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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We're grateful to see the important work of American chestnut restoration highlighted by Wild Appalachia.

The segment features WV Chapter member Mark Double and TACF partner Dr. Amy Metheny of WVU, who share why restoring this iconic native tree matters and the progress being made in West Virginia and beyond.

Watch the whole video or read the article here: wchstv.com/community/wild-appalachia/wild-appalachia-american-chestnut-restoration
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2 CommentsComment on Facebook

my daughter in mt pleasant ny ( catskills) has a huge american chestnut tree in front of her 1904 home. somehow it missed the blight

I just sent this as email to Governor Morrisey in West Virginia. Please do the same and send to everyone and anyone who may be able to help in an effort to save Clements Nursery American Chestnut Grove. "Dear Governor Morrisey. I have learned that a private corporation plans to destroy the grove of American Chestnut trees at Clements Nursery. For the love of god and all that is good in this world please help to preserve these American Chestnut trees. There are not that many genuine American Chestnut trees that are still growing and what you have there in West Virginia is a national treasure that cannot be replaced with any amount of money, gold or riches. I among with many other multi generational Americans believe this grove of trees should be a treasured working national historic landmark producing seeds and seedling for reestablishing genuine pure American Chestnut trees in our Appalachian Mountains and throughout our country."

October is packed with opportunities to support American chestnut restoration! Join us in shucking chestnuts for open-fire roasting this winter and next spring’s plantings, or celebrate at an American Chestnut Festival near you. Don’t see an event hosted by your Chapter? Reach out to learn how you can help during the busy harvest season.

Need more information about an event? Visit: tacf.org/events/category/tacf/
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October is packed with opportunities to support American chestnut restoration! Join us in shucking chestnuts for open-fire roasting this winter and next spring’s plantings, or celebrate at an American Chestnut Festival near you. Don’t see an event hosted by your Chapter? Reach out to learn how you can help during the busy harvest season.Need more information about an event? Visit: https://tacf.org/events/category/tacf/Image attachmentImage attachment+3Image attachment

3 CommentsComment on Facebook

I just sent this as email to Governor Morrisey in West Virginia. Please do the same and send to everyone and anyone who may be able to help in an effort to save Clements Nursery American Chestnut Grove. "Dear Governor Morrisey. I have learned that a private corporation plans to destroy the grove of American Chestnut trees at Clements Nursery. For the love of god and all that is good in this world please help to preserve these American Chestnut trees. There are not that many genuine American Chestnut trees that are still growing and what you have there in West Virginia is a national treasure that cannot be replaced with any amount of money, gold or riches. I among with many other multi generational Americans believe this grove of trees should be a treasured working national historic landmark producing seeds and seedling for reestablishing genuine pure American Chestnut trees in our Appalachian Mountains and throughout our country."

And just FYI, Umit Sedar, OMU (university) in Turkey got a lot of seed from Lockwood for their breeding program. Yes, I will join the zoom meeting on the 9th. Sandy

Why aren't you folks screaming about the Clements Tree Farm destruction? 2/3 for a data center??? The destruction is supposed to be underway Nov 1st! What are the arborists doing to at least save whats on those 100 acres? Why isn't this in your newsletter and website?

We love to see so many people come together for American chestnut restoration.Back in August, Meadowview Research Farm staff members Lucinda Wigfield and Brian Henrich attended the NE-2333 meeting: Biological Improvement of Chestnut through Technologies that Address Management of the Species and its Pathogens and Pests. The meeting provided an opportunity to connect with fellow researchers, learn from a variety of presentations, and share in the latest developments in chestnut research and restoration.
As part of the meeting, Lucinda and Brian also joined a field trip to Johns Creek, getting an up-close look at chestnut research and restoration efforts in the field.
We’re glad that Meadowview staff were able to learn with other scientists and to be part of the ongoing work to restore this important native tree!
#MeadowviewResearchFarm #AmericanChestnut #ChestnutResearch #ChestnutRestoration #NE2333 #ForestRestoration #NativeTrees
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We love to see so many people come together for American chestnut restoration.
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