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.
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
One year ago volunteers gathered at Pryor Orchard in Edneyville, NC and planted chestnuts seeds gathered on the Appalachian Trail by NC/SC Chapter member Jon Taylor, who also led a planting demonstration at the start of the event.
To see find out about volunteer and planting events in your neck of the woods, visit our events calendar at tacf.org/events/category/tacf/
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
HAPPENING IN TWO DAYS!
The VA Department of Forestry and VATACF will be planting 300 bareroot seedlings at Lesesne State Forest on Monday, April 15th. Planting will begin at 10:00AM and last until we are finished (likely 4-6 hours depending on how many folks come out). Please come out and help us plant these trees in our effort to restore the American chestnut!
Please note that the terrain we are planting on has a lot of brush and debris, it is not easy to get around. If you have movement issues I recommend selecting another of our volunteer events. Bring water, lunch/snacks, bug spray or sunscreen if needed, and gardening gloves. We will have all the equipment required for planting.
Please visit the link for more information. tacf.org/event/planting-at-lesesne-state-forest/
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Guess no accountants will participate
TACF'S documentary CLEAR DAY THUNDER: Rescuing the American Chestnut has received another award, and isn't it cool looking?
TACF was honored to learn that the film was recently selected as the winner in the Best Environmental Film category at the Lookout Wild Film Festival in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The Lookout Wild Film Festival has been bringing together outdoor adventure and conservation films from around the world for more than ten years. This annual event took place January 11-14, 2024 and showcased more than 60 films.
If you'd like to schedule your own showing of Clear Day Thunder, visit www.rescuingtheamericanchestnut.com/
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Shouldn’t TACF be concentrating on restoring the American chestnut not on making a movie. Is that really the best use of funds?
Join us on April 19, 2024, from 11:30AM – 1:00PM (EDT), for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat, where we'll talk all 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.
Visit the link to save your spot! tacf.org/event/chestnut-chat-growing-chestnuts/
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
To everyone who feels the the same way, we see you ✨ 🌳 💚
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
I fear for the earth. She’s losing her battle. Tree cutters and lawn services loud and devasting . All the time.😭
Definitely true