The American Chestnut Foundation

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The American Chestnut Foundation Our mission is to return the iconic American chestnut tree to eastern U.S. forests.

The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) is a nonprofit conservation, education, and scientific research organization with one of the most ambitious rescue missions in the natural world–to save a beloved tree species from functional extinction. Founded in 1983 and based in Asheville, NC, TACF and its 16 state chapters are working to restore the American chestnut tree to its native range in eastern U.S. We are supported by private individuals and family foundations, and the majority of our work is done by thousands of dedicated citizen scientists and partners.

Thanks to a $135,000 grant from the Foxwynd Foundation Fellowship Program, TACF is advancing improvements to "dentataBas...
10/19/2026

Thanks to a $135,000 grant from the Foxwynd Foundation Fellowship Program, TACF is advancing improvements to "dentataBase," our foundational research and breeding database.

Over the next three years, this project will support mobile field data collection, enhanced orchard mapping, and more efficient data management for staff, members, and citizen scientists working to restore the American chestnut.

By strengthening the tools behind our breeding and research programs, we're helping ensure critical restoration data can be collected, shared, and utilized more effectively across our network.

We are grateful to the Foxwynd Foundation for its partnership and investment in the future of American chestnut restoration.

Learn more: https://tacf.org/foxwynd-foundation-invests-in-tacf-dentatabase/

10/17/2026

Ever wondered how a chestnut seed develops? It begins as a female flower that is pollinated by pollen from a male flower. After fertilization, the flower transforms into a bur with the developing seeds inside. Even after the seed falls from the bur, the dried styles from the original female flower often remain attached. As germination begins, those styles break away, and the radicle, the seed's first root, emerges from that same node.

TACF is committed to approaching this situation thoughtfully, advocating for informed decisions, and supporting our WV C...
10/16/2026

TACF is committed to approaching this situation thoughtfully, advocating for informed decisions, and supporting our WV Chapter. While we cannot predict outcomes, we remain focused on protecting the progress made in American chestnut restoration and ensuring that the work to bring this iconic tree back to our forests continues.

Visit the following link to read our latest update: https://tacf.org/american-chestnut-trees-at-clements/

10/14/2026

"It's hard to decide what you want to do for the rest of your life before you've actually had any experience..."

Tree Improvement Scientist, Lucinda Wigfield, of The American Chestnut Foundation, shares advice and insights on working in STEM.

Special thank you to PBS Appalachia Virginia and Emory & Henry University.

10/12/2026

The restoration of the American chestnut requires both innovative science and a deep appreciation for the tree's cultural legacy.

We're grateful to see those stories highlighted in this recent news segment featuring TACF's Director of Communications, Jules Smith, and Director of Science, Jared Westbrook. The piece explores promising research into chestnut blight resistance and why restoring the American chestnut remains so important today.

You may recognize the closing quote: “Losing the chestnut tree was like losing a family member.” That's actually a quote from Dolly Parton, featured in our documentary Clear Day Thunder. Jules shared it in the interview because it beautifully captures what the loss of the American chestnut meant to so many Appalachian families. To learn more about Dolly's connection to the American chestnut and find out how to watch the documentary, visit our website.

Watch the clip, then visit the following link to see the full article and video: https://www.wbir.com/article/tech/science/environment/researchers-work-to-bring-back-the-american-chestnut-tree/51-61460936-6d2f-4de3-9d9e-2ba545f3ca2d

UPDATE: Since the announcement of Project Tamarack, many members of our community have asked about the future of the Ame...
10/10/2026

UPDATE: Since the announcement of Project Tamarack, many members of our community have asked about the future of the American chestnut grove at Clements State Tree Nursery.

The quote featured in this post comes directly from the Project Tamarack website and states that the American chestnut grove will not be affected by the planned data center development.

As we continue to follow developments related to this project, we remain committed to sharing accurate information and updates with our community.

Source: Project Tamarack FAQ

Recently, 45 students in grades 5-8 at Christ the King Church & School in Rutland, Vermont, helped harvest American ches...
10/07/2026

Recently, 45 students in grades 5-8 at Christ the King Church & School in Rutland, Vermont, helped harvest American chestnuts from trees planted by 8th graders back in 2019. Students opened burs, explored fertile and sterile seeds, felt the unique textures of the burs, and learned about the history of the American chestnut and the restoration efforts underway today.

A special thank you to TACF member Thomas Estill for leading this engaging experience and helping connect students with one of America's most iconic native trees. The students can't wait to roast them this week and experience that sweet starchy flavor.

10/01/2026

We're grateful to see the important work of American chestnut restoration highlighted by Wild Appalachia.

The segment features WV Chapter member Mark Double and TACF partner Dr. Amy Metheny of WVU, who share why restoring this iconic native tree matters and the progress being made in West Virginia and beyond.

Watch the whole video or read the article here: https://wchstv.com/community/wild-appalachia/wild-appalachia-american-chestnut-restoration

Address

50 N Merrimon Avenue Ste #115
Asheville, NC
28804

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

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