Rescuing the
American Chestnut
Our mission is to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range.
Our vision is a robust eastern forest returned to its splendor.

QUIZ: What does RGS stand for?
Click your answer to see if you got it right!
Does not compute! Please guess again.
It IS really good, but that’s not what it stands for. Please guess again.
Ooooh. So close. Please guess again.
That would be very cool. But no. Please guess again.
Learn more about the exciting new RGS breeding program at TACF!
Merch of the Month
Leaf Logo Sun Hoodie
$33
Gear up for summer with July’s featured item: the Leaf Logo Sun Hoodie. This lightweight, moisture-wicking hoodie offers built-in UV protection—perfect for hikes, field work, or everyday wear. Best of all, it shows your support for the restoration of the American chestnut.
- Available in Sport Forest or Bright Seafoam
- Small leaf logo on the front, large TACF logo on the back
Our model Angus is 5’10” and wearing a medium and Christine is 5’4″ wearing a size small.


did you know?
TACF is the steward of the most blight-resistant and most genetically diverse majority-American chestnut population in the world.
This population is the foundation of our advanced RGS breeding program!
2025 American Chestnut Photo Contest
Grab your camera and hit the trails—the American Chestnut Photo Contest is back! We’re looking for striking, creative, and unique images of American chestnut trees and hybrids.
The first-place winner will have their photo featured on the cover of a future issue of Chestnut magazine and receive a one-year TACF membership, along with a T-shirt and hat. Open until December 31, 2025
2024 Winner: Blue-gray gnatcatcher chicks in an American chestnut backcross tree, by Anna Rose at Berry College, GA

Inspiring!
CLEAR DAY THUNDER: Rescuing the American Chestnut is now available! For just $10, you will receive unlimited views and the ability to download and watch on multiple devices.
All proceeds support The American Chestnut Foundation’s mission to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range.
Science Strategies
Breeding, Biotechnology, and Biodiversity
United for Restoration
The American Chestnut Foundation takes a holistic approach toward chestnut restoration, utilizing a three-pronged research strategy known as 3BUR (Breeding, Biotechnology, and Biodiversity, United for Restoration). These research tracks are implemented through mutually beneficial collaborations, so we can explore all avenues to reach the common goal of saving and restoring this species as quickly as possible.
Support Our Research
Found a tree?
Learn how to identify American chestnuts and send us a sample for identification.
Support The Restoration
Want a tree?
Learn how to get American chestnut seeds from TACF.
Latest News
2025 Photo Contest
Capture the Beauty of the American Chestnut and Reap the Rewards! Now Through December 31, 2025 Grab your camera and hit the trails—the American Chestnut Photo Contest is back! We’re looking for striking, creative, and unique images of American chestnut trees and...
TACF’s 2024 Annual Report: A Year of Growth, Change, and Innovation
The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) has released its 2023-2024 Annual Report, and it’s packed with exciting updates about our work to restore the American chestnut. From scientific breakthroughs to shifts in strategy, this past year has been one of adaptation and...
The American Chestnut Foundation Announces Partnership with Stella-Jones to Support Chestnut Restoration
Asheville, NC – The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) is proud to announce a new partnership with Stella-Jones, a leading manufacturer of products focused on supporting infrastructure that are essential to the delivery of electrical distribution and transmission,...
Find us on Facebook
Upcoming Events
Come phenotype trees with us at Matthew's State Forest! We will have two workdays: July 10th, 12PM-5PM and July 11th, 8AM-3PM. We will be assessing trees for blight resistance and […]
Come phenotype trees with us at Matthew's State Forest! We will have two workdays: July 10th, 12PM-5PM and July 11th, 8AM-3PM. We will be assessing trees for blight resistance and […]