West Virginia Chapter

About Us

The West Virginia Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation (WV-TACF) was established in 2009, the last of TACF’s 16 state chapters to be incorporated. Hybrid chestnut trees have been planted at 68 sites in 26 WV counties. We have initiated germplasm conservation orchards (pure American chestnut plantings) at seven sites in the state. Chapter members help support the mission of the national organization by planting hybrid chestnuts, conducting education, research, and outreach.

If you would like to participate in this group please join us. We include people from all areas that have an interest in restoring this magnificent tree to our forests. When you join The American Chestnut Foundation, a portion of your dues will be shared with the WV-TACF Chapter.

To learn more about who we are and what we do, read our monthly newsletter!

American Chestnut: The Once and Future Tree

Click play below or watch on YouTube.

In the spring of 2023, a group of film students from the George A. Romero Filmmaking Program traveled throughout West Virginia and Maryland to record oral histories from a group of individuals with a passion for the American Chestnut, in an effort to preserve pieces of the tree’s past, present and future. 

Chestnut Identification

Distinguishing American from Chinese and European Chestnut

Sometimes, individuals who come across a tall chestnut tree in a forest setting, assume it must be an American chestnut.  This is not always the case.  In forest settings, Chinese chestnut, like its American cousin, also can grown straight and tall.  Leaf shape, leaf hairs and twig color are good characteristics to distinguish American from Chinese chestnut.  American chestnut leaves are generally long and slender with a “V” at the leaf base.  Chinese chestnuts have a wider leaf and they are often shiny.  Chinese chestnut leaves have a “U” shape at the leaf base.  Most striking are the hairs on the under-surface of Chinese chestnut leaves.  American chestnut leaves have no hairs.  Chinese twigs, generally brown in color, also have hairs.  American twigs, generally exhibit a reddish color, and like the leaves, the twigs have no hairs.  Buds are another characteristic–American buds are pointed compared to rounded Chinese buds.

In some areas of the eastern U.S., European chestnut trees can be found.  In comparison, European twigs are much stouter than either American or Chinese chestnut.  Buds on a European are often large and green in early spring, turning darker by mid-summer.  Buds are green in the spring, turning dark in summer.

Click here for more chestnut leaf and tree identification information.

WV Chapter Board of Directors

President

Mark Double, Morgantown

Vice President

Jerry Legg, Elkview

Secretary

Jeff Kochenderfer, Petersburg

Treasurer

Sam Muncy, Philippi

Board Members

Dr. Lewis Cook, Fayetteville

Linda Coyle, Keyser

Dr. Joe Golden, Beckley

Jimmy Jenkins, Flatwoods

Carla Kesling, Bridgeport

Dr. Don Kines, Davis

Dr. Brian Perkins, Elkins

Charles Sypolt, Glenville

Dr. Melissa Thomas-Van Gundy, Elkins

West Virginia Chapter Menu

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Our office will be closed today, Monday, October 14, in recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day. We will reopen tomorrow, Tuesday, October 15.

This photo was was submitted to our 2021 photo contest by Florian Carle.
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Our office will be closed today, Monday, October 14, in recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day. We will reopen tomorrow, Tuesday, October 15. 

This photo was was submitted to our 2021 photo contest by Florian Carle.

78 CommentsComment on Facebook

Never heard of it. I do celebrate Columbus Day and Independence Day, however.

It amazes me how many people are surprised that a group teaching the value and belonging of a native tree that were decimated by European settlers failing to manage the land well and a nonnative diseases would also be.. {checks notes} teaching the value and belonging of native people that were decimated by European settlers and their diseases.

Really HATE when organizations I otherwise like and support jump on the political and venture signaling band wagons instead of focusing on what they do. Stay on task and stop pandering.

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This week at Meadowview Research Farms we welcomed Dr. Ong's class from King University, to help with the processing of burrs! They shucked nearly 5,000 burrs and harvested over 8,000 seeds this week alone. With the harvest season wrapping up at MRF, we've collected more than 40,000 seeds in total this year! These seeds play a vital role in TACF's research and breeding programs, and any extras are sent to collaborators. Amazing teamwork and dedication to preserving our future!

#americanchestnutfoundation #ChestnutRestoration #Conservation #SeedHarvest #americanchestnut
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This week at Meadowview Research Farms we welcomed Dr. Ongs class from King University, to help with the processing of burrs! They shucked nearly 5,000 burrs and harvested over 8,000 seeds this week alone. With the harvest season wrapping up at MRF, weve collected more than 40,000 seeds in total this year! These seeds play a vital role in TACFs research and breeding programs, and any extras are sent to collaborators. Amazing teamwork and dedication to preserving our future! 

