Virginia Chapter

Resources and Programs

In this section you will find information about the American chestnut and efforts to restore it to America’s woodlands. Included is information on the science behind the American chestnut breeding program, educational resources and materials, and reference information about chestnuts.

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.

Issue 11 Compass Magazine

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

Doris Goldman Coloring Book

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:

Maps & Charts S of VA

Other Forms:

Kit & checklist – 2013

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)

Chart_Trail_Change

A.T. National Park Research Permit

Blue Ridge Parkway Permit – 2013-2014

Shenandoah National Park Research Permit

Virginia Chapter Menu

National Facebook

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April events! Kicking things off is Chestnut Chat, an event open to everyone, everywhere.

Visit our events calendar for more information on each event.

#explorepage #chestnutchat #events #getinvolved #ActNow
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April events! Kicking things off is Chestnut Chat, an event open to everyone, everywhere.Visit our events calendar for more information on each event. #explorepage #chestnutchat #events #getinvolved #actnowImage attachmentImage attachment+3Image attachment

Check out this article on Clemson News about how scientists from Clemson University, Virginia Tech and The American Chestnut Foundation are using genomic selection to develop trees capable of surviving chestnut blight and Phytophthora root rot.

Read the article to hear more about Clemson's role in studying Phytophthora root rot: news.clemson.edu/clemson-scientists-help-advance-effort-to-restore-the-american-chestnut/

#explorepage #news #environment #americanchestnut #nature
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Check out this article on Clemson News about how scientists from Clemson University, Virginia Tech and The American Chestnut Foundation are using genomic selection to develop trees capable of surviving chestnut blight and Phytophthora root rot. Read the article to hear more about Clemsons role in studying Phytophthora root rot: https://news.clemson.edu/clemson-scientists-help-advance-effort-to-restore-the-american-chestnut/#explorepage #news #environment #americanchestnut #nature

58 CommentsComment on Facebook

Good luck

To have the American chestnut tree back would be so great. I remember them. Yep, I am that old!

Would have loved to seen them when they covered the Eastern Forest , Great news on developing a blight and root rot resistant Chestnut

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We are not apart from the Earth—we are a part of it. Not something to own or use, but something we belong to. A living part of us, meant to be loved and cared for as deeply as anything else we hold dear.

#restoration #conservation #americanchestnut #chestnut #trees #trending
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We are not apart from the Earth—we are a part of it. Not something to own or use, but something we belong to. A living part of us, meant to be loved and cared for as deeply as anything else we hold dear.#restoration #conservation #americanchestnut #chestnut #trees #trending

1 CommentComment on Facebook

“Conservation is getting nowhere because it is incompatible with our Abrahamic concept of land. We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.” ― Aldo Leopold

TACF is hiring!
We’re looking for a 2026 New England Restoration Intern to support hands‑on chestnut breeding and forest restoration work across our New England chapters. This paid summer internship offers real‑world experience in plant breeding, field research, orchard management, and conservation science. 🌱
Know someone who’d be a great fit? Tag them!

Visit tacf.org/employment/ to find out more information and apply!

#americanchestnut #internship #hiring #explorepage #conservation #forestrestoration
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TACF is hiring!We’re looking for a 2026 New England Restoration Intern to support hands‑on chestnut breeding and forest restoration work across our New England chapters. This paid summer internship offers real‑world experience in plant breeding, field research, orchard management, and conservation science. 🌱Know someone who’d be a great fit? Tag them!Visit https://tacf.org/employment/ to find out more information and apply! #americanchestnut #internship #hiring #explorepage #conservation  #forestrestoration

Building the future of our trellis orchard one graft at a time! After beginning to train Chinese chestnut trees onto wire last summer, Meadowview Research Farm staff are continuing that work this season by grafting and training American scion onto the same system. By training chestnut trees on wire, our hope is that the canopy is more accessible, making it easier and safer to access all male and female flowers from the ground. Grafting diverse American chestnut scion onto the wire will provide future access to trees from other regions. This careful process of connection and guidance blends strength, structure, and adaptability. #americanchestnut #RestorationInProgress #chestnutresearch #forestrestoration #meadowviewresearchfarms #ConservationScience ... See MoreSee Less

Building the future of our trellis orchard one graft at a time! After beginning to train Chinese chestnut trees onto wire last summer, Meadowview Research Farm staff are continuing that work this season by grafting and training American scion onto the same system. By training chestnut trees on wire, our hope is that the canopy is more accessible, making it easier and safer to access all male and female flowers from the ground. Grafting diverse American chestnut scion onto the wire will provide future access to trees from other regions. This careful process of connection and guidance blends strength, structure, and adaptability. #AmericanChestnut #RestorationInProgress #ChestnutResearch #ForestRestoration #MeadowviewResearchFarms #ConservationScience

2 CommentsComment on Facebook

Great work!!

That's a great idea and i hope it works for ya'll, Good luck 👍

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