Rescuing the

American Chestnut

Our mission is to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range.

Our vision is a robust eastern forest returned to its splendor.

Chestnut Chat Series

Growing Chestnuts: Best Practices for Planting and Maintaining American Chestnut Trees

Join us on April 19, 2024, from 11:30AM – 1:00PM (EPT), for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat. Ready to get your hands dirty? Let’s talk about growing chestnuts! In this episode, we will cover all the basics of planting, growing, and maintaining American chestnut trees. TACF staff and expert volunteers will talk about how to plant chestnuts from seed and from seedlings, including bareroot and containerized seedlings, as well as considerations for planting in the spring versus the fall. Bring your questions and don’t miss this Chestnut Chat that is sure to become an instant classic.

Ciera Wilbur planting an American chestnut seedling

Science Strategies

Breeding, Biotechnology, and Biocontrol
United for Restoration

The American Chestnut Foundation takes a holistic approach toward chestnut restoration, utilizing a three-pronged research strategy known as 3BUR (Breeding, Biotechnology, and Biocontrol United for Restoration). These research tracks are meant to be integrated through collaborations that are mutually beneficial, so we can explore all avenues to reach the common goal of saving and restoring this species as quickly as possible.

Support Our Research

How to identify an American chestnut tree

Learn how to identify American chestnuts and send us a sample for identification.

Support The Restoration

How to receive seeds & seedlings

Learn how to get American chestnut seeds and seedlings from TACF.

Latest News

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One year ago volunteers gathered at Pryor Orchard in Edneyville, NC and planted chestnuts seeds gathered on the Appalachian Trail by NC/SC Chapter member Jon Taylor, who also led a planting demonstration at the start of the event.

To see find out about volunteer and planting events in your neck of the woods, visit our events calendar at tacf.org/events/category/tacf/
... See MoreSee Less

One year ago volunteers gathered at Pryor Orchard in Edneyville, NC and planted chestnuts seeds gathered on the Appalachian Trail by NC/SC Chapter member Jon Taylor, who also led a planting demonstration at the start of the event.

To see find out about volunteer and planting events in your neck of the woods, visit our events calendar at https://tacf.org/events/category/tacf/

HAPPENING IN TWO DAYS!

The VA Department of Forestry and VATACF will be planting 300 bareroot seedlings at Lesesne State Forest on Monday, April 15th. Planting will begin at 10:00AM and last until we are finished (likely 4-6 hours depending on how many folks come out). Please come out and help us plant these trees in our effort to restore the American chestnut!

Please note that the terrain we are planting on has a lot of brush and debris, it is not easy to get around. If you have movement issues I recommend selecting another of our volunteer events. Bring water, lunch/snacks, bug spray or sunscreen if needed, and gardening gloves. We will have all the equipment required for planting.

Please visit the link for more information. tacf.org/event/planting-at-lesesne-state-forest/
... See MoreSee Less

HAPPENING IN TWO DAYS! 

The VA Department of Forestry and VATACF will be planting 300 bareroot seedlings at Lesesne State Forest on Monday, April 15th. Planting will begin at 10:00AM and last until we are finished (likely 4-6 hours depending on how many folks come out). Please come out and help us plant these trees in our effort to restore the American chestnut!

Please note that the terrain we are planting on has a lot of brush and debris, it is not easy to get around. If you have movement issues I recommend selecting another of our volunteer events. Bring water, lunch/snacks, bug spray or sunscreen if needed, and gardening gloves. We will have all the equipment required for planting.

Please visit the link for more information. https://tacf.org/event/planting-at-lesesne-state-forest/

1 CommentComment on Facebook

Guess no accountants will participate

TACF'S documentary CLEAR DAY THUNDER: Rescuing the American Chestnut has received another award, and isn't it cool looking?

TACF was honored to learn that the film was recently selected as the winner in the Best Environmental Film category at the Lookout Wild Film Festival in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The Lookout Wild Film Festival has been bringing together outdoor adventure and conservation films from around the world for more than ten years. This annual event took place January 11-14, 2024 and showcased more than 60 films.

If you'd like to schedule your own showing of Clear Day Thunder, visit www.rescuingtheamericanchestnut.com/
... See MoreSee Less

TACFS documentary CLEAR DAY THUNDER: Rescuing the American Chestnut has received another award, and isnt it cool looking? 

TACF was honored to learn that the film was recently selected as the winner in the Best Environmental Film category at the Lookout Wild Film Festival in Chattanooga, Tennessee. 

The Lookout Wild Film Festival has been bringing together outdoor adventure and conservation films from around the world for more than ten years. This annual event took place January 11-14, 2024 and showcased more than 60 films. 

If youd like to schedule your own showing of Clear Day Thunder, visit https://www.rescuingtheamericanchestnut.com/

1 CommentComment on Facebook

Shouldn’t TACF be concentrating on restoring the American chestnut not on making a movie. Is that really the best use of funds?

Join us on April 19, 2024, from 11:30AM – 1:00PM (EDT), for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat, where we'll talk all about growing chestnuts!

In this episode, we will cover all the basics of planting, growing, and maintaining American chestnut trees. TACF staff and expert volunteers will talk about how to plant chestnuts from seed and from seedlings, including bareroot and containerized seedlings, as well as considerations for planting in the spring versus the fall. Bring your questions and don’t miss this Chestnut Chat that is sure to become an instant classic.

Visit the link to save your spot! tacf.org/event/chestnut-chat-growing-chestnuts/
... See MoreSee Less

Join us on April 19, 2024, from 11:30AM – 1:00PM (EDT), for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat, where well talk all about growing chestnuts!

In this episode, we will cover all the basics of planting, growing, and maintaining American chestnut trees. TACF staff and expert volunteers will talk about how to plant chestnuts from seed and from seedlings, including bareroot and containerized seedlings, as well as considerations for planting in the spring versus the fall. Bring your questions and don’t miss this Chestnut Chat that is sure to become an instant classic.

Visit the link to save your spot! https://tacf.org/event/chestnut-chat-growing-chestnuts/

To everyone who feels the the same way, we see you ✨ 🌳 💚 ... See MoreSee Less

To everyone who feels the the same way, we see you ✨ 🌳 💚

2 CommentsComment on Facebook

I fear for the earth. She’s losing her battle. Tree cutters and lawn services loud and devasting . All the time.😭

Definitely true

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Upcoming Events

10:00AM - 4:00PM

The VA Department of Forestry and VATACF will be planting 300 bareroot seedlings at Lesesne State Forest on Monday, April 15th. Planting will begin at 10 am and last until […]

7:00PM - 8:00PM

Jack Swatt stands next to a wild American chestnut tree in Seymour, CT CT-TACF Presentation on the Restoration of The American Chestnut sponsored by The Heritage Land Trust Join Jack […]

11:30AM - 1:00PM

Growing Chestnuts: Best Practices for Planting and Maintaining American Chestnut TreesJoin us on April 19, 2024, from 11:30AM – 1:00PM (EPT), for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat.Ready to get your […]