The American chestnut once dominated the eastern USA forest and was a giant tree known as “The Redwood of the East”. In 1905 a blight began in New York City killing the trees and by the late 1950’s there was 100% mortality. The largest environmental disaster in the history of the USA. Surprisingly American chestnuts are not extinct but grow from old roots only to succumb to the blight before maturing.

Join us at Blackwater Falls Lodge in the conference center at 2:00 p.m. for a 10 minute video outlining the saga of the American chestnut, “The History and Future of the American Chestnut”. Then enjoy conversation with Sam Muncy, a member of The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) learning how to identify native American chestnut sprouts, propagate seeds, plant and care for experimental orchards called Germplasm Conservation Orchards. (GCO’s) and learn of efforts by TACF to reintroduce this mighty giant of a tree back into the eastern forest.

If you have keen interest in American Chestnut trees, history and heritage, and chestnut uses in Appalachian culture, this is a great afternoon program to attend. Open to the public and free to attend.

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