It's time to bring back the chestnuts!

In 1904, the chestnut blight (Chryphonectria parasitica) was introduced to the U.S. and by 1940 the blight had spread throughout the entire range of the American Chestnut, slowly destroying the once beautiful and bountiful forests. Today, a few isolated American Chestnut trees can be found in northern Michigan, with the state champion located on the Old Mission Peninsula.

Join Dr. Dennis Fulbright, Professor Emeritus from Michigan State University’s Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, as we discuss the return of the chestnut tree. Chestnut acreage in the U.S. has increased substantially over the past 30 years with the largest acreages in Michigan. The Castanea genus is probably the most valuable tree genus in North America. With 13 species; four large tree species and 9 shrub-like species, there is a chestnut out there for every landscape. Discussion will include all species of chestnut, their characteristics, the rationale for growing them and the biocontrols and genetic work that has led to species with blight and root rot resistance. 

American Chestnut, Castanea dentata, once ranged from North Florida to Maine and west to the Ohio Valley and was one of the most important trees in the eastern United States. It is one of the world’s most popular nut-bearing trees and offers a number of unique qualities. These trees provide strong wood for fence posts, furniture, and homes. The chestnuts themselves were also a very important food source for livestock, wildlife and humans. Fresh chestnuts are much lower in fat than other nuts with a carbohydrate content comparable to wheat and rice, and also contain vitamin C. With all of the insect and disease concerns in our forests today, this presentation will provide some interesting discussion and perhaps some optimism for a future mast producing species in our northern forests.  

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​This event is sponsored free-of-charge by the Forestry Assistance Program. For more information contact Kama Ross, District Forester, Leelanau, Grand Traverse, and Benzie Conservation Districts at 231-256-9783 or kama.ross@macd.org.

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