Resources and Programs
Information for Chestnut Growers
A.T. MEGA-Transect Chestnut Project
TACF Grower’s List – A way to communicate with other American chestnut restoration growers about issues related to growing chestnuts – link to Penn State web site
Planting Time is Coming! – Guidelines for starting seedlings
TACF Resources – link to TACF resources web page
Hypovirulence Resources – MD Chapter web page
Grafting Resources – MD Chapter web page
Penn State Chestnut Growers Website – Everything a chestnut grower needs to know and much more, including back issues of the TACF Journal and other publications in pdf format.
Teaching Materials
Lesson Plans and Class Materials
The American Chestnut Tree Story
A short pamphlet designed for 4H middle school students. It contains information about the American chestnut tree, a children’s story and other information.
Lesson Plans by Shelley Casey – NSF Kenan Fellows Program at NCSU
Students will study how biotechnology is being used to develop a blight resistant tree. They will engage in hands-on activities that have students apply their knowledge of DNA and genetics to simulate the steps needed to find the genes for resistance and insert them into an American Chestnut tree. Lessons are designed to be used for any level of Biology student and do not require high tech equipment.
A great resource for classroom use, with good photos and basic information along with an introduction to some advanced scientific work.
From the Woods – Chestnut Brochure
This four-page, full-color publication tells the history of American Chestnut, the blight that wiped it out, and research on blight resistant chestnut trees. It is part of an educational series for youth (2004).
Games for Kids
Fun games kids can play while learning about the American chestnut. Downloadable pdf files.
Charlie Chestnut Workbook Labels
Created by Pennsylvania Chapter volunteer Doris Goldman.
Additional Resources
Resources for Data Collectors
Please download and print the map(s) and corresponding count report form(s):
Virginia and north:
http://sfr.psu.edu/public/chestnut/reports/mega-transect/at-maps
South of Virginia:
Other Forms:
Large Tree Chestnut Report – 2013
Large Tree Table Report – 2013
Count Report Form – 2013 (Use only if large tree report or table are not available)
A.T. National Park Research Permit
Virginia Chapter Menu
National Facebook
Join us on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 11:30AM – 1:00PM (EPT), for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat.
Special guests Duane McKenna and Michael Charles will discuss beetle evolution and the rediscovery of a lost species, the greater chestnut weevil.
Visit tacf.org/event/chestnut-chat-beetle-evolution-greater-chestnut-weevil/ to learn more and register.
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Why don't they make a weevil that can't have babies? And put them in the wild? So it'll past it to overs so they'll die out!!!
Planting season is here! This week we planted around 140 genomically selected chestnut seedlings at Meadowview's Duncan Farm for seed orchard production. In 5–7 years, this new seed orchard will be used for breeding and collecting open-pollinated seeds to continually improve disease resistance among our trees. Exciting roots for the future!
#americanchestnut #castaneadentata #americanchestnutfoundation #meadowviewresearchfarms
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out of five trees, I have only one that has survived. Two due to cold killing the tops (16-21 degrees) and two I think killed by squirrels or gophers.
Awesome!! 🥰
I wrote to you recently and we have one out here in Oregon City OR. In the middle of our woods we just logged. It was planted about 1890. We are mailing out a sample today for you.
We're hiring and the deadline is this weekend! Head to jobs.talenthr.io/tacf/nursery-manager/4 to learn more.
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Carolina friends, please join us on May 3rd!
Where: Pryor Orchard in Edneyville, NC - Address and additional details will be provided after you sign up and fill out a waiver.
When: Saturday, May 3rd 2025 at 10:00AM.
Bring: Closed toe shoes (no crocs, sorry!), gloves, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, water and a snack or lunch.
Spots are limited, visit theamericanchestnutfoundation.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=90477 to sign up.
For more information, please contact:
Regional Science Coordinator Jamie Van Clief: gro.fcat@feilcnav.eimaj
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Two American chestnut hybrids showing off their early spring leaves. These trees were planted about 10 years ago behind Lucy Herring Elementary in West Asheville.
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Approximately how tall are the trees?
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