eSprout |   April 2015
By Jared W Westbrook, Ph.D

Predicting blight resistance from DNA sequence can accelerate and increase accuracy in selecting the most blight resistant trees. That's why TACF scientists are currently sequencing DNA from 500 backcross hybrid chestnut trees with variable blight resistance. This technology has tremendous potential not only for selecting blight-resistant trees, but also selecting for resistance to Phytophthora, and assessing the genetic diversity in the breeding program. 

Maryland's DNR Awards Grant to Raise Chestnut Seedlings

Maryland's Western Correctional Institution (WCI) recently received a grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to assist with its Cumberland Community Grow-Out Station, an area dedicated to raising tree seedlings, specifically American Chestnut, which will ultimately be planted for conservation awareness and environmental growth.

Brinckman Honored by his Alma Mater, Virginia Tech

Mid-Atlantic Regional Science Coordinator Matthew Brinckman recently earned the Outstanding Recent Graduate Alumnus award from the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech. The college honored some of its most accomplished students, alumni, and faculty at this year's Annual Awards Celebration. Read more about Matt's nomination here.

FOR SALE: Reclaimed American Chestnut Timber

One of TACF's longtime members, Robert (Buzz) Holland would like to sell 1500 broad feet of flat, straight American chestnut lumber to any TACF member with an interest. The lumber has no worm holes and it is sawed from live American chestnut logs. "Must purchase all or none; flat price of $18/per board foot; buyer must pick up lumber from Wisconsin facility." Interested? Please contact Buzz directly: (608) 527-2424. 
REGISTER TODAY: 2015 TACF Annual Meeting on October 23-25

TACF has partnered with the Schatz Tree Genetics Colloquium to offer a state-of-the-art educational experience called "Integrating Genomics Tools in American Chestnut Restoration." Learn about genome sequencing and marker-assisted selection techniques. Participate in hands-on learning opportunities such as DNA extraction in the lab. Register now for this exciting, hands-on learning opportunity.
SAVE THE DATE: 6th Annual Chestnut Celebration at Meadowview
Mark your calendars for the annual Chestnut Restoration Celebration on October 17 from 2:00-6:00 PM at the Glenn C. Price Research Laboratory in Meadowview, VA. Building on last year's 25th anniversary, the SWVA Branch has much in store for this year. Don't miss out!
Calendar of Events
April 17 - 18 /  Plant a Tree at Flight 93 / National Memorial / PA

April 18 / Connecticut Chapter Annual Meeting / Rockfell, CT / 9:30 A.M.

April 22 / Historic Smithfield Plantation Ceremonial Planting / Blacksburg, VA / 9:30 A.M.

April 24 / Pennsylvania Ceremonial Tree Planting / Rider University / 2083 Lawrenceville Road / Lawrence Township, NJ 08648 / 2:30 P.M. - 3:30 P.M.

April 24 / North Carolina Botanical Garden Ceremonial Planting / Coker Arboretum / UNC Chapel Hill / 1:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M.

April 24 / Ceremonial Planting on James Madison's Montpelier / Montpelier Visitor Center / Orange, VA / 1:00 P.M.

April 25 / Georgia Chapter Annual Meeting / Atlanta History Center / Atlanta, GA / 10 A.M. - 1 P.M. 

April 25 / Vermont/New Hampshire Annual Meeting / VINS Nature Center / Quechee, VT / 10 A.M. - 3 P.M.

April 28 / Indiana Restoration Chestnut Workshop / Southern Indiana Purdue Agricultural Center / Dubois, IN 47527 / 7 P.M. - 8 P.M. 

May 9 / Virginia Chapter Board Meeting / TBD / 10 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.

For all TACF events, visit http://www.acf.org/calendar.php. 
The American Chestnut Foundation
50 North Merrimon Ave, Suite 115
Asheville, NC 28804
(828) 281-0047
               
The mission of The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) is to restore the American chestnut tree to our eastern woodlands to benefit our environment, our wildlife, and our society.

 

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. To join the effort to restore the American chestnut tree, visit www.acf.org/join.php.