eSprout |  June 2016
The 2016 Spring Appeal focuses on Meadowview Research Farms in Virginia where we have ambitious plans for expansion. Meadowview and its facilities are integral to TACF's breeding program and we need your support. Meadowview provides the seeds, pollen, and other breeding materials on which all 16 State Chapters depend. Contributions in any amount are greatly appreciated. Please make your gift today!
By Samantha Bowers
Have you considered supporting The American Chestnut Foundation through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF)? A DAF allows donors to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax benefit, then recommend grants from the fund over time, and you can contribute to the fund as frequently as you'd like. Continue reading and learn about the charitable grantmaking organizations that can help you set up your own DAF.  
By Jules Smith
Last week, a dedicated group of volunteers and staff from The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) pitched in to help inoculate trees at Meadowview Research Farms in Virginia. The purpose is to insert strains of blight fungus into a specified group of trees to determine which trees have the highest degree of resistance. Keep reading to learn more about this intricate process and about how you can get involved!  
By Brian Smith, Virginia Chapter
Brian Smith of the Virginia Chapter provides a wonderful narrative in part 2 of his story about American chestnuts within the state of Virginia. He discusses some of the interesting discoveries he has made researching herbariums and consulting with academic faculty from Michigan State University and WIlliam & Mary. Read about Brian's discovery of what he calls the "Wheel of Time" in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Vanishing Acts: Trees Under Threat
A new exhibit at the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in Clermont, Kentucky highlights trees from across the world which are threatened with extinction. The American chestnut is featured in this impressive exhibit as a "Kentucky Tree of Concern".  Bernheim Arboretum hopes the history of the American chestnut will inspire visitors to get involved with The American Chestnut Foundation. 
Save the Date: 7th Annual Chestnut Restoration Celebration
OCTOBER 22, 2016 from 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Mark your calendars the upcoming 7th Annual Chestnut Restoration Celebration at Meadowview Research Farms on Saturday, October 22 from 1:00-5:00 PM. Sponsored by the Southwest Virginia Branch of TACF, this event is a great opportunity for families to learn how the restoration program is expanding including new methods, new seed orchards, an operations building, a propagation facility, and a greenhouse. Come see us grow!
Enter to Win the 2016 Chestnut Photo Contest!
TACF is now accepting entries for its 2016 Chestnut Photo Contest! The winning photo will appear on an upcoming cover of Chestnut magazine and the photographer will receive a complimentary, one-year membership with TACF.
 
Entries must be submitted in a high-resolution, electronic format by September 1, 2016. Entry instructions and contest rules are available online. Click to learn more about this fun, engaging annual competition! 
"Tiny Leaves" by Judy Antaramian. Click to view the full sized image: 
   
June 9-10 / PA/NJ Chapter:  Planting Day @ Raystown Lake Chestnut Orchard located in Huntingdon County, Entriken, PA / 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. both days.

June 11 / ME Chapter:  Plant Silviculture Experiment at Greenville, ME / Contact Peter Kleim via email for details: peterkliem38@gmail.com / 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

June 24-25 / ME Chapter:  VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for Inoculation Work Party at Huff Hill Seed Orchard in Hartland, ME / Please RSVP on our Doodle Poll / Meet (on both days) at 8:30 AM at the Tim Hortons doughnut shop at 4 Lunt Rd, Newport, ME and travel together to the worksite / 8:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. each day.

June 25 / MA/RI Chapter:  Chestnut Talk / Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary, 20 Peck Road, Wales MA / 9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.

June 26 / PA/NJ Chapter:  Earth Fair Burlington County Parks / Historic Smithville Park located on Smithville Road in Eastampton / Rain or Shine / Interested in helping?  Please email or call: PA/NJ Chapter Administrator Jean Najjar Chapter Administrator at (814) 863-7192 or jnajjar29@gmail.com / 10:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

October 22 / 7th Annual Chestnut Restoration Celebration sponsored by the Southwest Virginia Branch of TACF / Glenn C. Price Research Lab at Meadowview Research Farms / 1:00 - 5:00 P.M.

November 10-12 / TACF Fall Board Meeting / Embassy Suites by Hilton / 501 South 4th Street, Louisville, KY  40202.
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Details about all of these TACF events (and more) are available on our website calendar at:  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.