First, a short history concerning the American chestnut. Ever notice we have a "Chestnut Street" here in Louisville? Ever see a chestnut tree on this street? Probably not lately. The American chestnut was prevalent throughout Appalachia - from Mississippi/Alabama all the way up through Maine and into Canada. The historic range ventured up through the Knobs region of Southern Jefferson county and across the river into Southern Indiana. A few historic patches were found as far west as Southern Illinois.
http://www.acf.org/range_close.php
Around 1900, the chestnut blight was brought to America from Asia (China is usually attributed) on planting stock for nut production (the Chinese chestnut nut is larger than the American chestnut nut, but not as sweet and tasty). By 1950 or so, the American chestnut tree, which once made up 1/4 or more of the forests within its range, was completely decimated - dead, dying, wiped out.
This tree is truly a survivor, as even today there are still American chestnut trees out there in the woods sending up sprouts from the living root systems of these former trees. Sometimes, these sprouts will shoot up and survive long enough to produce burs and nuts, but eventually these pure American trees will once again succumb to the blight brought here so long ago.
Efforts continue to breed blight resistance into American chestnut trees with hopes of reintroducing these trees back to their former glory. You can find out everything on these efforts by going to www.acf.org. I recommend you consider joining the American Chestnut Foundation and supporting their efforts through membership, contributions and especially by getting involved with local efforts!
THAT is what this blog is really about - getting involved. From here, you will learn what you can do locally in the Louisville area to support the cause of, well basically, saving the American chestnut.
Local American Chestnut Foundation members are currently working to form a local "branch." This group will be the folks who continue local efforts of planting, educating, growing, and doing everything "chestnut" here in our area. Everyone with an interest can join in! More info to come!
