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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Have you visited our events calendar lately? Fall is prime time for chestnuts, so get out into your community and go on a hike, visit an orchard, or purchase a seedling!

Visit tacf.org/events/category/tacf/ for more information about upcoming events in the American chestnut's native range.
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Have you visited our events calendar lately? Fall is prime time for chestnuts, so get out into your community and go on a hike, visit an orchard, or purchase a seedling! Visit https://tacf.org/events/category/tacf/ for more information about upcoming events in the American chestnuts native range.

The amazing Bette Midler on why she started the New York Restoration Project--and at the 3:15 mark, watch her talk about and plant a chestnut! ... See MoreSee Less

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3 CommentsComment on Facebook

What a wonderful person ! Go Bette !!!!

Patti Clark

Michelle Waskie

The American Chestnut Foundation’s (TACF) Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Michael Goergen has been appointed as the organization’s new President & CEO and will begin in mid-September 2025. He will succeed interim President & CEO Bruce Levine.

A strategic executive with more than 25 years of leadership in the forest products and climate sectors, Michael has driven innovation, sustainability, and transformative partnerships throughout his career.

To learn more about him, visit tacf.org/michael-goergen-named-president-ceo-of-the-american-chestnut-foundation/
... See MoreSee Less

The American Chestnut Foundation’s (TACF) Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Michael Goergen has been appointed as the organization’s new President & CEO and will begin in mid-September 2025. He will succeed interim President & CEO Bruce Levine.A strategic executive with more than 25 years of leadership in the forest products and climate sectors, Michael has driven innovation, sustainability, and transformative partnerships throughout his career. To learn more about him, visit https://tacf.org/michael-goergen-named-president-ceo-of-the-american-chestnut-foundation/

Lucinda’s got a tree to introduce you to 🌳👋
Meet even more trees at tacf.org/meet-the-trees/
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8 CommentsComment on Facebook

This is D2-19-136 if you'd like to view it on our webpage!

can some areas buy some of the seed to grow them?

Great job guys!

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Reminder! TACF's 2025 American Chestnut Photo Contest is going on now, with a new, extended deadline!

The first-place winner will have their photo featured on the cover of a future issue of Chestnut magazine and receive a one-year TACF membership, along with a T-shirt and hat. The second-place winner will receive a T-shirt and sticker, and the third-place winner will receive a sticker. All winners will be recognized in a future issue of Chestnut.

Visit tacf.org/2025-photo-contest/ for all the details.
... See MoreSee Less

Reminder! TACFs 2025 American Chestnut Photo Contest is going on now, with a new, extended deadline! The first-place winner will have their photo featured on the cover of a future issue of Chestnut magazine and receive a one-year TACF membership, along with a T-shirt and hat. The second-place winner will receive a T-shirt and sticker, and the third-place winner will receive a sticker. All winners will be recognized in a future issue of Chestnut.Visit https://tacf.org/2025-photo-contest/ for all the details.

1 CommentComment on Facebook

who has chestnut seeds? i want to grow some.

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