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American Chestnut Restoration has advocated research, collaboration and engagement since 1988.

Our Mission

…Is to restore the American chestnut to the landscape. The American chestnut disappeared in the span of a human lifetime, and this ongoing effort will require many lifetimes’ of work.  This work can only be accomplished through the dedicated partnership of volunteers, technicians, graduate students, and scientists alike! 

Forging Partnerships

  • Through collaboration with SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), a blight-tolerant American chestnut tree is currently undergoing federal regulatory review.

Support

  • We have provided financial support for the maintenance of a research orchard through ESF.

  • We have distributed seeds to thousands of members.

Man in a garage holding chestnut burs
Person working on a lift near a tree with covered branches, possibly for protection or research purposes.

Provide Engagement

  • Circulation of a biannual newsletter, The Bur, disseminated to all members.

  • An annual meeting of the membership provides an opportunity for regulatory and scientific updates — and to share chestnuts!

Research and Development

  • Provide critical funding to The American Chestnut Research & Restoration Project at ESF.

  • Establishment of wild sourced “mother” trees, ensuring continued genetic diversity.

Sunlight filtering through green leaves in a forest setting, highlighting the texture and patterns of the foliage.
A speaker presents at a conference in front of an audience, with a presentation slide about the "Darling 58 Transgenic American Chestnut." The event is held at ESF, with flags and banners in the background and attendees seated at tables with notebooks and water bottles.
Hands inspecting a small green chestnut on a tree branch with green leaves in the background.