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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Two American chestnut hybrids showing off their early spring leaves. These trees were planted about 10 years ago behind Lucy Herring Elementary in West Asheville. ... See MoreSee Less

Two American chestnut hybrids showing off their early spring leaves. These trees were planted about 10 years ago behind Lucy Herring Elementary in West Asheville.Image attachmentImage attachment

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Approximately how tall are the trees?

Maryland Friends!

The spring meeting of The Maryland Chapter of the American Chestnut
Foundation will be at the Gaithersburg Library, Meeting Room 3 on Saturday,
April 26, from 10:30 – 2:30. The meeting is free and open to the public.

The meeting will begin with an update on the TACF chestnut restoration program. Our featured speaker will be Donald Edward Davis, scholar, former Fulbright fellow, and author of The American Chestnut, An Environmental History. The American chestnut tells the story of the American chestnut from Native American prehistory through present day efforts to restore the American
chestnut to its former place in the eastern deciduous forest.

You do not want to miss this presentation and discussion!

Visit the link to learn more and register! tacf.org/event/maryland-chapter-spring-meeting-5/
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Happy National Volunteer Week! 🌿

We're sending a heartfelt thank you to all the amazing volunteers who show up, dig in, and make a real difference. Your passion and dedication help us grow stronger every day—thank you for being part of the movement!

#volunteerweek #americanchestnut
... See MoreSee Less

Happy National Volunteer Week! 🌿 Were sending a heartfelt thank you to all the amazing volunteers who show up, dig in, and make a real difference. Your passion and dedication help us grow stronger every day—thank you for being part of the movement!#volunteerweek #americanchestnut

It's time for an update on the Recurrent Genomic Selection (RGS) process. Staff and volunteers, including Hannah and Christine from our Asheville office, have been diligently collecting leaf tissue samples from seedlings produced by our first RGS crosses, which were carried out in the summer of 2024. Last week, each tree was tagged for identification, ensuring accurate tracking throughout the genotyping process. The DNA from these samples will be sequenced, and the resulting data will directly inform and enhance our ongoing breeding program.

#americanchestnut #castaneadentata #americanchestnutfoundation #meadowviewresearchfarms
... See MoreSee Less

Its time for an update on the Recurrent Genomic Selection (RGS) process. Staff and volunteers, including Hannah and Christine from our Asheville office, have been diligently collecting leaf tissue samples from seedlings produced by our first RGS crosses, which were carried out in the summer of 2024. Last week, each tree was tagged for identification, ensuring accurate tracking throughout the genotyping process. The DNA from these samples will be sequenced, and the resulting data will directly inform and enhance our ongoing breeding program.#americanchestnut #castaneadentata #americanchestnutfoundation #meadowviewresearchfarms

Join us tomorrow, Friday, April 18, 2025, from 11:30AM – 1:00PM (EPT), for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat.

Got questions about growing chestnuts or tips to share? Join us for the Chestnut Growers Town Hall! Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just starting, this event is your chance to connect, share insights, and learn from experts. Ask your questions on topics like site selection, soil nutrition, varmint control, and more. Our expert panel will answer questions and share their top growing tips. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the chestnut restoration community!

Visit tacf.org/event/chestnut-chat-chestnut-growers-town-hall/ for more info and to register.
... See MoreSee Less

Join us tomorrow, Friday, April 18, 2025, from 11:30AM – 1:00PM (EPT), for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat.Got questions about growing chestnuts or tips to share? Join us for the Chestnut Growers Town Hall! Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just starting, this event is your chance to connect, share insights, and learn from experts. Ask your questions on topics like site selection, soil nutrition, varmint control, and more. Our expert panel will answer questions and share their top growing tips. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the chestnut restoration community!Visit https://tacf.org/event/chestnut-chat-chestnut-growers-town-hall/ for more info and to register.
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