Virginia News
Buy a Turkey, Help TACF!
Wondering where to buy your Christmas turkey? We've got the answer! This year Gentle Harvest, a wholesaler and retailer of locally grown, humane, and organic foods in Marshall, VA, has partnered with TACF to raise awareness about the American chestnut tree, thanks in...
Ceremonial Trees Planted at Boxerwood
Two blight-resistant American chestnut trees were recently planted at the beautiful preserve at Boxerwood in Lexington, Virginia. The trees, which now measure about 18 inches in height, will grow to more than 50 feet over the years. The Boxerwood press release...
Linda Duncan’s Art Chosen for Master Naturalist 2019 Pin
It's with pride that we report that Linda Duncan's watercolor of the American chestnut bur was chosen for use on the Virginia Master Naturalist 2019 recertification pin. Each year, the VMN program creates a special recertification pin to recognize those volunteers...
Garden Club Exhibit a Success
Virginia TACF staffed a combined exhibit with Mill Mountain Garden Club at the Garden Club of America meeting in Roanoke on October 9-11. The Mill Mountain Garden Club has 100 members in the Roanoke Valley. The meeting was attended by nearly 100 members from all over...
Progress Harvesting Orchards!
Good news! We are almost finished with harvesting backcross orchards in Virginia. Fortunes Cove was loaded with burs; the same was true with the orchard at Blandy and a few of the others. Soon we’ll focus our efforts on harvesting wild Americans. This is a chance...
Bur Collection Time: Volunteers Needed!
We’re looking for volunteer chestnut lovers to help bring in this year’s nuts. If you haven't harvested before, here's all it entails. Someone climbs up the ladder and pushes the burs off. People on the ground chase down the burs and put them in bags. Except at...
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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?