Maine News

Chestnut Science Update

A Year of Change

By Mark McCollough, Maine Chapter President

“Learn to expect the unexpected.” As a wildlife biologist, I learned this tenet of ecology early in my career. Nature is full of surprises from the elegant workings of the DNA molecule to the intricate cogs and wheels of a forest ecosystem. Rapid advancements in genetic science gave us both disappointment and hope for restoring the American chestnut in 2023. This issue of Maine’s Tree Urchin newsletter explains some unexpected discoveries in the world of chestnut science, how it affects chestnut restoration in Maine, and provides a peek at the year ahead.

Maine volunteers with pollination bags on chestnut tree

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The USDA has announced its desire to shut down or repurpose the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC), putting TACF’s important chestnut orchard at risk.

This orchard is especially valuable because the trees are growing in soil naturally affected by Phytophthora root rot (PRR), allowing researchers to evaluate disease resistance under real-world conditions. It includes predominantly American chestnut hybrids that have shown promising resistance and could soon provide a vital source of seed for restoration efforts.

We are asking members and volunteers to contact their representatives in Congress and urge continued access to BARC to help preserve this irreplaceable research and restoration resource.

#americanchestnut #contactcongress #calltoaction #conservation #environment
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10 CommentsComment on Facebook

I hope they keep it open. These orchard are so important for forest restoration efforts. I created one for Butternut.

This is a great facility and we want to keep it!

Is it really viable? With all of the millions of Chinese variants everywhere and open pollination .

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It was so much fun to get out and nature and be a part of a community. Volunteer and check out events with your state Chapter to see what you have been missing!

Click the link in our bio to visit the "Volunteer" and "Events Calendar" links under "Get Engaged"

#explore #getinvolved #volunteer #americanchestnut #conservation
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1 CommentComment on Facebook

Excellent, Maryland TACF, Maryland Maryland Chestnut Festival

Have you been wanting to learn more about chestnut blight? I thought so!

Check out the article: www.aol.com/lifestyle/orange-gashes-tree-bark-023000711.html

#americanchestnut #explore #restoration #nature #news
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Have you been wanting to learn more about chestnut blight? I thought so! Check out the article:  https://www.aol.com/lifestyle/orange-gashes-tree-bark-023000711.html #americanchestnut #explore #restoration #nature #news

1 CommentComment on Facebook

That's just Bigfoot pruning around

Amazing work being done by the West Virginia Chapter! ... See MoreSee Less

Amazing work being done by the West Virginia Chapter!Image attachmentImage attachment+4Image attachment

4 CommentsComment on Facebook

Well done West Virginia TACF Chapter !!! * * * *

Thank you!

Thanks for educating people on our favorite tree! ... See MoreSee Less

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