In a recent article by New York magazine’s Intelligencer, journalist Kate Morgan details the history of the development of the Darling 58 transgenic American chestnut tree, the discovery that it was, in fact, Darling 54, and how that impacted the partnership between The American Chestnut Foundation and SUNY ESF’s American Chestnut Research & Restoration Project.

“For the chestnut evangelists who’ve devoted years to restoration efforts, the fight to save the tree has always been personal. Now this fight is, too, amid accusations that the scientists who invented the GMO tree covered up the mistake as they sought federal approval and pursued potentially lucrative deals to sell their creation.”

TACF President & CEO Will Pitt, along with TACF Chief Conservation Officer Sara Fitzsimmons are quoted.

This article is available for a limited time to non-subscribers of New York magazine here.

View from above of American chestnut catkins, by Florian Carle

 2024 American Chestnut Photo Contest

Lace up your hiking boots and keep your phone or camera handy, because it’s time for this year’s American Chestnut Photo Contest. We want to see your colorful, creative, or unique photos of American chestnut or American chestnut hybrids. A funny photo of a squirrel stealing a bur? Perfect. Winter’s final snow clinging to last year’s dry chestnut leaves? Terrific. Catkins in silhouette while the sun sets? Excellent. We love to see photos that include every season, angle, and aspect of American chestnut, so get creative!

The winner will receive a one-year membership to TACF and the winning photo will be published on a future cover of Chestnut. Second- and third-place winners are also recognized and on occasion, a runner-up will be selected. We look forward to oohing and ahhing over your photos!

Contest Terms & How to Enter

All entries must:

• be submitted digitally via email (communications@tacf.org) or a link to a cloud drive by September 1, 2024
• relate to the American chestnut
• be at least 2400 x 3000 pixels (7.6 MBs) and submitted in a jpeg or tiff file format
• include the name of the photographer and their contact information
• include a full caption containing names of subject(s), location, and title
• be limited to a total of five photos
• be previously unpublished and cannot be entered into another contest.

Email Address for Submissions

communications@tacf.org

Winner of the 2023 American Chestnut Photo Contest, Lily Zeporah, with her image titled Shining Hope.

The American Chestnut Foundation Supports Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetics Resources Program and Ohio’s New Seedling Nursery

Asheville, NC, February 29, 2024

The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) celebrates the work of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) toward the successful reopening of the Buckeye Nursery in Zanesville, OH.  Early in February, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a bill to re-create the state’s only tree-seedling nursery, at which experts from TACF will assist in growing American chestnuts.

TACF is collaborating with ten different state nursery partners, including the Buckeye Nursery, to support and increase seedling production. These nurseries need supplies and equipment to ramp up production, not just of chestnut seedlings, but other trees as well.

To reinforce this need, representatives from TACF recently visited Capitol Hill to back H.R. 5381, legislation aimed at supporting the national Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetics Resources (RNGR) program. RNGR is designed to provide expert support to state, industrial, and private forest and conservation nurseries throughout the country.

“This Forest Service-developed program is essential,” says TACF’s Chief Conservation Officer Sara Fitzsimmons. “The need for tree seedlings is higher than it has ever been before, as we need to increase current seedling production by two to three times for use in replanting after wildfires, carbon sequestration, and creating infrastructure for the rescue and restoration of trees threatened by non-native pests and diseases.”

As essential improvements are made, a portion of the Buckeye Nursery in Zanesville, which closed in 2003, will reopen immediately. It is located on a Division of Forestry-owned property and will address regional shortages of suitable tree seedlings, assist with integral tree conservation projects, and invest in the future of Ohio’s forests.

“The nursery will be able to provide state projects and residents with seedlings that are grown from seed collected within the same ecoregion and better suited to planting sites. It will take several years before the nursery can run at full capacity,” says ODNR Forest Manager and OH-TACF Chapter President Stephen Rist. “Public and partner support for the project was overwhelming, and we are looking forward to growing tree species best suited for a multitude of purposes, including wildlife, water quality, forest resources, and aesthetics.”

“This is an amazing first step,” said Fitzsimmons, “and we intend to pursue opportunities like these and to be a leader in helping our nursery infrastructure grow to facilitate getting trees to people.”

Media Contact:
Jules Smith
Director of Communications
The American Chestnut Foundation
(828) 281-0047

TACF Discontinues Development of Darling 58

Asheville, NC, December 8, 2023

The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) announced today that it will discontinue its development of the Darling 58 American chestnut due to significant performance limitations that, from TACF’s perspective, make it unsuitable as a restoration tree. Likewise, TACF is also withdrawing its support for several pending regulatory petitions that would authorize distribution of transgenic Darling trees outside permitted research plots.

