Virginia News
Fall 2017 The Bur Available to Read!
The Fall 2017 issue of The Bur, the Virginia Chapter's newsletter, is now available for reading on-line. Download a copy of this and all other issues at here, where you can also sign up to have future issues delivered automatically when they are released.
Central VA Restoration Branch Participates in Riverfest
The Central Virginia Restoration Branch of the Virginia Chapter participated in Riverfest on Saturday, April 29. Riverfest is an annual event in Waynesboro, VA, which hosts many environmental and government agencies.
Many Activities Planned in Central Virginia
Volunteer Speakers Sought The Central Virginia Restoration Branch is asking for help in spreading information about our program. A group of speakers is being formed in the Central Virginia area to speak to civic, environmental groups, schools, etc. Volunteers for this...
Orchard Maintenance at the Roland Orchard
The Roland Orchard was initially planted in the spring of 2008. Additional trees were planted in April 2009. There were originally 385 trees: 15 were pure American; 15 were pure Chinese, 15 were 50-50 crosses between American and Chinese, and the remaining 320 were...
Spring 2017 Newsletter Available!
The Spring 2017 issue of The Bur, the Virginia Chapter's newsletter, is now available for reading on-line. Download a copy of this and all other issues at here, where you can also sign up to have future issues delivered automatically when they are released.
Southwest Branch Active in 2017!
Planning is underway for a large planting (over 4000 trees) in the Channels State Forest near Meadowview. The planting will include both silvaculture test plots and reforestation. In addition, the Branch is working with two high schools to coordinate educational...
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National Facebook
At Heirloom Table Company, nothing is wasted and every table tells a story.
This clip showcases how salvaged American chestnut wood, reclaimed from old New England buildings, is transformed into handcrafted tables designed to become family heirlooms.
The full video takes a deeper look at the process and then introduces another local artisan who handcrafts Native‑style flutes. While the flute‑making isn’t connected to chestnut wood, it’s a beautiful continuation of the theme: preserving craftsmanship, skill, and tradition.
Watch the full video here: www.wcvb.com/article/crafting-heirlooms-and-melodies-in-new-england/70794861
#news #americanchestnut #wood #trees #explorepage
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
We are beginning to see catkins on chestnut trees in our high-light growth chamber! By growing our chestnuts under 16 hours of high-intensity light, we’re seeing incredible results, including pollen production in less than 2 years. In the field, pollen and female flower production typically takes 5–7 years. This acceleration allows us to shorten breeding cycles and speed up tree generations, helping us select, improve, and scale better chestnut genetics much faster than traditional timelines.
#AmericanChestnut #RestorationInProgress #ChestnutResearch #ForestRestoration #MeadowviewResearchFarms #ConservationScience
6 CommentsComment on Facebook
Have you sent out the seeds for seed-level members? I was supposed to get six of them; and in the past, they have always come in March -- and today is the 27th.
Is it possible to buy pollen from American chestnuts?
It is good to hear of the accelerated time line. Are these trees all genotyped?
If you’ve ever wondered why we keep planting wild‑type American chestnuts, even though they eventually succumb to blight, this is why.
Any other questions we can answer? Drop them in the comments!
#reels #explorepage #americanchestnut #ecology #nature
16 CommentsComment on Facebook
Is it true they're safe out here in the west? I'd plant some.
I understand why you keep planting wild type...you should... and use your RGS on pure Americans not the hybrids( Dr. Westbrook). What I don't understand is why you keep growing the hybrids and fighting off Molissima after all these years of consistent failure Mr Goergen?
Quick technical question. I saw a video that claims if you somehow place soil into the blighted area soon enough, it stops or curtails the blight’s destruction of the tree. True, or nonsense ? Thanks. Definitely planting some Chestnuts this year. And pawpaws of course ❤️
Rogueing has officially begun! Late last year, Meadowview Research Farm staff selected the best trees in our 2018 progeny test to be genetically tested this year, and now our Director of Land Management, Dan McKinnon, is removing the trees that weren’t selected. The 2017 progeny test is also being cleared to make way for future plantings. Removing undesirable trees on a regular basis provides space for the trees of tomorrow.
#AmericanChestnut #RestorationInProgress #ChestnutResearch #ForestRestoration #MeadowviewResearchFarms #ConservationScience
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
if you dug them I am sure some of us could plant them.. i mean if there is a chance they make it
Can't you replant the "undesirable " trees else where as they're important to the earth breathing.
Thanks, Dan!
The PA/NJ Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation is having a Spring Growers meeting on March 28, 2026 from 9:30am - 3:30pm
Expert speakers: Michael Goergen, Allen Dietrich-Ward, Noah Vincent, and Lake Graboski
$30 ticket price includes breakfast and lunch!
All are welcome! Learn more at PANJTACF.org
It will be held at The Centennial Barn at Fort Hunter Mansion
5395 N. Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17110
#americanchestnut #meeting #getinvolved #nonprofit #explorepage
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Sorry I will miss this! I have to be at our SAWN-PA forest workshop.