In this issue: TACF In The News; Enter TACF's 2021 Quilt Raffle: Orchard Pathways; TACF State Chapter News; Photo of the Month; Calendar of Events
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TACF’s restoration efforts regularly attract the attention of external publications and media outlets, and we are excited to share some of that coverage with you! In this new section of eSprout, we’ll provide links to stories that feature everything from the latest research to work being accomplished in specific state chapters, all of which are advancing our mission to rescue the American chestnut tree.
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In this podcast from Atlas Obscura, Dylan Thuras speaks with TACF's Director of Restoration Sara Fitzsimmons about the story of the American chestnut and TACF's tireless work to bring it back. Listen now to hear this intriguing conversation about the past, present, and future of American chestnut restoration. |
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This article in the Sun Journal revisits the 114-foot-tall American chestnut tree in Hebron, Maine. The tree is considered to be the largest surviving American chestnut in Maine, and one of the largest in the country. The reason for its blight-resistance is unknown, as is the case for the handful of mature, surviving American chestnuts across the U.S. |
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TACF is grateful to have received this stunning, handmade original quilt entitled “Orchard Pathways.” Generously donated by artist Sharon Carrier, this quilt is made from cotton fabric and measures 42” x 61.5”. Along with the quilt, she also gifted TACF an original poem that will accompany this lovingly crafted work of art. The raffle is open NOW and the lucky winner will be drawn Tuesday, November 16, 2021. At $20.00 each, purchase your tickets now for your chance to win the “Orchard Pathways” heirloom quilt and poem package!
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WV-TACF: Mid-Atlantic Regional Science Coordinator Tom Saielli shared a demonstration on root stooling and air layering with ten members of the chapter in Parson, WV's Fernow Experimental Forest. Tom demonstrated how to find the root collar of the young shoots and explained two techniques that encourage root growth from shoots. With established roots, the sprouts can be moved from remote areas to orchards where they can be cared for, grow, and hopefully flower. By moving sprouts to more accessible areas, we can conserve the germplasm of wild-type American chestnut trees.
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KY-TACF: Throughout the summer, KY-TACF Chapter members and volunteers have searched for wild-type American chestnut trees in the Red River Gorge Geological Area of Daniel Boone National Forest, an area known to have a number of surviving American chestnuts. Volunteers seek to take record of, collect data on, and sample from some of the trees found. Using the TreeSnap mobile app, participants were able to capture data and locations of sampled trees. Rather than "snapping" every tree, volunteers prioritize recording larger trees and representative samples. Read more...
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VT/NH-TACF: In late August, ME-TACF Chapter VP Tom Klak and VT/NH Chapter President Doug McLane once again combined efforts to move American chestnut restoration forward. They checked the condition of hundreds of chestnut flowers in Cape Elizabeth, ME that they had pollinated earlier with transgenic pollen. This was one more important step in the transgenic chestnut experiment underway at the University of New England through Klak's leadership. His work is closely coordinated with SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse where the transgenic chestnut was developed. Read more...
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CT-TACF: In July 2021, the CT-TACF Chapter held several Chestnut Hikes to search for new sources of American chestnut germplasm. The CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection had previously performed habitat management harvests at many parcels of state-owned land to create early successional habitat for the New England Cottontail, a species that was proposed for listing on the Endangered Species List. Since these forest management practices provide an opportunity for chestnut sprouts to grow quickly in abundant sunshine, the chapter targeted these areas at about 3-5 years after harvest to look for flowering American chestnut saplings. Read more...
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September’s photo of the month is courtesy of Elaine M Gan, @elainemgan on Instagram and Twitter. This close-up of a catkin was taken at Lasdon Arboretrum, NY in July 2021 as part of Gan's research on transgenic chestnut trees.
Have you taken a chestnut photo that deserves recognition? Tag us on social media or email it to Tamia Dame, TACF communications coordinator, along with a brief description and it may be chosen as our e Sprout Photo of the Month!
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Our mission is to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range.
Our vision is a robust eastern forest restored to its splendor.
TACF is a 501(c)(3) conservation organization headquartered in Asheville, NC. To learn about TACF and its national breeding program, visit www.acf.org. Join our efforts to restore the American chestnut tree by visiting support.acf.org/membership.
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The American Chestnut Foundation | (828) 281-0047 | www.acf.org
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