eSprout |   May 2015
By Laura Georgi 

It is not unusual to find more than one shoot coming up from a chestnut seed. Most of the time, an additional shoot is the result of the petiole, or leaf stem, on the seed leaf sprouting from the bud. These additional shoots and roots are genetically identical to the original shoot and taproot, making them genetically distinct. Therefore, it is best to research them separately during resistance screening and breeding.
Ceremonial Planting at Montpelier Honors Woodland Expert 

On James Madison's Montpelier, a TACF Restoration Chestnut 1.0 seedling now holds a special spot. In April, the Virginia chapter of TACF orchestrated a ceremonial planting in conjunction with the Virginia Cooperative Extension to honor Thomas A. Dierauf, retired director of research for the Virginia Dept. of Forestry. Dierauf was one of the nation's leading woodland experts and much of his life's work was dedicated to developing and researching a disease-resistant chestnut. 
Conservation Education Field Day Provides Brevard Middle School Students with Interactive Learning Experience 
Brevard Middle School hosted an interactive "Conservation Education Field Day" for its seventh-grade class. The goal was to provide a thoughtful learning experience about the environment. The Transylvania County Soil and Water Conservation District hosted this event, engaging more than 200 students in local conservation practices and opportunities. Many organizations, including TACF, gave presentations about conservation work. 
American Chestnut Bluebird Home Gifted to Western North Carolina Nature Center by Carolinas Chapter
By Doug Gillis

In a special donation from the Carolinas chapter, a bluebird box crafted from American chestnut wood was gifted to the Western North Carolina Nature Center. The design for the bluebird box was created by Jack Finch, founder of the Homes for Bluebirds non-profit. Starting in the 1970s, he worked diligently to revitalize the eastern bluebird population, which was slowly declining due to the loss of their native habitat.
Nominate an American Chestnut for the 2015 Great American Tree
In partnership with the USDA and the U.S. Forest Service, The American Grove is hosting the first annual Great American Tree competition. All nominated tree submissions will be posted to the American Grove website within their state grove. The deadline for nominations is June 30, 2015. An elite panel of urban foresters will then vote and announce a winner September 15, 2015. Click here for full nomination guidelines and further instruction.
TACF Announces Call for 2015 Research Proposals 
TACF has announced its request for 2015 research proposals. The External Grants Program is a valuable tool in igniting research on chestnut species by distinguished scientists. TACF reviews all research proposals involved in chestnut restoration that address its core mission. Proposals are due August 15, 2015 by 5 P.M. via email attachment to Regional Science Coordinator Sara Fitzsimmons.
Calendar of Events
May 23 / ME Chapter Event: Ceremonial Planting / Brave Boat Harbor Farm / York, ME / 9 A.M. - 3 P.M.

June 4  - June 6 / PA Chapter Event: Native Plants in the Landscape Conference / Millersville University / 1 South George Street, Millersville, PA 17551 / 10 A.M. - noon. 

June 6 / PA Chapter Event: Slow Living Expo's Woodlands Exhibit / Brattleboro Commons / Brattleboro, VT / 9 A.M. - 4 P.M.

June 6 / PA Chapter Event: House Rock Preserve Volunteer Day / 400 House Rock Rd, Pequea, PA 17565 / 9 A.M. - 3 P.M.

October 17 / 6th Annual Chestnut Celebration / Meadowview Research Farms / 29010 Hawthorne Drive, Meadowview, VA 24361 / 2 P.M. - 6 P.M. 

October 23- 25 / TACF Annual Meeting 2015 with Schatz Tree Genetics Colloquium / Penn Stater Conference Hotel / State College, PA / Register Today! 

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.