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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So happy we could be a part of the day!Image attachment

Tissue sampling for recurrent genomic selection is no small task, but thanks to an incredible group of volunteers, we made it happen! Leaf samples were collected, placed in a small tube, and then a wraparound tag with a unique ID was placed on the tree; each unique ID corresponded with the tube the sample was put in. We had volunteers from the Washington County Master Gardeners, Washington County Master Naturalists, Emory and Henry University, and King University. Tissue collection is a key step towards advancing our breeding program, and we are incredibly grateful for everyone who showed up, worked hard, and supported the process. Science moves forward because of people like you! #americanchestnut #RestorationInProgress

#chestnutresearch #forestrestoration #meadowviewresearchfarms #conservationscience
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From far away, it looks okay. Up close, and inside, it’s clear these barns can no longer protect the work of restoration. This Earth Day and throughout our Spring Appeal, help us raise the barn that supports the return of the American chestnut.

Click the following link to donate: support.tacf.org/2026SpringAppeal

#earthday #donate #springappeal #americanchestnut #explorepage
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We had a great time at our recent spring meeting, part of which included a tour of Meadowview Research Farms for staff and our board of directors. We discussed current projects and the future of the recurrent genomic selection (RGS) program, and highlighted important infrastructure needs that will help support future growth and continued research efforts. Investing in these areas will be key to advancing our mission and strengthening the work being done. We could not have done this alone; thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to such a productive and inspiring day!

#americanchestnut #RestorationInProgress #chestnutresearch #forestrestoration #meadowviewresearchfarms #conservationscience
... See MoreSee Less

We had a great time at our recent spring meeting, part of which included a tour of Meadowview Research Farms for staff and our board of directors. We discussed current projects and the future of the recurrent genomic selection (RGS) program, and highlighted important infrastructure needs that will help support future growth and continued research efforts. Investing in these areas will be key to advancing our mission and strengthening the work being done. We could not have done this alone; thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to such a productive and inspiring day!#AmericanChestnut #RestorationInProgress #ChestnutResearch #ForestRestoration #MeadowviewResearchFarms #ConservationScience

April events! Kicking things off is Chestnut Chat, an event open to everyone, everywhere.

Visit our events calendar for more information on each event.

#explorepage #chestnutchat #events #getinvolved #ActNow
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April events! Kicking things off is Chestnut Chat, an event open to everyone, everywhere.Visit our events calendar for more information on each event. #explorepage #chestnutchat #events #getinvolved #actnowImage attachmentImage attachment+3Image attachment
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