B3F2 Seedling planting at Eastern Kentucky University Nov 29th

November 29th starting at 10:00AM we are planting B3F2 and other hybrid chestnut seedlings at the TACF Regional Seed Orchard at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) in Richmond KY.  (Directions below).

We are going to plant our chestnut seedlings in a beautiful orchard, just off campus. These seedlings represent decades of backcross breeding, and are not only potentially blight-resistant, they are indistinguishable from pure American chestnut. After final selections, seed orchards produce the seeds that will go into restoration plantings in the forest – we’re almost there!

Should be fairly easy, and with enough volunteers, should only take a good day of work. Bring friends, students, interns, family, people you meet on the street, anyone!

Please wear closed-toed shoes and dress for the weather. If you have work gloves, a hand trowel, a hammer, and/or a bucket, please bring those as well. We will have those items on hand for those who cannot bring them.

As always bring water, snacks and lunch.

Directions:

Please close gates behind you – keep the cows in!!

From I-75 Take exit 87 to KY-876 E/Eastern Bypass in Richmond (heading east) about 1 mile

Turn right onto Kit Carson Drive (heading south) about ¼ mile

Turn left on McKinney Skills Dr and go past the first driveway (that leads to a parking lot) and take the next right (you will see the police training center in front of you and a gravel road to the right – take the gravel road) the road you take will have piles of construction material and old stumps – don’t worry, you are not going the wrong way – continue down this road and through a gate.

As you come to the top of the hill you will see the orchard to your right, follow the dirt road through one more gate and you will see the orchard and the parking area.

GPS: 37.722368, -84.297095