Virginia News
Asian Ambrosia Beetle Update
Asian Ambrosia Beetle Update by Jennifer Santoro, Graduate Student Intern Asian ambrosia beetles, an invasive wood-boring insect, have shown up in a handful of our Virginia orchards. The beetles bore into small-sized trees and introduce a fungus that ultimately kills...
Mullins/McFall Chestnut Planting
Forty volunteers and organizers braved snow, cold, and wind to plant a total of 625 chestnut seeds, including 525 Restoration Chestnut 1.0 seeds, on Saturday, March 2, 2013, on the Mullins/McFall reclaimed surface mine site in Dickenson County, near Clintwood,...
Planting Seedlings in Jefferson National Forest
From November 27-29, 2012, some 20 volunteers from the U.S. Forest Service, Virginia Forestry Department, Blue Ridge Foothills and Lakes Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists and The American Chestnut Foundation planted nearly 1200 chestnut seedlings at an...
WSLS10 Story on Chestnut Breeding
Roanoke station WSLS10 reported on the VA Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation’s breeding program in the Roanoke area.
November 10 Roanoke Meeting Report
Roanoke Meeting Provides Views of Past and Future of American Chestnut in Virginia From mouse-eaten remains of trading records found at one of the few remaining mountain trading posts in southwest Virginia, Dr. Ralph L. Lutts provided attendees at the Virginia Chapter...
Mother Tree Orchard Readied for Winter
Several Virginia Chapter volunteers joined Smithsonian volunteers and staff of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) near Front Royal on November 5th to prepare the mother tree orchard hosted by SCBI for winter. Thanks to the work of the orchard...
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National Facebook
This excellent article takes a deep dive into the history of the American chestnut, the science driving restoration efforts, and the communities helping make recovery possible. Be sure to read the perspectives shared by TACF Director of Science Jared Westbrook, Board Member Jim Searing, and PA/NJ Chapter member Mike Aucott. 🌳🌰
Read the article: rivertownsmagazine.com/stories/the-return-of-the-american-chestnut-tree,146154
#americanchestnut #forestry #forestrestoration #citizenscience #conservation
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
Lauren Celentano you need some chestnuts
I am going to try to grow a few for my home. My son has chestnut tree in MD, and he is sending me some nuts.
Any chance they would grow in Cedar City, UT?
The 2026 American Chestnut Symposium is taking shape! The current schedule is live, featuring expert presentations, panel discussions, restoration updates, networking opportunities, and field tours designed to bring our community together around the future of American chestnut restoration
Have research, restoration work, or a project to share? Consider participating in the poster session and connecting with fellow scientists, volunteers, conservation professionals, and chestnut enthusiasts.
Learn more, explore the schedule, and register today at tacf.org/2026-american-chestnut-symposium/
#forestrestoration #conservation #forestry #nativespecies #americanchestnut
1 CommentComment on Facebook
I will do my best to make it!
What a difference a neighbor can make. 🌳🌳 Our Director of Communications, Jules Smith, recently visited a 10+ year-old hybrid American chestnut covered in burs. Just out of frame is another hybrid chestnut that helped pollinate the tree, resulting in an impressive crop of nuts this year. It's a small but encouraging glimpse of what's possible as we work toward restoring this iconic species. #AmericanChestnut #Trees #Conservation #Nature #RestorationForestry
11 CommentsComment on Facebook
I heard one of the possible mistakes of the original disease progression of chestnut blight was taking all trees down with signs of blight and not giving trees a chance to demonstrate some resistance. Not sure if that was accurate but it's food for thought as we try to bring them back
So the hybrid trees still get the blight, but can survive it? Rather than just not getting it?
It looks like it's time is limited - lots of yellow leaves . Kind of looks like our elm trees !
Are you looking for funding to support your American chestnut research?
External small grants offer recipients a variety of benefits such as professional development and an expanded network. Grant activities contribute to the continuous renewal and development of faculty and staff, to the education and motivation of students, and achievement of our mutual interest — restoration of the American chestnut.
This is a small grants program. TACF does not ordinarily fund projects in excess of $10,000, but more than one person can receive a grant. Contact us to be added to our email notices for this program.
We are currently accepting submissions from now until September 28, 2026. Submissions will be reviewed by the Restoration Science Committee on October 16, 2026.
2026 Call for Proposals: tacf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/RFP-Small-Grants-Program.8.10.26.pdf
Submission link: forms.monday.com/forms/6ff0cc12fe05ca92c879d36ba6838e05?r=use1
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What a wonderful day at TimberFest! 🌰
We enjoyed connecting with visitors and sharing TACF's mission alongside others who are passionate about forestry and conservation. One of the day's highlights was the unveiling of a chainsaw-carved statue exhibit crafted from trees brought down by Hurricane Helene.
As an organization who's national office is rooted in western North Carolina, it was especially meaningful to see these trees incorporated into an exhibit that honors both the impact of the storm and the resilience of our region. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more about American chestnut restoration and the future of our forests.
#AmericanChestnut #ForestRestoration #Forestry #Conservation #WNC #Explore
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Was this at the Cradle of Forestry?