Virginia News
Fall Newsletter Published!
The Fall 2018 issue of the Virginia Chapter of TACF's newsletter, The Bur, is now available for downloading. You can get a pdf copy of this and all issues of The Bur here.
Successful Day Inoculating at New Kent
We had a great day on July 20th at the New Kent Forestry Center! It was a gorgeous day and we stayed cool enough in the shade of the ops building. With 24 folks working, we were able to inoculate about 1400 chestnut seedlings in under 5 hours. That’s pretty...
Small Stem Assay at Providence Forge
On July 20, 2018, small stem assay was conducted at Providence Forge, Virginia (east of Richmond). The seedlings are being used in progeny testing. The seedlings are about 18 months old and were being inoculated with the blight. They were grown in a greenhouse at the...
Inoculation at Fried Orchard
On June 14, a group of volunteers inoculated about 140 trees in the Fried Orchard. The volunteers were Ned Yost, Tom Wild, Meg Sewell and Warren Laws. Regional Coordinator Tom Saielli and our intern Katrina Somers participated as well.
Spring 2018 Newsletter Now Available
The Spring 2018 issue of the Virginia Chapter's newsletter, The Bur, is now available on line. Click here to read the latest issue, which includes stories on progeny testing, the backcross breeding program and chainsaw safety practices and training, along with a...
Horticulture Dayz at Front Royal — Feb 28-Mar 1
Virginia Cooperative Extension is holding Horticulture Dayz on Wednesday, February 28, 2018, and Thursday, March 1, 2018, at the Northern Virginia 4-H Center in Front Royal, VA. Many great speakers have been lined up for this year’s event, including the fantastic...
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National Facebook
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 harvest season!
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Is it possible to get these nuts to germinate and grow? How?
How are these different from Dunstan?
I would like to get some to plant in New Hampshire
Several chestnut enthusiasts recently had the opportunity to visit John's Creek's planting in Virginia. One of the most memorable sights was the claw marks left by black bears foraging for chestnuts as they prepare for winter, a testament to the planting's success and its growing role in supporting wildlife. The visit took place during this year's NE2333 annual meeting.
#AmericanChestnut #ChestnutRestoration #ForestHealth #WildlifeConservation #HealthyForests
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Have seen a number of true wild, pure American chestnut trees damaged by black bear. These trees are large enough to survive multiple years of “attacks” by black bear.
Hopefully the damaged bark does not serve as a corridor for the blight to enter living tissue.
Are these engineered trees or crossbred?
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
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Thanks for sharing! This was a great article and we're glad to be part of the restoration efforts.
I have acreage, but no idea how to purchase these.
I will be pleased if a 100 ft, tall tree with a sweet chestnut can be developed from any of these approaches.
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
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I will do my best to make it!