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
Blue Jay print

Annual Seedling Sale

It’s almost here! TACF’s annual wild-type American chestnut seedling sale is happening Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 8AM.

The cost per bundle of 10 bare-root seedlings is $90 including shipping. (One bundle per customer.)

This is an extremely popular annual sale exclusively for current TACF members. Seedling quantities are limited and are for sale while supplies last. Seedlings sell out quickly every year.

Please note that your membership or renewal must be recieved by March 1 and remain current through March 19 to be eligible to participate in the seedling sale.

TACF 40th Anniversary logo

Join the celebration!

The American Chestnut Foundation is celebrating its 40th anniversary! We invite you to join us at one of the many chapter festivities this year. Non-members are welcome to attend.

map of 40th anniversary celebrations for The American Chestnut Foundation

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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Happening this week! In WNC and curious about American chestnuts? This documentary screening has you covered!

This free screening of TACF's documentary CLEAR DAY THUNDER: Rescuing the American Chestnut will be shown at Asheville Pizza and Brewing, followed by a Q&A with TACF sstaff. Registration is required for this free event, visit forms.monday.com/forms/9ebb947ec489d7166913bd24fc70699b?r=use1 or scan the QR code to sign up.
... See MoreSee Less

Happening this week! In WNC and curious about American chestnuts? This documentary screening has you covered!

This free screening of TACFs documentary CLEAR DAY THUNDER: Rescuing the American Chestnut will be shown at Asheville Pizza and Brewing, followed by a Q&A with TACF sstaff. Registration is required for this free event, visit https://forms.monday.com/forms/9ebb947ec489d7166913bd24fc70699b?r=use1 or scan the QR code to sign up.

There are so many magical quotes from Bob Ross about happy little trees, but this one sums it up nicely. This is dedicated to all the friends of the American chestnut. Together we can make the world a little greener and brighter. ... See MoreSee Less

There are so many magical quotes from Bob Ross about happy little trees, but this one sums it up nicely. This is dedicated to all the friends of the American chestnut. Together we can make the world a little greener and brighter.

2 CommentsComment on Facebook

Definitely agree.

Bob Ross was an American treasure.

Virginia friends, more seed orchard planting events are coming up!

MARCH 16th: Banshee Reeks
MARCH 23rd: Sky Meadows State Park

Join us at either of these events (or both!) to help us sow chestnuts. Follow the links for further details.

March 16: tacf.org/event/va-seed-orchard-planting-banshee-reeks/
March 23: tacf.org/event/va-seed-orchard-planting-sky-meadows-state-park/
... See MoreSee Less

Virginia friends, more seed orchard planting events are coming up! 

MARCH 16th: Banshee Reeks
MARCH 23rd: Sky Meadows State Park

Join us at either of these events (or both!) to help us sow chestnuts. Follow the links for further details. 

March 16: https://tacf.org/event/va-seed-orchard-planting-banshee-reeks/
March 23: https://tacf.org/event/va-seed-orchard-planting-sky-meadows-state-park/

1 CommentComment on Facebook

Wendell Tucker

Join us March 15 from 11:30AM – 1:00PM (ET), for TACF's next LIVE Chestnut Chat.

As chestnut enthusiasts, we often find ourselves sharing complex scientific information with friends, family, and colleagues. The good news is that you can make your science presentations more effective!

In this episode, Penn State’s Michael Alley will speak about a better way: the assertion-evidence approach. With this method, a speaker builds the talk upon key messages supported by visual evidence. Michael’s research has found that assertion-evidence talks are more focused and better understood by audiences. Join us to learn how to step up your science presentation game!

Visit the link for more information or to sign up. tacf.org/event/chestnut-chat-assertion-evidence-approach-to-presentations/
... See MoreSee Less

Join us March 15 from 11:30AM – 1:00PM (ET), for TACFs next LIVE Chestnut Chat. 

As chestnut enthusiasts, we often find ourselves sharing complex scientific information with friends, family, and colleagues. The good news is that you can make your science presentations more effective! 

In this episode, Penn State’s Michael Alley will speak about a better way: the assertion-evidence approach. With this method, a speaker builds the talk upon key messages supported by visual evidence. Michael’s research has found that assertion-evidence talks are more focused and better understood by audiences. Join us to learn how to step up your science presentation game!

Visit the link for more information or to sign up. https://tacf.org/event/chestnut-chat-assertion-evidence-approach-to-presentations/Image attachmentImage attachment

The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) is hiring! We're seeking a highly organized full-time Operations Specialist. The Operations Specialist is the face of TACF and is the first point of contact for all visitors to the national office in Asheville. They will balance a variety of responsibilities and must possess a high degree of flexibility, professional attitude, and initiative. The ideal candidate will understand a nonprofit environment and have a strong commitment to service.

Applications close at 12:00PM on March 22, 2024. Please visit the employment page for a complete job description and additional details. tacf.org/employment/
... See MoreSee Less

The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) is hiring! Were seeking a highly organized full-time Operations Specialist. The Operations Specialist is the face of TACF and is the first point of contact for all visitors to the national office in Asheville. They will balance a variety of responsibilities and must possess a high degree of flexibility, professional attitude, and initiative. The ideal candidate will understand a nonprofit environment and have a strong commitment to service.

Applications close at 12:00PM on March 22, 2024. Please visit the employment page for a complete job description and additional details. https://tacf.org/employment/
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Upcoming Events

12:00AM - 11:59PM

TACF's 2024 Annual Wild-Type Seedling Sale It's back! TACF's annual wild-type American chestnut seedling sale is happening the morning of Tuesday, March 19, 2024. $90 per bundle of 10 bareroot […]

4:00PM - 5:30PM

Chestnut Planting Workshop Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 4:00-5:30PM Join us for Part 1 of a 2-part event! Part 1 will be held at Gassaway Field in West Asheville Park and […]

6:30PM - 8:30PM

Documentary Film Screening of Clear Day Thunder at Asheville Pizza and Brewing - Merrimon Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 6:30-8:30PM Join us for Part 2 of a 2-part event (even if […]