Vermont / New Hampshire News

Pollination Frenzy

The VT/NH Chapter of TACF recently completed an ambitious American chestnut pollination season. Eight wild trees were cross-pollinated in seven different towns.

Craig Tufts, pictured, pollinated a tree that he planted in his Concord, NH back yard seven years ago. Tim Elliot worked with landowner, Bruce Wilson, to pollinate a tree on Bruce’s Dover NH property. Our thanks to Bruce for leading us to this tree.

The blue ribbon goes to Chapter Location Committee member Chris Leask who pollinated six trees: two in Mason, and one each in Greenville, Temple, Wilton and Merrimack. All in NH.

Thanks to everyone who came forward in response to our call, letting us know the status of trees you own or know of, and the locations of new ones. We couldn’t pollinate every tree, but yours may be a target next year or the year after. The availability of members who know how to pollinate, accessibility without a lift, proximity and timing are all challenges every year, and we’ll endeavor to do better matching resources for this annual “dating game” each year.

Nuts from these trees will be harvested in late September, stored over winter and potted in February. Their saplings will be planted in Chapter Germplasm Orchards (GCO) early next summer. Trees growing in GCOs are pure American chestnuts. Those that survive chestnut blight long enough to flower will be pollinated with transgenic chestnut pollen following Federal approval for distribution of the blight-tolerant transgenic tree developed by the College of Environmental Science and Forestry at SUNY Syracuse.

TACF and its 17 Chapters are currently planting GCOs and developing strategies for introducing trees grown in them all across the historic American chestnut range. This biotechnology approach to restoration is the most promising option for widespread restoration. Nobody ever said it would be easy.

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Finding your first American chestnut in the wild is an unforgettable moment. 🌳
Hal Brindley, TACF’s website administrator, shares how you can find these trees using just a few free apps on your phone.

Watch Hal’s quick video, then head to our website for his full step-by-step guide to discovering wild chestnuts and helping restore this iconic species. tacf.org/find-wild-american-chestnuts/
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4 CommentsComment on Facebook

From what I’ve seen it’s a combination. Trees growing in more ideal soil tend to fight the blight better. I have also seen that trees getting less sun tend to do worse than those in full sun.

Ryan Fitzgerald

I’m in the process of harvesting chestnuts from my 7/8 am chestnut 1/8 chinese chestnut

🌰 For the 8th straight year, Dr. Han Chuan Ong and his King University class volunteered at TACF’s Meadowview Research Farms during harvest processing! After touring MRF to learn about TACF’s mission, the students rolled up their sleeves to shuck burs and support chestnut restoration. We’re grateful for this long-standing partnership that strengthens both education and conservation. 🌳
This year, we were also joined by Emory & Henry College students, including Bonner Scholars and other volunteers, who lent their time and energy to help with the harvest. We’re so thankful for their hard work and enthusiasm — and we look forward to welcoming even more students next year to continue growing this tradition of learning and conservation! 🍂

#AmericanChestnut #MeadowviewResearchFarms #americanchestnutfoundation#ChestnutResearch #ConservationScience #harvest
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3 CommentsComment on Facebook

We are a middle school in Ohio and our middle schoolers are doing the same thing this past week.

www.facebook.com/share/1HjBGYMgnn/?mibextid=wwXIfr We are hosting our own seminar November 1st with our sponsor and speaking about the tree and its science and history w a OH-TACF admin and member.

🌰 What a fantastic American Chestnut Day at The North Carolina Arboretum!

From seedling sales and student research posters to inspiring talks, poetry, and a screening of Clear Day Thunder, the day was packed with learning, connection, and celebration of the American chestnut’s incredible story.

A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who joined us, and to our event sponsor, Warren Wilson College, for helping make it all possible! 💚
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2 CommentsComment on Facebook

Enjoyed stopping by, hopefully next time the tree sale will be better equipped to accept different forms of payment 🙂

What are the chance that someone out there does have some true american chestnut seeds for sale or to give away . I only would like maybe a dozen and a half if anybody has then in north carolina. Thanks and god bless you

Maryland friends, come on out to the MD Chapter Chestnut Festival on Sunday, October 19! Visit tacf.org/event/maryland-chapter-chestnut-festival/ for more! ... See MoreSee Less

Maryland friends, come on out to the MD Chapter Chestnut Festival on Sunday, October 19! Visit https://tacf.org/event/maryland-chapter-chestnut-festival/ for more!

🌰 Harvest processing at TACF’s Meadowview Research Farms is equal parts important science and hands-on fun! Staff and volunteers shuck burs and sort chestnuts with care, ensuring quality seeds for future plantings and solid data for research. It’s a lively, rewarding way to support restoration while sharing in the joy of chestnut season together. 🌳

#AmericanChestnut #MeadowviewResearchFarms #americanchestnutfoundation#ChestnutResearch #ConservationScience #harvest
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6 CommentsComment on Facebook

That was our job after school pick up the chestnuts, we opened them up with our feet.

What do I do with mine? I have 2 gallons I collected this year for the first time.

Are these trees pure dentata?

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