American Chestnut Restoration

The American chestnut was once a dominant native forest tree species in the Eastern United States. An introduced fungal pathogen known as chestnut blight decimated the species in the 20th century, causing profound changes to the ecosystem as well as the culture of Appalachia. Researchers at SUNY-ESF in Syracuse, NY, have developed blight-resistant American chestnuts using genetic engineering and a gene from wheat. Pending government regulatory approval, these trees will be used in the effort to restore the American chestnut to its former glory. Join us in the discussion as we welcome Erik Carlson of The American Chestnut Research and Restoration Project SUNY, College of Environmental Science and Forestry.