The PA/NJ Chapter is fundraising for a replacement truck in time for the Spring 2018 growing season. We’ve created an online campaign through a platform called FUNDLY, with the intention of reaching out beyond our traditional members and supporters to raise this money. We hope that you will share this campaign with your email contacts and on Facebook.
Help us reach our goal by sharing this link!
For the past 10 years our restoration research has really counted on the Leffel Center’s 2003 4×4 Nissan truck; which was purchased with donations from members and supporters in 2007. The Nissan has helped us deliver over 10,000 seedlings and logged over 130,000 tough miles. Here at Leffel Center (The PA Chestnut Research and Operations Center on Penn State’s Camp us) there are over 30 acres of research plots being managed, with almost 10,000 trees in the ground, and at least 5,000 seedlings growing at any time.
The Nissan has served us well but it is nearing the end of its life expectancy. It is critical for our work 
that we plan to replace this vehicle. We are raising funds to purchase a late model used vehicle for the 2018 growing season. Note that the current truck has some resale value, and will be sold, with the proceeds added to the new truck fund.
What are we looking for in a replacement truck?
· More storage capacity for transporting the number of seedlings and equipment that we move each growing season. We want to replace the current 4’ bed with at least a 6’ or 8’ bed.
· Better 4-wheel drive for handling the hills and off road driving. The current Nissan truck doesn’t always get us up the slopes in our planting locations.
· Greater towing capacity to enable us to tow our tractor and other equipment to other locations and assist volunteers at other research orchards throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Save the American chestnut, save the forest!
No it isn’t that simple but we at the PA/NJ Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation believe that the work we are doing to restore the American chestnut to the Eastern forest could contribute to the restoration of other native forest species under threat.
If you prefer to donate directly to our Chapter office please send your check to:
PATACF Truck
206 Forest Resources Lab
University Park, PA 16802
Be sure to write Truck on the memo line.