The American Chestnut Restoration

Posted on March 16, 2021 by centralnjpsualumni

Generally recognized to be the greatest ecological disaster of the 20th Century, the American Chestnut Tree Blight which decimated the Appalachian region’s greatest source of food for wildlife and for livestock set loose to feed in the wild, isn’t what comes to mind for most people. As devastating as it was, it didn’t wipe the tree out entirely. Through the careful and diligent work of dedicated scientists at The American Chestnut Foundation, Penn State, the University of Vermont and the State University of NY among others, the tree may soon thrive again for future generations.

On March 23rd at 7pm, join the Vermont Chapter in hosting American Chestnut Foundation coordinators Sara Fern Fitzsimmons (PSU) and Kendra Collins (UVM) when they team up to present a historical overview of why the blight was so devastating, restoration efforts so important, and now so promising and possible.

Sara Fern Fitzsimmons has worked with The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) at Penn State University since 2003, assisting chestnut growers and researchers throughout the Appalachian Mountains. Born and raised in southern West Virginia (Hinton), Sara studied Biology at Drew University in Madison, NJ. She then received a Master’s degree in forest ecology and resource management from Duke University’s Nicholas School. Sara hopes her research and professional work will facilitate long-term conservation and restoration of native tree species at risk from exotic pests and diseases.

Kendra Collins, New England Regional Science Coordinator

Kendra joined The American Foundation (TACF) in 2008 as Regional Science Coordinator for the New England region, which includes the ME, VT/NH, MA/RI, and CT state chapters of TACF. She received a BS degree in Environmental Conservation Science from the University of New Hampshire and an MS in Natural Resources: Forestry from the University of Vermont. Her Masters research focused on American chestnut restoration, which led her to become involved with TACF and the formation of the VT/NH chapter. Kendra worked previously with citizen scientists through New Hampshire’s Volunteer Lake Assessment Program.
Topic: Vermont Chapter Speaker Series – American Chestnut Restoration
Time: Mar 23, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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