Return of the Mighty Chestnut: the “Redwood” of the East

What wiped out the majestic stands of chestnut trees that dominated America’s eastern forests? Are there any trees left standing? What’s so special about the American Chestnut tree? Gary Carver, American Chestnut Foundation, will describe the environmental havoc and the economic and cultural disaster throughout Appalachia and describe efforts underway to return the magnificent American chestnut tree to our forests. In addition to magnificent slides, his presentation includes hands-on examination of leaves, nuts, burs, sections of stems with blight cankers, and blocks of chestnut wood. A limited number of wood samples and live chestnut seedlings will be available free to participants.

Photo credit: Michael Figiel