Maryland Chapter

Sugarloaf Mountain Orchard

The Maryland Chapter operates an orchard at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain in cooperation with Stronghold, Inc., which owns the mountain. Two orchards were started in 1970 with irradiated nuts. The orchards are described as the East Field and the West Field.   The West Field orchard is no longer in use.

East Field – Originally planted in 1970 with an estimated 1000 irradiated seeds. Most have succumbed to chestnut blight and phytophthora. However, some  27 remaining trees have been used as mother trees in our breeding program.  Also, a backcross orchard of BC3 seeds (Manahan 41 x AG247) and an experimental orchard to study hypovirulence were planted in 2007 . However, most of these trees have been killed by the blight, phytophthora or deer.

To see an article on the chestnuts of Sugarloaf Mountain by Essie Burnworth, click here.

Address:
7901 Comus Road, Dickerson, Montgomery County

Contacts:
The Propers – Stewards
David Webster – Executive Secretary, Stronghold Inc.

Challenges: Deer, Phytophthora, gall wasps, vines.

East Field Location:

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Chestnut season may be winding down, but the thrill of finding these hidden treasures never gets old. ... See MoreSee Less

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ive read where chestnut trees bear fruit in as little as 3 years,....true?

WOW! a nut

🎃 From all of us at Meadowview Research Farms, have a spook-tacular Halloween! May your night be free of blight and all things weevil (not evil!)—and full of chestnut cheer. 🌰👻 We’re brewing up serious science in our cauldrons to bring the American chestnut back from the dead—no tricks, just treats for the next forest! 🌳🧪 #HappyHalloween #ChestnutRestoration ... See MoreSee Less

Chestnut blight changed everything. Watch how this deadly fungus transformed a once-mighty tree. ... See MoreSee Less

6 CommentsComment on Facebook

The last time I saw a chestnut tree was 50 years ago in Detroit. I was a kid and saw the trees lined up and down our street die one by one.

Has anyone ever tried spraying copper sulfate & lime mixture on a tree to kill the fungus

Wonder if the genes can be changed on the blight fungus so it will die off.

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We’re thrilled to see Backpacker shining a light on the American chestnut and TACF’s work to restore this mighty tree. 🌰 Read the article here: www.backpacker.com/stories/american-chestnut-trees-comeback/ ... See MoreSee Less

We’re thrilled to see Backpacker shining a light on the American chestnut and TACF’s work to restore this mighty tree. 🌰 Read the article here: https://www.backpacker.com/stories/american-chestnut-trees-comeback/

18 CommentsComment on Facebook

We have one across the street from our new home in Leicester NC. We have been collecting!

What's the difference between the American Chestnut and the Chinese chestnut tree? I recently planted 7 of the Chinese variety.

Not barefoot though!!! 😆

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