Anyone interested in learning about American chestnut restoration, opportunities for surface mine reforestation, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Programs, The American Chestnut Foundation’s breeding program, and volunteer opportunities with TACF is invited to attend the evening program from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. on April 21 at the Clinton County Conservation District Learning Center in Mill Hall.

Persons wishing to assist with the surface mine reclamation planting in Clinton County on April 28, or with subsequent monitoring of the planting, are particularly encouraged to attend the workshop at the Clinton County Conservation District Learning Center.

Prospective volunteers who cannot attend the talk can email or call Michael French at 812-447-3285 or send email to: michael@acf.org.

This workshop will inform attendees about American chestnut history and biology and TACF’s efforts to restore this tree to our forests. Attendees will also learn about opportunities for landowner assistance for reforesting surface mines, surface mine reclamation and reforestation techniques, and the significance of this planting.

The planting in Clinton County is a continuation of a large-scale, multi-year project by TACF to reforest 12 reclaimed mine sites throughout five states (PA, OH, WV, VA, KY) funded in part by a Conservation Innovation Grant from the NRCS.

Over three years, Approximately 250,000 seedlings, including more than 14,000 blight-resistant American chestnuts will be planted by TACF and project cooperators on a total of 360 acres. This project is the largest planting of potentially blight-resistant American chestnut trees in the Foundation’s history and marks a milestone in the restoration of this once dominant native tree.

“This NRCS grant is allowing us to demonstrate how chestnuts and high value hardwoods can return mine sites to a healthy forest, and also to improve water quality and wildlife habitat,” said Forester Michael French of The American Chestnut Foundation.

Click Here for more information on the April 21 workshop.

For more information on chestnut restoration activities in Pennsylvania, visit the PA Chapter American Chestnut Foundation webpage.

3/24/2014