“No one wants to see this foundation species restored to America’s forests more than we do,” says William Pitt, TACF’s President & CEO. “Our scientists, staff, and more than 5,000 members dedicate themselves to this work every day, as we have for more than 40 years. Our multi-pronged research and restoration plan combines cutting-edge science with a spirit of open collaboration, sustainability, camaraderie, and care.”

Throughout 2023, TACF and its partners observed disappointing performance results from broad scale field and greenhouse tests of advanced-generation Darling trees across several different geographic locations at external testing facilities. As discussed in the September 15, 2023 episode of the Foundation’s webinar series, Chestnut Chat, analysis indicated striking variability in Darling trees’ blight tolerance, significant losses in growth competitiveness, and increased mortality.

“Within the past few weeks, academic colleagues brought to our attention their newest findings suggesting a significant identity error in the propagation materials supplied to TACF. Independent confirmation now shows all pollen and trees used for this research was derived not from Darling 58, but from a different prototype, one which contains a deletion in a known gene,” says Pitt. “That deletion, along with the discouraging field performance collectively renders these trees, in TACF’s opinion, unsuitable as the basis for species restoration. Fortunately, we have newer and better-performing trees ready to test.”

Extensive ecological and other testing has demonstrated that the prototype trees do not present plant pest risks different from native chestnuts. “We are following best possible scientific practices and are confident this path will yield safe and effective restoration trees. While Darling trees would not adversely affect the natural environment, it is our assessment that these trees would impair future deployment of disease-resistant American chestnut populations,” says Sara Fern Fitzsimmons, TACF’s Chief Conservation Officer.
“Premature distribution of this or other inferior varieties also may unfairly skew public perception against biotechnology solutions to save threatened forest tree species.”

As in all scientific endeavors, TACF has gained much from the experience with the Darling lines. “Enthusiasm for this project has expanded an already large network of engaged people within our chapters and across the range with a passion for this species. Their efforts have conserved dozens of diverse, wild American chestnut populations, and public support for integrated solutions to forest health issues is at an all-time high,” says Pitt. “Our diversified portfolio of research initiatives and the partners implementing them ensures that other disease-resistant prototypes – those created from breeding and biotechnology methods that are already in the research pipeline – can be comprehensively vetted and released in a reasonable time frame.”

Next week, TACF will host several virtual events for our members and the general public to answer further questions. TACF’s staff and the Board of Directors remain optimistic about the long-term success of our restoration plan. With patience and perseverance of the best science, we will get disease-resistant American chestnut trees to forest managers and landowners.

Media Contact:
Jules Smith
(828) 281-0047

Resources

• Darling 58 page
• Darling 58 Performance page
• Sign up for December 15, 2023 Darling 58 Chestnut Chat
• Watch September 15, 2023 Darling 58 Chestnut Chat

You can help conserve the American chestnut by collecting scion wood

The American Chestnut Foundation is seeking scion wood from wild American chestnut trees from the southern population. (Scion wood is the name for the twigs used in grafting and propagating woody plants.)

Population studies have determined that trees found in Western TN and KY, GA, AL, and MS represent the southern population and are the most genetically diverse.  The objectives of this collection are to:

1. Conserve genetic diversity of unique and underrepresented populations of American chestnut through grafting.
2. Grow these grafted plants in favorable conditions (including growth chambers) to promote flowering and ease of pollen collection.
3. Future utilization of pollen and flowers to outcross transgenic chestnut.

Goal for 2024: Gather around 100 sources from the south

Download a PDF copy of the information sheet

Protocol

Important: Collected scion wood must be from CONFIRMED AMERICAN CHESTNUTS ONLY.

• Coordinate with Jamie Van Clief at jamie.vanclief@acf.org for the collection of this scion wood.
• Scion wood collection should be done during winter dormancy only, which is commonly marked by the loss of leaves or brown leaves dangling (flagged) on their branches. Ideally, collected from December 2023 through January 2024.
• It may be necessary to visit sites twice: once, before winter dormancy to ensure species can be identified to the American chestnut, particularly in areas where they co-occur with chinquapin. Second, when trees have gone dormant to collect scion wood.
• Scion wood should be at least 3 inches long and contain 1 or more unopened buds. With nut grafting, larger buds with space in between buds are preferred (see photos below).
• We are looking for scions that are about the size of the lead in a number 2 pencil. Last year we did receive some scion that was too large in diameter.
• Collect 10 pieces of scion wood per tree, when possible. At a minimum, we are looking for about 15 buds. However, use judgment when collecting from small trees to not jeopardize the tree’s survival by over-collecting.
• Take GPS coordinates from each tree using the TreeSnap application for smartphones (https://treesnap.org/) or with a GPS unit or smartphone. Ideally, trees have already been ID’d and entered into TACF’s dentataBase.
• Place scion wood from a single tree in a one-gallon sealable bag.
• For each tree, place a note card in the bag and send an email containing:

