McCoy Farm & Gardens Newsletter

Volume Ten: Issue Onexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx January 2025

American Chestnut Test Plot Established

Left to right UTC students Zack Anderson and Mario Alfaro, Dr. Hill Craddock, Dr. Andy Jones, dog Shelley, and Terry Knox. Linda Collins observes from the vehicle behind as the group plants one of the chestnut trees.

McCoy Farm & Gardens is pleased to announce a collaboration with the American Chestnut Foundation and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga on research to restore the American chestnut, a dominant tree of the eastern United States until 100 years ago. A test plot of chestnut trees was planted in December near the glade. 

The American chestnut (Castanea dentata) was a large tree numbering almost four billion across the eastern US in the early 20th century. American chestnut trees provided lumber for houses, furniture, and fences, and were a major food source for humans, cattle, hogs, deer, turkeys, bears, and other wildlife. Chestnuts are high in carbohydrates and protein and contain no bitter tannins like acorns. First identified in 1904, the Asian fungus that causes the chestnut blight had decimated the population by the 1940s. 

Dr. Hill Craddock, a UTC Biology professor, leads research crossing American chestnuts with European and Asian chestnuts to find a hybrid resistant to the fungus. The hybrid tree saplings are planted in experimental Chestnut orchards to determine if they can survive the fungus. Thanks to a crew that included Mickey Robbins, Andy Jones, Terry Knox, Hill Craddock, and his graduate students, McCoy now has a Chestnut orchard of young saplings. 

The American Chestnut Foundation’s mission is to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range, and McCoy Farm & Gardens is honored to be part of this important ecological work. 

An expansion of the McCoy Community Event Sponsorship Program for 2025 is coming soon. In addition to allowing additional promotional opportunities for businesses and caring individuals, the sponsorships will preserve and maintain the historic buildings and grounds, improve and expand educational programming, and provide recreational space for the community. To receive details now about how you or your business can benefit from becoming a Sponsor, please contact Executive Director Melissa Nimon at melissa@mccoywalden.org 

Volunteer Focus - Tom Voychehovski

Beloved Chattanooga pediatrician, Tom Voychehovski is a humanitarian in every sense of the word. Born in Poland, he worked in England and Gambia—where he was at the top of his field caring for children—before making his way to the States. He completed his residency in Delaware, learning from a pioneering neonatologist before eventually moving to Signal Mountain to settle with his wife, Linda, a native of Oak Ridge. In his years as a pediatrician, he never turned away a child in need, even if their family did not have the means to afford treatment. 

In his downtime, Dr. Tom—as he is affectionately known— is also an author, writing about philosophy, evolution, and the environment. He recently published a book called The Dark Attic: A Tai Ji Tale, which is available at the Signal Mountain Library and bookstores. 

Having practiced pediatric medicine, performed medical research, and specialized in infectious disease treatment and prevention, it only makes sense that he has found one more disease to treat at McCoy Farm & Gardens. 

He has enjoyed volunteering at MFG to help eradicate the emerald ash borers, a pest that attacks ash trees like the ones we have on our property. He also aided in the restoration of the barn and is a member of the orchard restoration team. He encourages all, especially those who have retired, to find meaning in life through volunteer work. 

As exemplified throughout life, he has found satisfaction in helping others and giving back to communities around the world. Dr. Voychehovski is looking forward to continued work around McCoy as we find new ways to improve our environment and welcome new and old friends. 

2024 A Year of Firsts

A year of firsts and enhancements at McCoy (clockwise from top left): McCoy Mutt Parade at the Egg Roll, Celebration Tables antique and vintage china event, Tree Lighting carolers, and a blacksmithing demonstration during a field trip.

What's Coming Up

Bachman McCoy Home Open House

Sunday, January 12, 2-4 pm

Dry Stack Stone Wall Building Workshop

Saturday, February 1

Mark Your Calendars for Community Events in 2025



McCoy Egg Roll

Sunday, April 13 

Memorial Day Picnic

Monday, May 26 

TV Tables Antique & Vintage China Event

Thursday, September 25  

10th Anniversary Celebration

Saturday & Sunday, October 4 & 5 

McCoy Tree Lighting

Thursday, December 4th 

Contact McCoy Farm & Gardens

at katie@mccoywalden.org

to learn more about renting space at McCoy for your next event.

Or mail your check to McCoy Farm & Gardens, P.O. Box 443, Signal Mountain, TN 37377

McCoy Farm & Gardens covers 38 acres and features the Bachman-McCoy home, gardens, and several outbuildings including the Pavilion, Carriage House, Barn, and Blacksmith Workshop. The perimeter walking trail extends 1.1 miles.