New York News
ESF scientist who brought American chestnut tree back from the brink of extinction has died
Dr. William “Bill” Powell, 67, died Sunday, Nov. 12 [2023], at his home with his family by his side. Powell was a biology professor at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, where he and his colleague, Charles Maynard, founded...
American chestnut tree poised for a comeback in New York
The American chestnut tree once dominated the eastern part of the United States. After becoming functionally extinct starting over a century ago due to the spread of a fungus, the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry is close to...
A CNY scientist’s work could change the world. But he might not live long enough to see it happen
We’ve all had eureka moments, those flashes of insight that, for most of us anyway, add up to little more than remembering where we left our car keys. But William Powell isn’t like most people. His eureka moment might change the world. Up until last year, Powell was a...
The USDA’s approval of GE chestnut trees would be a step forward for threatened species conservation
"It is an exciting time in the field of conservation and biotechnology. For the first time, it appears likely that a tree that has been developed with genetic engineering (GE) could be approved by U.S. regulatory agencies for use in restoring a threatened species to...
Bringing Back the American Chestnut
"At the turn of the [20th] century, ...the American chestnut was devastated by blight... The blight swept through the Appalachian forest at a rate of 50 miles a year, leaving the species as nothing more than an early-succession-stage shrub. Now, the American...
Gene editing could save a nearly lost tree
Researchers at SUNY ESF are growing American chestnut trees that can withstand blight. They are ready to release the trees into the wild, becoming the first in the United States to use genetic engineering to bring back a forest tree to its former glory. Read the full...
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National Facebook
Our office will be closed today, Monday, October 14, in recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day. We will reopen tomorrow, Tuesday, October 15.
This photo was was submitted to our 2021 photo contest by Florian Carle.
78 CommentsComment on Facebook
Never heard of it. I do celebrate Columbus Day and Independence Day, however.
It amazes me how many people are surprised that a group teaching the value and belonging of a native tree that were decimated by European settlers failing to manage the land well and a nonnative diseases would also be.. {checks notes} teaching the value and belonging of native people that were decimated by European settlers and their diseases.
Really HATE when organizations I otherwise like and support jump on the political and venture signaling band wagons instead of focusing on what they do. Stay on task and stop pandering.
This week at Meadowview Research Farms we welcomed Dr. Ong's class from King University, to help with the processing of burrs! They shucked nearly 5,000 burrs and harvested over 8,000 seeds this week alone. With the harvest season wrapping up at MRF, we've collected more than 40,000 seeds in total this year! These seeds play a vital role in TACF's research and breeding programs, and any extras are sent to collaborators. Amazing teamwork and dedication to preserving our future!
#americanchestnutfoundation #ChestnutRestoration #Conservation #SeedHarvest #americanchestnut
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Thank you King University!
Deadline to submit application has been extended to 10/11/24. To submit an application click the following link: forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=5tAJQo_f0Umjzau-SCHT1aJ2IY5hp3FJhGALFFb7NDZUNUFVMTlVS...
The 2024 American Chestnut Symposium Diversity Scholarship covers the cost of registration for the full symposium events for awardees, including meals ($225 value). It does not cover travel costs or lodging.
Eligible applicants should be from a historically underrepresented group (gender identities, racial and ethnic backgrounds, disability, or socioeconomic status), living in New England and over the age of 18. Applicants are responsible for transportation to the symposium in Cromwell, CT.
#americanchestnut #chestnut #rootedinrestoration #chestnutblight #restoration #conservation #nature #environment #forestry #scholarship #education #diversity #DEI
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Although Meadowview Research Farms experienced only minor damage from Hurricane Helene, the wider Washington County region and parts of southwest Virginia faced significant destruction. Our community has been deeply affected and is currently seeking assistance for relief efforts. Designated locations are in need of volunteers and donations. Now is the perfect opportunity to connect with those around you and provide support. Together, we can aid our community in its rebuilding and recovery process.
In addition to MRF, TACF’s national headquarters is located in downtown Asheville, NC. The national office did not flood and TACF Asheville staff are safe. Please keep an eye out for ways to help Asheville, NC recover from Hurricane Helene as well.
#americanchestnut #castaneadentata #americanchestnutfoundation #ChestnutResearch #ConservationScience #hurricanehelene
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TACF’s national office in Asheville, NC will be closed for business until further notice. Western North Carolina was one of the hardest areas hit by Helene. Thankfully, all staff is safe but still without power, internet, and water, including the national office. Therefore, Asheville staff is on emergency leave and will be slow to respond. We appreciate your patience during this difficult and challenging time.
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Just come back. Until then, stay safe down there you all.
I thought Chestnut trees were wiped out long ago?
Greetings TACF. We are in Floyd County VA but have space to provide temporary housing for someone from the Asheville area that needs emergency housing (a family with young kids or individual) We have been trying to put the word out... We met you last December when we donated my mom's (Barbara Knapp) chestnut papers... If you know of someone that needs a place to land for a while, please let me know!