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.
did you know?
TACF is the steward of the most blight-resistant and most genetically diverse majority-American chestnut population in the world. (Meet the trees!)
This population is the foundation of our advanced RGS breeding program!
2026 Spring Appeal
“Raising the Barn”
Nothing says resilience, hard work, and commitment quite like a good old-fashioned barn raising. Inspired by communities who come together to offer a helping hand, we invite you to join us in supporting the replacement of aging buildings at TACF’s Meadowview Research Farms. Your donation to our 2026 Spring Appeal will protect critical equipment, allowing the Meadowview team to continue advancing restoration practices without interruption.
Make your gift today and help power the return of the American chestnut tree.
Please support our Spring Appeal!
Chestnut Chat
Up Next: Chestnut Research at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
Join us on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 11:30AM – 1:00PM (EPT), for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat webinar.
Special guest, Dr. Susanna Keriö, will highlight findings from past and current chestnut research at The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), and will provide the outline for an ongoing project focused on biocontrol of chestnut blight using hypovirulence.
Since the early 1900s, CAES has conducted research on chestnut blight and its management. Through the efforts of scientists, students, landowners, and the active members of The Connecticut Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation, the work to restore the American chestnut has continued in Connecticut.
Major New TACF Paper Published in Science
A major new paper published this week in Science marks a turning point in how endangered species can be restored.
“For decades, conservation genetics focused on preserving what remained,” said Dr. Jared Westbrook, lead author of the study and TACF’s Director of Science. “Genomic tools now allow us to actively design restoration programs that improve with each generation. That shift changes what is possible. We can move from static preservation toward dynamic recovery.”
Download a PDF of Genomic approaches to accelerate American chestnut restoration (Westbrook et al., 2026)
Harnessing the Power of Genomics
The American Chestnut Foundation is using an advanced breeding method called recurrent genomic selection (RGS) to save the American chestnut. Learn more about this exciting technique by watching this introductory video, or take a deep dive into RGS on our breeding page.
Latest News
Restoring The American Chestnut: An All-Out Effort to Save This Iconic Tree
Joe Lamp'l, host of The joe gardener Show on PBS, recently interviewed TACF's Director of Restoration, Sara Fitzsimmons, for his podcast featuring the American chestnut. This lively and educational episode highlights the tree's history, significance, and the research...
TACF Regions Use Virtual Outreach To Forward Mission
The pandemic has made us all re-think how we do things, and outreach for TACF is no exception. In normal times, staff and volunteers give in-person talks or participate in educational programs to share the story of the American chestnut. It’s a great way to get...
Town of Montreat: Ceremonial Planting
Nestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina is the Town of Montreat. Tree Board Chair Ann Vinson began the day's ceremonial event by telling the crowd of 20 Montreat residents that a historical U.S. Forest Service site survey in 1907 showed upwards of 50% of...
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.
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.
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.
Upcoming Events
Volunteers and Partners of the Kentucky Chapter will be Pre-Bagging selected trees in our TACF/EKU Regional Hybrid Chestnut Orchard, preparing for Controlled Pollinations 11 days later, when flowers are in […]
As a member of the CT Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation and the Litchfield Hills Audubon Society, John C. Baker spearheaded efforts to plant the Backcross Orchard at the […]
We will be planting chestnuts at the Norcross Seed orchard in Stafford Springs. Bring work gloves and plenty of water, and protection from sun and ticks.