The American Chestnut Research & Restoration Project at ESF
A Forest Reborn
The ESF American Chestnut Project has developed a blight-tolerant American chestnut tree, and is working to restore this iconic and valuable cultural symbol to the forest ecosystems of the eastern United States.
Contact
Kaitlin Breda, chestnut@esf.edu
A Growing Effort
- We nearly killed off these trees. But biotech can bring them back. (Washington Post, 5/18)
Learn more about how a solution developed by ESF researchers is leading the way in returning the American chestnut to our forests.
Urgent, We need Your Help
Our ‘Darling” blight tolerant American chestnut trees are undergoing a rigorous evaluation process before they can be distributed to the public or used for widespread plantings. The first step in this process, called a Plant Pest Risk Assessment, is being conducted by the USDA-APHIS. In reviewing our Petition for Nonregulated Status (see below), they are currently seeking comments from the public. Please show your support for the Chestnut Project now by leaving a comment for the USDA here. We need your positive comments before Oct 19th. Thanks for helping us save the American chestnut.
Join Us!
We have started growing 10,000 blight-resistant American chestnut trees to restore the tree to its native range. Help us meet the challenge!
