds – Scrivener x open.

Click here for a diagram of the orchard plantings.

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Lesesne State Forest is 422 acres, and lies next to Three Ridges Wilderness Area in Nelson County, VA. TACF and VA Department of Forestry partner in managing and breeding chestnuts here for restoration. TACF hosted our partners and national board members on a tour of the orchard in mid-November. ... See MoreSee Less

3 CommentsComment on Facebook

Going here for the first time, seeing all the big American Chestnuts and also watching Bill Deeter 's videos and pictures of his trees convinced me that it is possible to breed resistance into American chestnuts! We got this folks

Cool. I planted 56 Dunstan chestnuts on Nov. 3 in damp peat moss. I have to transfer to potting soil soon, they're all sprouting. And I mean it looks like every single nut has germinated.

This beautiful state forest is a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts!

We’re on the Naturally Scott Podcast!
Our President & CEO sat down with Scott to talk about the past, present, and future of the American chestnut — from its historic role in Appalachia to the cutting-edge science driving restoration today.

- Why the roots never died
- The cutting-edge science behind restoration
- Why volunteers and donors are leading this effort

Watch the full episode now and join us in bringing back America’s iconic tree:

www.youtube.com/@NaturallyScott

podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/naturallyscott/id1830513032
... See MoreSee Less

We’re on the Naturally Scott Podcast!
Our President & CEO sat down with Scott to talk about the past, present, and future of the American chestnut — from its historic role in Appalachia to the cutting-edge science driving restoration today.

- Why the roots never died
- The cutting-edge science behind restoration
- Why volunteers and donors are leading this effort

Watch the full episode now and join us in bringing back America’s iconic tree:

www.youtube.com/@NaturallyScott

podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/naturallyscott/id1830513032
... See MoreSee Less

🐛 Large silk moth caterpillar native to North America, not a threatened species fairly common *but beautiful.
🌳 Tree is a wild American chestnut planted for a PRR fungicide trial in Clemson, SC.

Photo credit: Celeste Giles, Research Associate with the Plant and Environment Sciences Department at Clemson
#americanchestnut #explore #nature #bugs #chestnuts #caterpillar
... See MoreSee Less

🐛 Large silk moth caterpillar native to North America, not a threatened species fairly common *but beautiful.🌳 Tree is a wild American chestnut planted for a PRR fungicide trial in Clemson, SC.Photo credit: Celeste Giles, Research Associate with the Plant and Environment Sciences Department at Clemson #americanchestnut #explore #nature #bugs #chestnuts #caterpillarImage attachmentImage attachment

3 CommentsComment on Facebook

Can you tell us more about the PRR fungicide trial?

So cool. Curious if the funguscide harms the catepillar and insects?

Speaking of threat, our local university has discovered the chestnut weevil is not extinct as was thought. www.actionnews5.com/2025/12/08/uofm-researchers-rediscover-weevil-believed-be-extinct-thanks-phot...

In celebration of GivingTuesday, TACF’s Board of Directors and President & CEO Michael Goergen came together to issue a matching gift challenge. The original goal was $5,000, but because of their collective passion and generosity a total of $18,125 has been raised, making the impact of your gift even greater. If that amount is reached, it will double to $36,250! Visit the link in our bio to donate. ... See MoreSee Less

In celebration of GivingTuesday, TACF’s Board of Directors and President & CEO Michael Goergen came together to issue a matching gift challenge. The original goal was $5,000, but because of their collective passion and generosity a total of $18,125 has been raised, making the impact of your gift even greater. If that amount is reached, it will double to $36,250! Visit the link in our bio to donate.
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