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
Scion wood collection for southern American chestnut conservation
You can help conserve the American chestnut by collecting scion wood The American Chestnut Foundation is seeking scion wood from wild American chestnut trees from the southern population. (Scion wood is the name for the twigs used in grafting and propagating woody...
WV Chapter President Mark Double Retires
By WV Board Member Lewis CookOver a brisk weekend in early October, during the Annual West Virginia Chestnut Festival in Rowlesburg Mark Double, WV-TACF Chapter President, retired from his duties. Chapter Board member Lewis A. Cook shared these kind words about his...
Carolinas Chapter Holds Virtual Meeting
By Hannah Leeper, Southern Regional Outreach Coordinator Thank you to President Doug Gillis and the other members and volunteers of TACF’s Carolinas Chapter who attended our virtual meeting on September 20, 2023! This meeting, the first held since the COVID-19...
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
Please join us this Thursday and Friday to pollinate trees with the TN Chapter. These trees are currently selected for our recurrent genomic selection breeding program. By being a part […]
Please join us this Thursday and Friday to pollinate trees with the TN Chapter. These trees are currently selected for our recurrent genomic selection breeding program. By being a part […]
Join us on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Eastern), for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat webinar.Special guest, Dr. Susanna Keriö, will highlight findings from past […]