THE BLIGHT
At the turn of the 20th century, a deadly blight that was accidentally imported into the U.S. from Asia devastated the American chestnut, killing billions throughout its native range, from Maine to Alabama. Within a span of only 50 years, the American chestnut was eliminated as a mature forest tree.
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The American chestnut was a vital component of the Appalachian mountains’ ecosystems, economy, and landscape, benefiting an array of communities and cultures..
THE MISSION
The unwavering efforts of countless individuals to save the tree are a testament to the durability and attraction of this decades-long mission. Volunteers throughout the eastern U.S. plant and maintain research orchards and search for surviving wild American chestnut trees to collect dwindling specimens for germplasm conservation.
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THE PEOPLE
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Because of its size, rapid growth, long life, and decay resistance, forests of healthy American chestnuts have the ability to contribute substantially to carbon sequestration and play a significant role in combating the threat of global climate change.
This is why hundreds of research scientists are collaborating in multiple strategies to develop a disease-tolerant and genetically diverse population of American chestnuts that will be adaptable in a broad and changing climate.
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Citizen scientists and researchers have worked tirelessly to restore this economically and ecologically important tree species.
THE PEOPLE
Because of their size, rapid growth, long life, and decay resistance, forests of healthy American chestnuts have the ability to contribute substantially to carbon sequestration and play a significant role in combating the threat of global climate change.
This is why hundreds of research scientists are collaborating in multiple strategies to develop a disease-tolerant and genetically diverse population of American chestnuts that will be adaptable in a broad and changing climate.
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Citizen scientists and researchers have worked tirelessly to restore this economically and ecologically important tree species.