• • Data collected
  • County
  • State
  • Latitude and Longitude
  • Previously used for breeding or not: Yes, No, or Unknown
  • TreeSnap ID or wild tree code from Regional Science Coordinator (if applicable)
  • Public or Private land (do not trespass!)
• Before sealing, place the card in the bag, then roll the bag from the bottom to the top to remove excess air.
• Do not write on the bag as even permanent markers will fade or be scratched off during handling and storage. Temporary writing on bags is fine, but do not rely on them for storage.
• Do not place a damp paper towel in the bag. Moisture from the towel commonly causes mold during storage.
• If desired place them in damp (NOT WET!) peat moss in the bag. The peat moss should be damp enough that you can squeeze it into a ball but not so damp you can squeeze water out of it.
• While in the field, store scion wood in a cooler with cold packs and place it in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer until shipping. Do not place it in the freezer.
• Please ship scion wood no later than 2-3 weeks after collection.

Shipping

Ship on Sunday through Wednesday via 2-day shipping to the attention of Steven Flurry. Do not ship on Thursday or Friday.

Steven Flurry
23332 Success Road
Saucier MS, 39574

Please send Steven and Jamie the shipping tracking number and scion information so everyone knows what’s been shipped. TACF will cover the cost of shipping. Contact Jamie (jamie.vanclief@acf.org) for FedEx or UPS account info. In the memo section of the shipping document, and on the box please write “southern scion” so that TACF and USFS can track the shipping costs and packages associated with this project.

Contact information:

Scion- Steven Flurry
601-528-2117
steven.flurry@usda.gov

Jamie Van Clief
Jamie.vanclief@acf.org
828-281-0047, ext. 1107

Ship samples on cold packs and in a small foam cooler, if possible.

Supplies

• Sealable gallon freezer bags
• GPS unit or smartphone with TreeSnap (https://treesnap.org/)
• Permanent marker for making notes on cards
• Note cards or paper
• Pruners hand and/or pole, depending on tree size
• Cooler and cold packs

Example photos

This is the preferred size of buds.

In the picture on the left the top 2 buds are acceptable but the buds below it are on the small side. In the picture on the right the buds are too small.

An example of how you should package the scion wood.

By WV Board Member Lewis Cook

Over a brisk weekend in early October, during the Annual West Virginia Chestnut Festival in Rowlesburg Mark Double, WV-TACF Chapter President, retired from his duties. Chapter Board member Lewis A. Cook shared these kind words about his time with Mark.

If we are fortunate, each of us meets someone who is so special that we are better because we have them in our lives. Mark is one of those lifelong acquaintances that fulfilled that role for me, and I am sure many others.

Mark has extraordinary abilities in kindness, praise, organization, and responsibility, that enriches everyone around him. His knowledge, energy, and fairness make him a pleasure to be around and work with. He stays away from complaining and criticism in deference to compliments and support. I have never observed him in a bad mood or expressing anger.

His contribution to the West Virginia Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation is marked by his organizational ability; those of us around him serve only as support staff. Any efforts or accomplishments we have made are only due to his leadership skills.

Mark had the foresight and good sense to find a wonderful life partner, Mindy. She is a significant part of the very positive experience of being associated with Mark. 

Losing a Chapter leader like Mark creates a sense of loss and anxiety. Certainly, he cannot be replaced, but we are optimistic about the next leader, Bernie Coyle, who will have his own distinct style that will be appreciated for different reasons. 

Lewis A. Cook 

Board Member, West Virginia Chapter 

The American Chestnut Foundation 

By Hannah Leeper, Southern Regional Outreach Coordinator  

Thank you to President Doug Gillis and the other members and volunteers of TACF’s Carolinas Chapter who attended our virtual meeting on September 20, 2023!  

This meeting, the first held since the COVID-19 pandemic, included a presentation by Regional Science Coordinator Jamie Van Clief about ongoing science strategies, a listing of current and upcoming volunteer opportunities, and a discussion of ideas and preferences for the Chapter’s 40th Anniversary celebration events.   

