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
Seed prep is underway! Meadowview Research Farms staff and Emory & Henry Bonner Scholars are currently bagging seeds that will be sent to TACF Seed Level Members next week. These hybrid chestnut seeds are collected from genomically selected mother trees at Meadowview Research Farms and are one of the only ways to get seeds from TACF. Each seed represents a step forward as we prepare them for distribution to our seed level members; thank you for helping grow the future of the American chestnut!
#AmericanChestnut #RestorationInProgress #ChestnutResearch #ForestRestoration #MeadowviewResearchFarms #ChestnutSeedlings
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A major milestone for conservation science.
Our Director of Science, Dr. Jared Westbrook, has published new research in “Science” showing how genomic tools can transform endangered species recovery. By using recurrent genomic selection, we can predict resilience earlier, shorten breeding cycles, and build a restoration system that grows stronger with every generation.
This model doesn’t just help the American chestnut, it could guide restoration for threatened species across the world.
Read the full article: www.science.org/eprint/SBHDH76BXDK366UMHU44/full?activationRedirect=/doi/full/10.1126/science.adw...
#ScienceResearch #ConservationScience #americanchestnut #restoration #conservation #science #nature #explorepage #chestnuts
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Would this work for the American elm tree?
Across the world...is that like around the world?
Anyone have any links or information about Iodine use soil/spray and duration for eradicating or postponing the fungal infection? All the research I've done shows Iodine could cure the infection if using science.
We’re honored to be highlighted in this AVLtoday feature on the American chestnut’s story in Western North Carolina.
While the path to restoration is long, moments like this remind us how many people care about bringing this tree back to the landscape it once defined.
Thank you to everyone who continues to help this story grow.
Read the article: avltoday.6amcity.com/chestnut-tree-wnc
Photo curtsey of Audrey Snow Owen of PA/NJ TACF
#americanchestnut #explorepage #restoration #conservation #environment #nature #asheville #chestnuts
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I thought American chestnuts didn't have hairs on them or shiny leaves. Is this a chinese hybrid?
Is the photo a back crossed hybrid of American chestnut and Chinese chestnut?
Freedom seekers—enslaved Africans and African Americans who escaped slavery in pursuit of freedom—faced hunger, exposure, and unfamiliar terrain as they journeyed north.
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.
Read more about Freedom Seekers: tacf.org/black-history-and-the-american-chestnut/
#BlackHistoryMonth #americanchestnut #explorepage #chestnuts #BlackHistoryMonth2026 #restoration #conservation #history
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Hopefully they will be developing a mold resistant tree.
That's a really interesting perspective. I think a lot of woodcraft and other types of knowledge about the natural world, like astronomy, had to be shared. Also, marine skills.
Chestnuts?
January might feel like the quiet season, but at our research farms it’s already time to get growing. This month, we’re sowing chestnut seeds that will be used in upcoming research and breeding efforts. Starting seeds in January gives us a valuable head start on the growing season, allowing seedlings to establish early and be ready for genotyping in the spring and summer. Each seed represents an important step forward in our research, helping us better understand growth, resistance, and performance across chestnut species and hybrids. #AmericanChestnut #RestorationInProgress
#ChestnutResearch #ForestRestoration #MeadowviewResearchFarms #ChestnutSeedlings
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