New London, NH Conservation Commission wins American Chestnut Foundation 2025 Partner Award

The New London, NH Conservation Commission (NLCC) is the proud winner of The American Chestnut Foundation Partner’s Award for 2025. This award recognizes groups that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the mission of restoring the American Chestnut tree to its former standing as the dominant tree in the eastern hardwood forests.

A kiosk in front of a fenced in chestnut orchard

Under the leadership of NLCC Chair, Bob Brown, and Vice-Chair Mike Celcius, NLCC has developed three active American Chestnut Experimental Forest locations with 120+ seedlings in the ground. The seedlings range in age from 1 to 7 years, with heights of 12 inches to over 8 feet. Most of this stock came from 1-year seedlings grown at TACF

nurseries, but some seedlings were started from seed nuts in New London. Entering year 8, NLCC is optimistic that it will see significant growth from these trees which are well established.

During 2025 NLCC received the gracious help from New London’s Spring Ledge Farm that allowed NLCC to use its greenhouses to grow seedlings. Spring Ledge Farm staff did a great job of caring for the plants, which thrived in the excellent growing conditions. The seedlings will be planted next spring in current and new locations.