Resources and Programs
Information for Chestnut Growers
A.T. MEGA-Transect Chestnut Project
TACF Grower’s List – A way to communicate with other American chestnut restoration growers about issues related to growing chestnuts – link to Penn State web site
Planting Time is Coming! – Guidelines for starting seedlings
TACF Resources – link to TACF resources web page
Hypovirulence Resources – MD Chapter web page
Grafting Resources – MD Chapter web page
Penn State Chestnut Growers Website – Everything a chestnut grower needs to know and much more, including back issues of the TACF Journal and other publications in pdf format.
The American Chestnut video by Thomas Nassif – An 18 minute video that tells the story of the chestnut and TACF, documents controlled pollination and shows the basics of hypovirulence.
Teaching Materials
Lesson Plans and Class Materials
The American Chestnut Tree Story
A short pamphlet designed for 4H middle school students. It contains information about the American chestnut tree, a children’s story and other information.
Lesson Plans by Shelley Casey – NSF Kenan Fellows Program at NCSU
Students will study how biotechnology is being used to develop a blight resistant tree. They will engage in hands-on activities that have students apply their knowledge of DNA and genetics to simulate the steps needed to find the genes for resistance and insert them into an American Chestnut tree. Lessons are designed to be used for any level of Biology student and do not require high tech equipment.
A great resource for classroom use, with good photos and basic information along with an introduction to some advanced scientific work.
From the Woods – Chestnut Brochure
This four-page, full-color publication tells the history of American Chestnut, the blight that wiped it out, and research on blight resistant chestnut trees. It is part of an educational series for youth (2004).
Games for Kids
Fun games kids can play while learning about the American chestnut. Downloadable pdf files.
Charlie Chestnut Workbook Labels
Created by Pennsylvania Chapter volunteer Doris Goldman.
Additional Resources
Resources for Data Collectors
Please download and print the map(s) and corresponding count report form(s):
Virginia and north:
http://sfr.psu.edu/public/chestnut/reports/mega-transect/at-maps
South of Virginia:
Other Forms:
Large Tree Chestnut Report – 2013
Large Tree Table Report – 2013
Count Report Form – 2013 (Use only if large tree report or table are not available)
A.T. National Park Research Permit
Virginia Chapter Menu
National Facebook
Each year, prior to pollination season, The American Chestnut Foundation's Meadowview Research Farms staff works hard in the High Light Grow Room to produce pollen. The process of producing flowering saplings in 9 to 11 months vs. normal orchard conditions of 5 to 7 years is described in this video with Cassie Stark, new regional science coordinator and former laboratory manager at Meadowview.
Expanding the High Light Grow Room at Meadowview Research Farms with this new greenhouse would benefit the foundation immensely. Your support of TACF’s 2023 Spring Appeal will allow us to purchase a year-round greenhouse.
Also- we have exciting news!! Right now your donations will be DOUBLED thanks to one of TACF's generous supporters, Robert Dunlap of Dunlap & Kyle.
Link to donate:
support.acf.org/donate/spring-appeal
PlayCleanGo powered by The North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) is a campaign to raise awareness for people to not spread invasive pests and pathogens between natural areas, which is something chestnuts could have benefitted from a long time ago.
Go to PlayCleanGo | Powered by NAISMA for some great tips!
Have you ever wanted to be a chestnut breeder?
Please join us at the beautiful Chestnut Ridge Orchard (Tennessee) for a one-day pollination workshop on June 10th to learn the basics of chestnut breeding.
The training will begin at 10:00 AM Central.
📍The Chestnut Ridge Orchard is located at: 1439 Shelbyville Highway, Petersburg, TN
The workshop is a hands-on opportunity to learn and practice the techniques we use for controlled crosses in the TACF breeding program. We'll cover all the steps in the process from finding and identifying an American chestnut tree, how to recognize the male and female flowers, emasculation and bagging, pollen collection and handling, labelling and record-keeping, and the intimate details of hand pollination.
What to bring?
A pair of garden clippers or tiny scissors, a summer hat, and some bug spray. Sensible shoes are a must! Dress for the weather and don't forget to bring plenty of water and a snack. This is an all-ages, rain or shine event. Everyone is welcome. No experience necessary.
In order to best coordinate the group please let Hill Craddock know you are coming at:
📧Hill-Craddock@utc.edu
Tennessee Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation
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PA/NJ chapter seeking volunteers:
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR NEXT WEEK
Field inoculations of hybrid chestnut trees (750 TREES TOTAL)
Where: South Orchard (Rocky Top Lane)
When: Friday, June 16th, 9:00 am- 4:30 pm
**This activity requires repeated standing, kneeling, and sitting.
For more information & to sign up contact Hoy:
sdh177@psu.edu | 719-480-9201
patacf.org/seeking-volunteers-for-inoculations-at-psu/SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR NEXT WEEK
Field inoculations of hybrid chestnut trees (750 TREES TOTAL)
Where: South Orchard (Rocky Top Lane)
When: Friday, June 16th, 9:00 am- 4:30 pm
**This activity requires repeated standing, kneeling, and sitting.
For more information & to sign up contact Hoy:
sdh177@psu.edu | 719-480-9201
patacf.org/seeking-volunteers-for-inoculations-at-psu/
The only time I wished I lived in PA
Is there an address I can Google?
I'm originally from Greenville in Mercer County & will attend in spirit
I wish I was a little closer it Would be great to help out
do you get extra seedlings?
J U N E 16th Chestnut Chat (live, virtual via Zoom): Pre-register for:
➡️Q&A about TACF documentary, CLEAR DAY THUNDER: Rescuing the American Chestnut
🌟Learn about 40th Anniversary Surprise online screening for TACF email subscribers
➡️Meet Filmmaker, Rod Murphy
➡️Learn how to screen the film and what is included in the screening kit and more with coordinator Marketing Outpost
Pre-register here: psu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_85iLnNwKQ0Gl6_irP7e94Q#/registration
Indiana Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation, The American Chestnut Foundation - Kentucky Chapter, The American Chestnut Foundation's Meadowview Research Farms, The Georgia Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation West Virginia Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation Virginia Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation, Vermont & New Hampshire Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation Upcoming Chestnut Chat is all about the TACF documentary. Learn about opportunity for e-mail subscribers to view the film in celebration of our 40th Anniversary, meet Rod Murphy, one of the filmmakers and learn about how to screen the film, scheduled screenings and more.
Jim Jordan link is here