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
Early bird registration for the 2024 American Chestnut Symposium closes on Sunday, September 22. Take advantage of this special discounted rate before it's too late!
The event takes place the evening of Friday, October 25th and Saturday, October 26th, and will be jam-packed with speakers, tours, and special guests. Read about the entire event at the link: tacf.org/2024-american-chestnut-symposium/
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Carolina friends, want to help harvest hybrid American chestnuts? You'll have a chance this weekend! Visit the link for all the information and to RSVP. preview.mailerlite.io/emails/webview/1001266/132117206160901386
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Deer are harvesting our chestnuts this year (also in NC). We have 3 huge chestnut trees that were here when we bought our home over 20 years ago. I’ve never eaten one.
Bug is a polydactyl or Hemingway cat, which means he has an extra toe. He doesn't know how to use his extra toe (yet). He does know how to sit on command and enjoys sleeping, making his body really long, and observing nature.
He's very sociable and loves car rides (he even got into a neighbor's car and went on a school pickup run!) as well as walks around the neighborhood with his people.
He lives with Christine, TACF's Operations Specialist.
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Remember this beautiful painting by ME Chapter President Mark McCollough? He donated his time and talent to TACF last year, selling prints of this gorgeous piece to benefit the restoration of American chestnuts. He's using his skills to help more than just American chestnuts, though, and you can read all about the recent award he won for his efforts here: wildlife.org/mark-mccollough-receives-ding-darling-memorial-award/
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Beautiful painting
Join us on Friday, September 20, 2024, from 11:30AM – 1:00PM (EPT), for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat.
TOPIC: Assisting Evolution: The History of American Chestnut Breeding and New Innovations
Special guests Mike Aucott, John Scrivani, and Jared Westbrook will discuss American chestnut breeding from the 1950s to the present, exploring various methods, goals, and the results that have been achieved. Learn more and register here: tacf.org/event/chestnut-chat-american-chestnut-breeding-history-and-innovations/
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
I have 6 trees
Can anyone tell by this pic if these are American or Chinese?