VT/NH Chapter Board Work Day

Published September 18, 2020

On July 12, seven board members from the VT/NH Chapter participated in a Chestnut Work Day hosted by fellow board member, Doug McLane, at his property in Plymouth, NH. This social distance gathering focused on germplasm conservation orchards (GCO). Doug enthusiastically and effectively demonstrated what a GCO is, how to create and maintain one, and why they are important to chestnut restoration.

He demonstrated how to plant and care for trees, and discussed pollination and mudpacking techniques. The intent was to educate new board members about approaches toward restoration and prepare them to make good decisions that will move the chapter forward. He obviously succeeded. Participants had favorable reactions and expressed thanks to Doug for helping them more clearly understand all the work that goes into American chestnut restoration.

Doug McLane (right) talks to members of the VT/NH board about planned activities for the day.

Sara Fitzsimmons in 2005 with Jim Gage, Dr Phil Arnold, Dr Robert Gregg

2005
Sara Fern Fitzsimmons with Jim Gage, Dr Phil Arnold, & Dr Robert Gregg

2006, Sara Fitzsimmons pollinates at Stockers

2006
Sara pollinating at Stockers, PA

Sara rating cankers at Thorpewood

Sara rating cankers at Thorpewood, MD

Sara at the 25th Annual TACF meeting

2008
Sara at the 25th Annual TACF Meeting

Sara and the Graves tree

2009
Sara in the PSU Graves Orchard

Sara Fern Fitzsimmons in the Glenn Swank stump, 2009

2009
Sara in the Glenn Swank stump, PA

Sara at the International Chestnut Symposium, 2012

2012
Sara at the International Chestnut Symposium

Sara in Vermont

2014
Sara with Harmony Dalgleish and the Berlin American chestnut in Vermont

Kendra and Sara in the field

Sara and Kendra Collins working in the field

Sara presenting at the 2022 TACF Spring Meeting

2022
Sara presenting at TACF’s Spring Meeting

Sara (in the rocker) with TACF staff at the Fall Meeting

2023
Sara (in the rocker) with TACF staff at the Fall Meeting

Sara Fern Fitzsimmons

2024
Sara in the Penn State greenhouses