In 1903, Chinese and Japanese chestnut trees were introduced into the US. They harbored a blight that quickly spread and proved deadly to the American chestnut. At that time every fourth hardwood tree in the forest was a chestnut. The American Chestnut was the major timber tree, and it was also a key food source both for wild animals and domestic swine populations. The blight was responsible for the greatest forest environmental catastrophe in modern time
Now, a national effort is underway to restore the American Chestnut through cross breading and genetics. The University of Tennessee is at the forefront of this research.
The presentation will be followed by a regular business for BCMG members.
Contact: Laurie Smalley or Larry Bolt
