(6:30pm, Appalachian Lab)
The forests of the eastern United States were once dominated by American chestnut trees that grew to towering heights and served as an important local economic resource, providing quality lumber for construction needs and serving as a source of edible nuts for both people and livestock. Then, around the turn of the twentieth century, a blight destroyed billions of these trees, and to this day, prevents new shoots growing from the still living root systems from reaching previous heights. Researchers continue to work to find ways of restoring the American chestnut to its pre-blight dominance.
As part of the Watershed Moments Community Learning Series, the Appalachian Laboratory’s Katia Engelhardt presented on current research efforts to restore the American chestnut, and William O'Neill and Mary Kahl, citizen scientists from the Citizens Restoring American Chestnuts project, shared their experiences as part of a volunteer effort supporting American chestnut research.
Event Agenda:
6:30pm-7:10pm- presentation by Dr. Engelhardt and Citizens Restoring American Chestnuts project volunteers
7:10-pm-7:30pm- Q&A and volunteer recognition
7:30pm- Light reception
For more information on the Citizens Restoring American Chestnuts projects, please visit the project's website.