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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We’re proud to share this segment from the PBS show Human Footprint, featuring former TACF staff member Sara Fitzsimmons. The American chestnut sequence was selected to be adapted into a standalone YouTube video, which launched in late September and has already garnered more than half a million views. Sara’s dedication and expertise have shaped much of the progress in restoring the American chestnut. Give it a watch to learn more about this important work. ... See MoreSee Less

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1 CommentComment on Facebook

Great presentation!

🌰 Harvest season at TACF’s Meadowview Research Farms brings both beauty and breakthrough science. Many of the chestnut crosses we gather are generated through recurrent genomic selection—cutting-edge research driving restoration forward. Each bur holds not only the wonder of new life, but also the promise of a future where the majestic American chestnut returns to our forests. 🌳

#americanchestnut #castaneadentata #americanchestnutfoundation #ChestnutResearch #meadowviewresearchfarms
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Are there places we can purchases a Chestnut tree that is disease resistant? Thanks!

We'll be co-hosting American Chestnut Day at the NC Arboretum this Saturday! If you're local, we hope you'll join us for a fun day of speakers, activities, and even a wild-type chestnut seedling sale! ... See MoreSee Less

Chestnut Chat returns!

Join us on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 11:30AM – 1:00PM (EPT), for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat.

Our special guest, Dr. Trevor Walker, Assistant Professor of Forest Genetics and Co-Director of the Cooperative Tree Improvement Program at NC State University, will share insights from 70 years of breeding loblolly pine for disease resistance, growth, and stem form. He will also consider which practices are likely to succeed for American chestnut, which are not, and why.

Visit tacf.org/event/chestnut-chat-breeding-disease-resistance-in-loblolly-pine/ to learn more or register.
... See MoreSee Less

Chestnut Chat returns! Join us on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 11:30AM – 1:00PM (EPT), for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat.Our special guest, Dr. Trevor Walker, Assistant Professor of Forest Genetics and Co-Director of the Cooperative Tree Improvement Program at NC State University, will share insights from 70 years of breeding loblolly pine for disease resistance, growth, and stem form. He will also consider which practices are likely to succeed for American chestnut, which are not, and why.Visit https://tacf.org/event/chestnut-chat-breeding-disease-resistance-in-loblolly-pine/ to learn more or register.

2 CommentsComment on Facebook

Can't wait for the Chestnut Chat, sounds like a great opportunity to learn! 🎯

What is EPT? Do you mean Eastern standard time?

🌱 TACF’s Meadowview Research Farms team joined the Clinch Valley SWCD Natural Resources Festival in Russell County, sharing the story of the American chestnut with hundreds of local students. Lucinda Wigfield and Jim Tolton led engaging talks on the tree’s history, the devastation of blight, and TACF’s efforts to restore this keystone species. Inspiring young minds remains central to our mission. 🌳
#americanchestnut #castaneadentata #americanchestnutfoundation #ChestnutResearch #meadowviewresearchfarms
... See MoreSee Less

🌱 TACF’s Meadowview Research Farms team joined the Clinch Valley SWCD Natural Resources Festival in Russell County, sharing the story of the American chestnut with hundreds of local students. Lucinda Wigfield and Jim Tolton led engaging talks on the tree’s history, the devastation of blight, and TACF’s efforts to restore this keystone species. Inspiring young minds remains central to our mission. 🌳 #americanchestnut #castaneadentata #americanchestnutfoundation #ChestnutResearch #meadowviewresearchfarms

1 CommentComment on Facebook

We picked this guy up at a booth earlier in the summer. It’s just started getting the darker spots on its leaves. Is it okay? Too wet? Losing its leaves for the winter? Should we keep it indoors now and give it a grow light?

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