the tree through cracks in the bark where it destroys the tree's cambium (the layer responsible for water and nutrient transport within the tree. A canker develops that eventually girdles and kills the tree. The root system, however is not affected and trees are often able to sprout back again. Within a few years, the cycle typically repeats itself.
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American Chestnut Project
Preserving local genetics for the future
Historically, the American chestnut had a range that encompassed most of the Appalachian mountain range and beyond. The tree was highly useful to people living in its range. The wood is easily workable and rot-resistant and used to make everything from furniture to fence posts. The nuts themselves were a food source for people, wildlife and livestock.
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The chestnut blight, a fungus that would eventually decimate the American chestnut population, was imported on some Japanese and Chinese stock in New York City in 1904. The blight quickly spread and had affected most of the native range of American chestnut by the 1940's. Our native trees had little to no resistance. The fungus enters
The September 1960 issue of the Glades Star featured an article entitled "Skeleton in the Forest" which focused on the local presence and value of American chestnut. The North Glade and Meadow Mountain areas of Garrett County historically produced beautiful stands of American chestnut timber. Many of these areas were cut and cleared for crops once trees succumbed to the blight. By the mid-1900's few American chestnut remained in the county. Read the Glades Star article here.
Our project began when a large surviving American chestnut tree was discovered in the Hopeland Villiage development near Oakland, MD. Since the tree was in excellent condition, Forestry Board volunteers and Forest Service staff wanted to try to pollinate the tree to see if fertile seed could be produced in an effort to preserve and produce local American chestnut genetic stock for various restoration efforts. Many organizations and entities are working on a variety of projects to help restore this once abundant species. Board members worked with staff from the Appalachian Environmental Lab to obtain pollen from The American Chestnut Foundation to pollinate the tree in 2015. Unfortunately this pollination was unsuccessful and believed to have been attempted too early in the season.
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Additional trees were discovered in 2016. Pollen was collected from one tree and preserved by freezing to use in the following year. The new trees were monitored in the fall for the possible presence of fertile nuts. None were found, which meant that there likely weren't any other nearby pollen sources.
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Pollination of 4 trees occurred in 2017 with both fresh and frozen pollen. Nuts were successfully harvested! The seed was overwintered in refrigeration (an important part of the American chestnut growth process.
In early 2018, a total of 72 nuts were planted in seedling bags in the Appalachian Environmental Lab greenhouse. Approximately 50 seedlings sprouted! Pollination was again attempted in the summer of 2018, but was unsuccessful likely due to extremely wet conditions. Pollen was provided to The American
Chestnut Foundation to include Garrett County trees in their programs. Unfortunately the original Hopeland tree was removed for a planned development, but a new tree was identified for possible pollination.
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In the spring of 2019, some of the seedlings were planted at 4 schools throughout the county. A new chestnut orchard was also established on Savage River State Forest in cooperation with The American Chestnut Foundation. Pollination again was a failure due to heavy rains at peak pollination season. We hope to be able to have another successful pollination, but in the meantime will monitor the planted seedlings.
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In May 2021, TACF added an additional 17 American chestnut seedlings to the SRSF orchard. These seedlings are part of the MD Chapter's germplasm preservation effort. Seedlings may reach maturity to bloom and produce nuts within 10 years. This, along with the school orchards will allow for easy access to facilitate pollination & breeding efforts.
In 2023, the majority of trees planted from Garrett County seed stock are doing well. Some are beginning to produce catkins!
Many groups, businesses, entities and individuals have
worked together on this and closely related projects.
They include:
Garrett County Forestry Board Earth & Tree Accident Elementary Maryland DNR Forest Service
Bartlett Tree Experts Friendsville Elementary Garrett County Government Potomac Edison
Route 40 Elementary Appalachian Environmental Lab Asplundh Tree Expert Co Swan Meadow School
The American Chestnut Foundation Wright Tree Savage River State Forest City of Cumberland
Habitat for Humanity
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