American Chestnut’s Road to Reintroduction

By: Eli Lamport, science reporter

The American Chestnut tree has a facinating history. It’s nutrient rich nuts, prized lumber, and large size made it an icon of eastern forests, until the species was wiped out by disease in the early 20th century. For years, groups have been working to develop a disease resistant American Chestnut tree, enabling the species to make a comeback.