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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Does everyone's staff retreat include fungus, tree bark, and chestnut beer... or just ours?

#americanchestnut #explorepage #restoration #conservation #chestnuts #worktrip #staffretreat
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1 CommentComment on Facebook

Great video!!!

Black History Month provides an important opportunity to honor the past while also recognizing how Black knowledge, leadership, and community continue to shape the present. From histories rooted in land and survival to modern platforms and outdoor spaces where connection and representation matter.
Throughout February, we will share a series of four stories that explore Black relationships to land, legacy, and community, looking at both historical foundations and contemporary expressions. We begin with an exploration of the Coe Ridge Colony, an African American community founded after the Civil War, whose history offers important insight into self‑determination, resilience, and adaptation.

Visit tacf.org/black-history-and-the-american-chestnut/ to read more about the Coe Ridge Colony!

#BlackHistoryMonth #americanchestnut #Blackhistory2026 #restoration #conservation #forestry #environment #explorepage #nature #history
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Before January comes to a close, here are our 2026 Ins and Outs. Tell us yours in the comments!

#americanchestnut #explorepages #restoration #conservation #forestry
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Before January comes to a close, here are our 2026 Ins and Outs. Tell us yours in the comments! #americanchestnut #explorepages #restoration #conservation #forestryImage attachmentImage attachment+8Image attachment

3 CommentsComment on Facebook

I tagged y’all on TikTok in a video about a chestnut I found!!!

This is pretty funny!

i planted a bunch last year, and am anxious to see their growth this year,.....

Before January comes to a close, here are our 2026 Ins and Outs. Tell us yours in the comments!

#americanchestnut #insandouts2026 #chestnut #explorepage #restoration #conservation #forestry
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Before January comes to a close, here are our 2026 Ins and Outs. Tell us yours in the comments! #americanchestnut #insandouts2026 #chestnut #explorepage #restoration #conservation #forestryImage attachmentImage attachment+8Image attachment
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