President Doug Gillis also shared thoughts about re-invigorating the chapter and rebuilding the its advisory board. They are currently soliciting interested individuals who want to join the board. We encourage anyone interested to email Doug at tacf.carolinas@gmail.com. Those who would like to get involved or volunteer, please email Doug or Southern Regional Outreach Coordinator Hannah Leeper at hannah.leeper@acf.org. You can also check TACF’s website events calendar for information about upcoming events hosted by the Carolinas Chapter.  

If you’d like to view a recording of the meeting, it is available at CC-TACF Virtual Chapter Meeting 9.20.23. Thanks  for your interest and participation!  

Volunteers participating in a Carolina Chapter event

2023 Poster Session

View all 2023 Posters

Uma Plambeck and J. Hill Craddock

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Dept. Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science, 615 McCallie Ave. Chattanooga TN 37403

Download PDF: Poster: Screening full-sib and half-sib families of chestnut seedlings for resistance to Cryphonectria parasitica – Plambeck & Craddock

Abstract

Cryphonectria parasitica is the ascomycete fungus species that causes chestnut blight disease. Symptoms of chestnut blight include bark cankers and eventually the death of American chestnut, Castanea dentata. But not all Castanea species are equally affected by the disease, and some Asian species appear highly resistant. We investigated the effect of C. parasitica, on three North American species, one European species, four east Asian species of Castanea, and nine full-sib families of TACF backcross hybrids. Our study used both a small stem assay to measure canker lengths and an excised leaf disc assay to measure variation in tolerance to oxalic acid between the different Castanea species and hybrids. We inoculated 967 container-grown seedlings with C. parasitica strain EP155 and allowed cankers to develop for 12 weeks. Two measurements were recorded for each canker: orange zone, and full length of necrosis, following the method of Cipollini et al. 2021. Excised leaf discs were soaked in a 50 mM solution of OA for 8 hours and then digitally imaged for measurement of browning with Image J, following the method of Hardin 2023. Preliminary results show differences that vary by Castanea species in resistance to C. parasitica, as measured by canker lengths in the SSA, and differences to OA degradation (browning) as measured by the leaf disc assay. The TACF hybrids appear to be intermediate in their responses to C. parasitica and OA.

2023 Poster Session

View all 2023 Posters

Tyler Fishman, Kay Gardiner, Dayanara Magallanes, Mike DaSilva, Nicole Davi

William Paterson University, 300 Pompton Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470

Download PDF: Restoring Endangered Chestnuts at William Paterson University – Tyler Fishman et al.

Abstract

The department of Environmental Science at William Paterson University (WPU) has been cooperating with members of TACF & ACCF and seeks to bring awareness to the plight of the American Chestnut (Castanea dentata). We recognize this tree was once an integral part of our ecosystem. WPU actively grows American chestnuts from seed. Facilities at William Paterson University have cooperated with environmental staff to set aside an orchard for future plantings of Darling 58 chestnut trees in full public view; this orchard will be the first of its kind on a university campus. An orchard will allow us to cross our pure American chestnut trees with the transgenic D-58’s for genetically diverse stock. This orchard will create a unique work experience for students and faculty alike and be a critical hub for chestnut tree propagation. For now, to spread awareness and garner public attention, our campus has been using ArcGIS software with our current PAC to create a virtual story map of the trees around campus, such that they can be viewed on google maps for a virtual “tour”. William Paterson has been working with point-dendrometers to better understand how campus trees are responding to climate change and climate extremes and generate hourly data of radial growth. We hope to install them on both D-58 and PAC in the future.

2023 Poster Session

View all 2023 Posters

Maya Niesz Kutsch and Dr. Andrew Newhouse

SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, New York

Download PDF: Poster-Natural Pollen Dispersal and the Effect of Controlled Burns on American Chestnut Restoration

Abstract

With the development and probable deregulation of Darling 58, a transgenic blight resistant line of American chestnut trees, it will become possible to begin restoration of these trees to their natural habitat. However, ecological research of C. dentata has been limited by their century-long absence. We will be investigating both the pollination characteristics of American chestnut, and its tolerance of fire. A pollination distance study has been established to determine the viable pollination distance of American chestnuts. This includes a central plot of pollen releasing trees, and spokes of pollen receiving trees. The number of fertilized burs created at increasing distances will show the effective pollination distance of American chestnuts. This will elucidate the optimal planting distances for American chestnuts in restoration plantings. American chestnuts are suggested in the literature to be tolerant of fire. We will be burning American chestnut seedlings that have been planted in controlled burn plots. Plots will be burned in either fall or spring, and there are also planted controls which will not be burned. We will determine the seedlings’ survivability and re-sprouting capabilities.

Keywords: Restoration, pollen, pollination, fire, controlled burn.