WMREC Orchard – Western Maryland Research and Education Center, University of Maryland
This orchard was founded in 2007 as a backcross breeding orchard. The orchard was rogued in 2016 and 2017. A total of 17 of the best trees in 5 family lines were saved. They will cross-pollinate in 2018 to produce B3F2 and B4F2 nuts for our seed orchards. A new orchard will be planted in 2024.
Address:
18330 Keedysville Rd. Keedysville, Washington Co.
Directions:
From Frederick take US 70 west to exit 49 to Alt Rt. 40 West thru Middletown to Boonsboro. In the center of Boonsboro turn left at the stoplight onto Rt 34 west. Travel for 3.5 miles, turn right on Keedysville Road. Travel on Keedysville Rd for 2.4 miles (bear right after second stone bridge). Turn right into WMREC at the entrance sign. Turn right at the first interior road Turn right into the field after passing the deer fence gate. The chestnut orchard is about 200 yards from the road and behind an apple orchard.
Contacts:
John Fleagle – Steward
Doug Price – WMREC staff
Remaining Trees:
Manahan 42A & 43A x AG247 – 2 of original 98
SE 831 x HE 416 – 3 of original 95
SE 51A x ME 536 – 0 of original 118
WMREC 47A x WV1 – 3 of original 71
WMREC 46 A x CH262 – 9 of original 92
Source of resistance:
Clapper
Location:
Maryland Chapter Menu
National Facebook
What a difference a neighbor can make. 🌳🌳 Our Director of Communications, Jules Smith, recently visited a 10+ year-old hybrid American chestnut covered in burs. Just out of frame is another hybrid chestnut that helped pollinate the tree, resulting in an impressive crop of nuts this year. It's a small but encouraging glimpse of what's possible as we work toward restoring this iconic species. #AmericanChestnut #Trees #Conservation #Nature #RestorationForestry
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I heard one of the possible mistakes of the original disease progression of chestnut blight was taking all trees down with signs of blight and not giving trees a chance to demonstrate some resistance. Not sure if that was accurate but it's food for thought as we try to bring them back
So the hybrid trees still get the blight, but can survive it? Rather than just not getting it?
It looks like it's time is limited - lots of yellow leaves . Kind of looks like our elm trees !
Are you looking for funding to support your American chestnut research?
External small grants offer recipients a variety of benefits such as professional development and an expanded network. Grant activities contribute to the continuous renewal and development of faculty and staff, to the education and motivation of students, and achievement of our mutual interest — restoration of the American chestnut.
This is a small grants program. TACF does not ordinarily fund projects in excess of $10,000, but more than one person can receive a grant. Contact us to be added to our email notices for this program.
We are currently accepting submissions from now until September 28, 2026. Submissions will be reviewed by the Restoration Science Committee on October 16, 2026.
2026 Call for Proposals: tacf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/RFP-Small-Grants-Program.8.10.26.pdf
Submission link: forms.monday.com/forms/6ff0cc12fe05ca92c879d36ba6838e05?r=use1
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What a wonderful day at TimberFest! 🌰
We enjoyed connecting with visitors and sharing TACF's mission alongside others who are passionate about forestry and conservation. One of the day's highlights was the unveiling of a chainsaw-carved statue exhibit crafted from trees brought down by Hurricane Helene.
As an organization who's national office is rooted in western North Carolina, it was especially meaningful to see these trees incorporated into an exhibit that honors both the impact of the storm and the resilience of our region. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more about American chestnut restoration and the future of our forests.
#AmericanChestnut #ForestRestoration #Forestry #Conservation #WNC #Explore
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Was this at the Cradle of Forestry?
We love our Bonner Scholars!Thank you, Bonner Scholars!
As we head into the fall semester, we want to take a moment to recognize and thank our wonderful Bonner Scholars for their time, hard work, and dedication to Meadowview Research Farms last spring semester! We are especially grateful to Gabbie and Maddy who graduated from Emory & Henry this past spring, who each served with The American Chestnut Foundation for more than two years. Their commitment and contributions have made a lasting impact on our research farm, and we are so thankful for all they have done! We also want to recognize Carson, who joined us last spring and has been an important part of our team. We’re excited that Carson will be continuing to serve with us this semester.
Thank you, Gabbie, Maddy, and Carson, for all of your hard work and for being such an important part of the Meadowview family. We wish Gabbie and Maddy all the best in their next adventures, and we’re excited to have Carson continuing on with us!
And an additional thanks to Meadowview Research Farms' Tree Improvement Scientist, Lucinda Wigfield, for her outstanding coordination and supervision of this important student group!
#americanchestnut #castaneadentata #americanchestnutfoundation #ChestnutResearch #meadowviewresearchfarms
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The mysterious voice in this video might be onto something... 👀🌰
Looking for a research project idea? The American chestnut has plenty of unanswered questions waiting to be explored.
If your project touches on chestnut restoration, genetics, blight, ecology, biotechnology, history, or another chestnut-related topic, consider sharing your work at the TACF 2026 Symposium Poster Session.
Give your research an audience beyond the classroom and connect with others working to restore the American chestnut.
For more information visit: tacf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-Poster-Session-RFP.pdf
#americanchestnut #humor #Students #StudentResearch #forestry
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