eSprout |  February 2016
Spring is Coming: Ready, Set, Plant!
Staff Article by Regional Science Coordinator Matthew Brinckman
This month's staff article by Regional Science Coordinator Matt Brinckman delves into best planting practices for a successful spring planting season. In it, he discusses important information such as keeping grasses away from the root zone of your trees, competition for nutrients, benefits of mulching, soil microorganisms, and lots of general growing tips for the 2016 planting season. 
TACF's Pure American Seedlings Program Ends March 4th
Try your hand at growing chestnuts! This unique program is an easy and affordable way to learn the 'ins-and-outs' of growing American chestnuts. Supplies are limited so place your order for these pure American chestnut seedlings today! Pricing information and ordering instructions are available on our website. The last day to order seedlings is March 4, 2016. Phone orders only, please.
Join, Renew or Upgrade your TACF Membership for a Chance to Win an American Chestnut Tappan Chair!
That's right, TACF is giving away a beautiful, hand-crafted Tappan chair made from American chestnut wood by Adam Nudd-Homeyer. Anyone who joins, renews or upgrades a TACF regular membership at the $250 level or above will be automatically entered to win this beautiful chair! Contest ends March 30, 2016. Do not miss this special TACF membership opportunity!
TACF-Growers Listserv Provides Forum for Chestnut Questions
Do you have questions about planting, growing, breeding, or restoring chestnuts? Join the TACF-Growers Listserv! This forum is designed for TACF members who participate in regional breeding programs, maintain chestnut orchards, or for anyone who has an interest in growing chestnut trees. With 300+ growers and research experts on the list, TACF welcomes all chestnut-based questions, comments, and answers. Join the TACF-Growers Listserv today!  
Small Contributions Make a BIG Difference through AmazonSmile
AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon that lets customers enjoy the same convenient shopping features as on Amazon.com. The difference is that when customers shop on AmazonSmile, Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to The American Chestnut Foundation. "Customers Shop. Amazon Gives." It's easy, and that's why TACF loves AmazonSmile!
 
A new chestnut sprouts in the greenhouse of the New England Regional Office in South Burlington, VT. Photo by New England Regional Science Coordinator Kendra Collins. 
Calendar of Events
February 23 / Carolinas chapter event: The Culture of the Chestnut Educational Discussion / Blue Ridge Community College / 180 W Campus Drive / Flat Rock, NC / 7 P.M. - 9 P.M.

February 26 / Rolling Stones Keyboardist Chuck Leavell Inducted into Alabama Music Hall of Fame / Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa / 10 Hightower Place /  Florence, AL 

February 26 / Pennsylvania/New Jersey chapter event: Growers School Reunion with Gary Micsky, PSU Extension / Mercer County Cooperative Extension Office / Mercer, PA / 10 A.M. - 3 P.M.

February 27 / Virginia Chapter Board Meeting / 8266 E Main St, Marshall, VA / 1 P.M. - 3 P.M. 

March 3 / Maryland chapter event: Montgomery Parks Environmental Educators Open House Informational Booth / Brookside Gardens / 1800 Glenallan Avenue / Silver Spring, MD / 5:30 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.

March 11 - 13 / Maine chapter event: Educational Display Booth at Eastern Maine Sportsmen's Show / New Balance Field House / University of Maine / Orono, ME

March 12 / Maryland Chapter Board and Membership Meeting / Urbana Library / 9020 Amelung Street / Frederick, MD / 10 A.M. - 1 P.M. 

March 15 / Pennsylvania/New Jersey chapter event: TACF Presentation to Master Gardeners / Freylinghuysen Arboretum / 353 E Hanover Avenue / Morristown, NJ / 2 P.M. - 3 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.