Virginia News
Seed Planting at Catawba
On the bright and windy morning of Saturday, April 4, four volunteers planted 88 chestnut nuts at the Catawba Sustainability Center’s breeding orchard. The Catawba Sustainability Center, a property of Virginia Tech, is located in Catawba, Virginia. Catawba is a...
Planting at Ivy Creek
On March 28, five Restoration 1.0 chestnut seedlings were planted at the Ivy Creek Nature Area near Charlottesville. These seedlings are a 15:1 cross between native American chestnuts and Chinese chestnuts and have been bred to incorporate the blight resistant...
Volunteers Work in Roland Orchard
On March 26, six volunteers braved a rainy morning to work in the Roland Orchard in Fauquier County. Eighty-six traps were baited and set for Asian Ambrosia Beetles (AAB), which are a serious threat to the health of chestnut trees. In addition, the volunteers measured...
Planting Time is Coming!
The season for planting chestnut trees—whether from seeds or seedlings—is springtime. If you are planning to plant this spring, it’s time to be thinking about what you need to do to improve your chances of growing healthy American chestnut trees. First, consider your...
Meadowlark Gardens Planting May 3
The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority and the Virginia Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation will plant a demonstration orchard of Restoration Chestnuts at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna on Sunday, May 3 at 11:00 am. We are looking for a few...
Ceremonial Planting at Montpelier April 24
A ceremony was held on April 24, 2015, for the planting of a Restoration 1.0 American chestnut tree on the grounds of James Madison’s Montpelier near Orange, Virginia. For more information about Montpelier, the home of James and Dolley Madison, visit...
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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?