TACF’s 2024 Annual Report: A Year of Growth, Change, and Innovation

Published April 2, 2025
TACF's 2024 Annual Report cover

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 progress.

In her opening letter, Board Chair Liz Kramer draws a powerful comparison between the resilience of the American chestnut and TACF’s own ability to adapt.

In the science report, you’ll learn about one of the most exciting developments at TACF, the growing focus on recurrent genomic selection (RGS)—a promising technique that helps identify disease-resistant trees faster than traditional breeding methods. Thanks to insights from our newly formed Research Advisory Council (RAC), we’re refining our approach and laying the groundwork for the future of chestnut restoration.

Of course, none of this would be possible without our incredible supporters. From dedicated regional volunteers to generous donors, the TACF community is the driving force behind our work. This year’s report highlights the inspiring ways people across the country are making a difference—whether it’s through planting trees, conducting research, or spreading awareness.

The journey to restore the American chestnut is full of challenges, but also hope. With new scientific tools, passionate people, and a clear vision for the future, we’re making steady progress.

Want to dive into the full report? Check it out here!

Sara Fitzsimmons in 2005 with Jim Gage, Dr Phil Arnold, Dr Robert Gregg

2005
Sara Fern Fitzsimmons with Jim Gage, Dr Phil Arnold, & Dr Robert Gregg

2006, Sara Fitzsimmons pollinates at Stockers

2006
Sara pollinating at Stockers, PA

Sara rating cankers at Thorpewood

Sara rating cankers at Thorpewood, MD

Sara at the 25th Annual TACF meeting

2008
Sara at the 25th Annual TACF Meeting

Sara and the Graves tree

2009
Sara in the PSU Graves Orchard

Sara Fern Fitzsimmons in the Glenn Swank stump, 2009

2009
Sara in the Glenn Swank stump, PA

Sara at the International Chestnut Symposium, 2012

2012
Sara at the International Chestnut Symposium

Sara in Vermont

2014
Sara with Harmony Dalgleish and the Berlin American chestnut in Vermont

Kendra and Sara in the field

Sara and Kendra Collins working in the field

Sara presenting at the 2022 TACF Spring Meeting

2022
Sara presenting at TACF’s Spring Meeting

Sara (in the rocker) with TACF staff at the Fall Meeting

2023
Sara (in the rocker) with TACF staff at the Fall Meeting

Sara Fern Fitzsimmons

2024
Sara in the Penn State greenhouses