West Virginia News

WV chapter work day at the Clements Tree Nursery in Mason County

The state tree nursery in Mason County, WV has two chestnut orchards.  The older orchard was planted in the mid-1970s from nuts from large, surviving American chestnuts in the mid-Atlantic region.  Nuts from the 1970’s orchard were used to initiate a second orchard in the 1990s.  Seeds from the orchards are collected, stratified and grown for sale to the general public.  While the state tree nursery sells all types of trees (oak, maple, sycamore, redbud…) they always sell out of chestnuts very quickly.  Members and friends of the WV chapter gathered in mid-June in an attempt to improve the younger orchard.  Nine individuals, wielding chain saws, loppers and hand saws, made significant progress over a 5-hour period cutting out dead chestnut stems, removing invading Sumac, multiflora rose and Hawthorn trees.  Piles of debris were scattered all over the orchard and everyone went home tired but feeling a sense of accomplishment.  Those assisting were: Dee and Jeanne Quinn (Raleigh County), Martha Snyder (Jackson County), Robert Sypolt and Darrell Dean (Preston County) and Mark and Mindy Double, Amy Metheny and William MacDonald (Monongalia County).

The nursery superintendent, Jason Huffman, can always use help in the fall collecting chestnuts when they fall.  Jason’s contact information is: vog.vw@namffuH.L.nosaJ if you want to help harvest nuts.

Amy Metheny, Martha Snyder, Jason Huffman (nursery superintendent), Mindy Double and William MacDonald pose for a picture in the orchard.

The group takes a lunch break under a Japanese larch. Seated (l to r): Dee Quinn, William MacDonald, Amy Metheny, Martha Snyder, Mindy Double and Jeanne Quinn. Standing are Robert Sypolt and Darrell Dean.

Jeanne and Dee Quinn cut out dead stems from the orchard.

A picture of the orchard prior to removing dead stems and invading species.

The tree nursery sign on Route 62 along the Ohio River.

One of many piles of debris.

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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/
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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!

Great video, keep them coming.

Thanks. I have one from OIKOS that was advertised as 95% American. Here's the trunk -- alittle blight on the lowest branch at left, but that's been yrs ago and has healed over. It's been putting out male pollen racemes, but they don't open (become fuzzy) -- don't know why.

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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.
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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.

Celebrate the legacy of Rex Mann—forester, storyteller, and passionate champion for the American chestnut—with this limited edition Leave Tracks t-shirt.

Rex devoted his life to restoring forests and inspiring others to care for the land. Now, you can honor his memory and help carry his mission forward.

🌳 100% of the proceeds from every shirt go to The American Chestnut Foundation (THANK YOU!), supporting the work Rex believed in so deeply.

👉 Pre-order now through August 2: scottmann.com/store/Leave-Tracks-In-Honor-of-Rex-Mann-PREORDER-p768130686

Let’s keep walking the trail Rex helped blaze.
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Celebrate the legacy of Rex Mann—forester, storyteller, and passionate champion for the American chestnut—with this limited edition Leave Tracks t-shirt.Rex devoted his life to restoring forests and inspiring others to care for the land. Now, you can honor his memory and help carry his mission forward.🌳 100% of the proceeds from every shirt go to The American Chestnut Foundation (THANK YOU!), supporting the work Rex believed in so deeply.👉 Pre-order now through August 2: https://scottmann.com/store/Leave-Tracks-In-Honor-of-Rex-Mann-PREORDER-p768130686Let’s keep walking the trail Rex helped blaze.

We’re excited to share a new animated video explaining TACF’s RGS program! ... See MoreSee Less

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1 CommentComment on Facebook

Transgenic American Chestnuts are still a much better option. The product of this method will always be a hybrid and that should not be the goal.

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