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
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We’re excited to share a new animated video explaining TACF’s RGS program!
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Transgenic American Chestnuts are still a much better option. The product of this method will always be a hybrid and that should not be the goal.
One of the greatest ecological disasters the US has ever seen. Chestnut blight wiped out the American chestnut tree in less than 50 years.
A tree that once made up nearly 25% of the eastern forests was reduced to a functionally extinct species.
The Asian fungus Cryphonectria parasitica was accidentally introduced into the United States in the late 1800s. While a few diseased chestnuts were noted in the 1880s and 90s, it wasn't until 1904 that the pathogen was identified in New York City. From that point, the blight spread rapidly. By 1950 the entire range had been consumed.
The fungus causes cankers that spread around the trunk of the tree, girdling it and killing everything above ground. Many root systems still survive today and continue to send up shoots, but these also eventually succumb to blight. Because American chestnuts rarely survive long enough to reproduce, the species is considered functionally extinct.
The American Chestnut Foundation is working to develop blight-resistant American chestnuts that can be used to restore this iconic tree to its native range. Learn more at tacf.org/about-us (link in bio)
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I think I may have found an American Chestnut tucked away in a backyard
Incredibly important work…it was such a travesty for our forests!
The trees seem to still be intact outside their range in isolated areas. Theres a few large ones here in central Michigan on a peninsula and again on the Leelenau peninsula in the nw lower peninsula. I keep seeing people chime in about adult trees here and there. Seems like there's hope!
Just another day working to bring back the American chestnut. 🌰
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Yikes. Most of those pictures look like very Chinese hybrids.
I have a very old American chestnut tree that has the blight . It gets chocked off then gets new growth. It got a lot of wind this year and lost a lot of the blooms. It produces nuts still . Does anyone want to get a start of the new fruit before I move or pass way ? I’m afraid the new owners will destroy it. This was the only reason I wanted this house in the late 80’s .
Hope you are successful!!!
Especially if you're under a canopy of American chestnuts...
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Unless, of course, it's fall. Then the chestnut seed pods are falling from the trees and creating a floor covered in pins and needles so sharp that it puts sweetgum to shame. You wouldn't want to be laying under the chestnut canopy then!
I live in Barboursville, WV and wanted to know if i can buy a seedling or how i go about acquiring one! Thank you!
The SHADE TREE COMMISSION in NEW PALTZ New York is interested in planting some CHESTNUT trees on Chestnut Street (Rt. 32). We would like to receive help from you if possible. New Paltz is a historic town and in the past there were MANY Chestnut trees here, Presently there is only ONE Chestnut tree which I grew from the nut of an elegant, large tree when it was sadly cut down. If there are any Chestnut trees available, or if you have any suggestion that might help us in this quest we would be greatful. Thank you for your attention., Shelly Ottens (moc.oohay@obobnyllehsih)