#americanchestnutfoundation #ChestnutRestoration #Conservation #SeedHarvest #americanchestnut

1 CommentComment on Facebook

Thank you King University!

Deadline to submit application has been extended to 10/11/24. To submit an application click the following link: forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=5tAJQo_f0Umjzau-SCHT1aJ2IY5hp3FJhGALFFb7NDZUNUFVMTlVS...

The 2024 American Chestnut Symposium Diversity Scholarship covers the cost of registration for the full symposium events for awardees, including meals ($225 value). It does not cover travel costs or lodging.

Eligible applicants should be from a historically underrepresented group (gender identities, racial and ethnic backgrounds, disability, or socioeconomic status), living in New England and over the age of 18. Applicants are responsible for transportation to the symposium in Cromwell, CT.

#americanchestnut #chestnut #rootedinrestoration #chestnutblight #restoration #conservation #nature #environment #forestry #scholarship #education #diversity #DEI
... See MoreSee Less

Deadline to submit application has been extended to 10/11/24. To submit an application click the following link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=5tAJQo_f0Umjzau-SCHT1aJ2IY5hp3FJhGALFFb7NDZUNUFVMTlVSkFHSTNOMjhZVEpDMEZDTDRVSS4u 

The 2024 American Chestnut Symposium Diversity Scholarship covers the cost of registration for the full symposium events for awardees, including meals ($225 value). It does not cover travel costs or lodging.

Eligible applicants should be from a historically underrepresented group (gender identities, racial and ethnic backgrounds, disability, or socioeconomic status), living in New England and over the age of 18. Applicants are responsible for transportation to the symposium in Cromwell, CT.
 
#americanchestnut #chestnut #rootedinrestoration #chestnutblight #restoration #conservation #nature #environment #forestry #scholarship #education #diversity #DEI

Although Meadowview Research Farms experienced only minor damage from Hurricane Helene, the wider Washington County region and parts of southwest Virginia faced significant destruction. Our community has been deeply affected and is currently seeking assistance for relief efforts. Designated locations are in need of volunteers and donations. Now is the perfect opportunity to connect with those around you and provide support. Together, we can aid our community in its rebuilding and recovery process.
In addition to MRF, TACF’s national headquarters is located in downtown Asheville, NC. The national office did not flood and TACF Asheville staff are safe. Please keep an eye out for ways to help Asheville, NC recover from Hurricane Helene as well.

#americanchestnut #castaneadentata #americanchestnutfoundation #ChestnutResearch #ConservationScience #hurricanehelene
... See MoreSee Less

Although Meadowview Research Farms experienced only minor damage from Hurricane Helene, the wider Washington County region and parts of southwest Virginia faced significant destruction. Our community has been deeply affected and is currently seeking assistance for relief efforts. Designated locations are in need of volunteers and donations. Now is the perfect opportunity to connect with those around you and provide support. Together, we can aid our community in its rebuilding and recovery process.
In addition to MRF, TACF’s national headquarters is located in downtown Asheville, NC.  The national office did not flood and TACF Asheville staff are safe.  Please keep an eye out for ways to help Asheville, NC recover from Hurricane Helene as well.

#americanchestnut #castaneadentata #americanchestnutfoundation #ChestnutResearch #ConservationScience #hurricaneheleneImage attachment

TACF’s national office in Asheville, NC will be closed for business until further notice. Western North Carolina was one of the hardest areas hit by Helene. Thankfully, all staff is safe but still without power, internet, and water, including the national office. Therefore, Asheville staff is on emergency leave and will be slow to respond. We appreciate your patience during this difficult and challenging time. ... See MoreSee Less

TACF’s national office in Asheville, NC will be closed for business until further notice. Western North Carolina was one of the hardest areas hit by Helene. Thankfully, all staff is safe but still without power, internet, and water, including the national office. Therefore, Asheville staff is on emergency leave and will be slow to respond. We appreciate your patience during this difficult and challenging time.

18 CommentsComment on Facebook

Just come back. Until then, stay safe down there you all.

I thought Chestnut trees were wiped out long ago?

Greetings TACF. We are in Floyd County VA but have space to provide temporary housing for someone from the Asheville area that needs emergency housing (a family with young kids or individual) We have been trying to put the word out... We met you last December when we donated my mom's (Barbara Knapp) chestnut papers... If you know of someone that needs a place to land for a while, please let me know!

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Germination Time

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Arthurdale, WV

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