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How can I get a chestnut tree?
The TACF National Office, Asheville, NC, provides chestnuts to members only. Bare root ‘pure’ American seedlings are offered through the TACF journal “Chestnut” in early Spring. Potentially blight-resistant hybrid Chinese/American chestnuts are available to Seed Level Members. The blight-resistance of these trees cannot be guaranteed; they are for initial testing and research and are not available to the general public. Blight resistance seems to be directly correlated with the percent of Chinese chestnut in the hybrid genome. Note that these seeds or seedlings are not being sold but are a benefit of membership. By participating as a seed level member, you help TACF continue to do its important work and continually improve material for release.
“Pure” American chestnut seeds (nuts) are available in the Spring to VT/NH Chapter members on a limited basis. These trees are not blight-resistant, but they are fun to grow and will sometimes live many years. This ‘free nut’ offering with video growing instructions is available to VT/NH Chapter members each spring while supplies last. These are wild American chestnut seeds, and as is true with all American chestnuts, are susceptible to blight. An email notice about this offer is sent to members late winter.
Instructions for planting and growing chestnuts can be found on the TACF fact sheets web page.
Do you think you’ve found an American chestnut tree in Vermont or New Hampshire?
Please collect a leaf and twig sample, read these instructions, print a locator form, and submit to:
Deni Ranguelova, TACF New England Regional Science Coordinator
Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station 190 Sheldon Road Griswold, CT 06351
Are you interested in hosting a chestnut orchard?
Please read the planting manual for more information about what is involved with growing chestnut trees. This manual was developed for Pennsylvania, but the considerations outlined are applicable to Vermont and New Hampshire as well.
Educational Planting Guidelines
An educational planting is an opportunity for host organizations to partner with TACF. TACF will provide an appropriate number of Possibly Blight Resistant Chestnuts (generally five or six) for the host to plant in highly visible locations. The host agrees to join TACF and install interpretive signs. The benefit to the host is a living educational addition to ongoing programs. This outreach activity is a membership-building and volunteer recruitment strategy for TACF.
Planting Guidelines include:
- Site requirements
- Planting Instructions
- Host Responsibilities
- TACF Responsibilities
Vermont / New Hampshire Chapter Menu
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
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Thanks for sharing! This was a great article and we're glad to be part of the restoration efforts.
I have acreage, but no idea how to purchase these.
I will be pleased if a 100 ft, tall tree with a sweet chestnut can be developed from any of these approaches.
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
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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
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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?
Sorry for the off topic question: I have a 10 year old roughly 4” in diameter that is starting to show signs of blight, in lieu of mud packing I wonder if anyone has painted over it with something waterproof to slow the blight or does the mud do something more than than keep out the oxygen?
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
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Was this at the Cradle of Forestry?
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