Fall 2024 Chapter Meeting

PA-NJ Chapter Fall Meeting 
Saturday, November 9 (8:30 AM to 2:30 PM)
Fort Hunter Centennial Barn
5395 N. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 
Google Map

Whether you are a long time supporter of our restoration mission or a new chestnut enthusiast you’ll enjoy this day of learning and socializing. Don’t miss this opportunity to catch up with old chestnut compatriots, make new friends, and learn what’s on the horizon for our Chapter. We will gather at the Fort Hunter Centennial Barn for coffee and donuts at 8:30 am, followed by a brief business meeting. We have three presentations scheduled for the day. Follow the link below for more details. We’re ordering in sandwiches and salads from Isaac’s Kraft Kitchen and Brewery for lunch, with soft drinks and chips. If you have dietary restrictions please let us know in advance.

After the meeting, if you have time we encourage folks to caravan over to the Big Boyd Tree Preserve, just a few miles away. Near the main parking lot is a fenced enclosure of American chestnut trees which are part of our restoration research.

Speakers and Presentations

Program Schedule

Buy Tickets online or RSVP by November 7
mail@patacf.org | (814)863-7192
Ticket Price: $20 covers the cost of lunch (Sandwich trays and salads from Isaac’s) and Coffee Break (Donuts and Coffee)

 

PA-NJ Chapter Admin Job Opening

At the end of this year, Jean Najjar will be moving on from her role as Administrator for the PA-NJ Chapter of TACF. October marks her ten-year anniversary at the Leffel Center and Chapter Office. As the search for her replacement begins we are reaching out to our supporters to share this opportunity. It’s a part-time position – 20 hours a week. It’s a lot of communication with members and volunteers, coordinating volunteers, and office management. It’s a casual workplace and flexible environment.
 
Interested candidates must go through the PSU Application process. If you would like to apply contact our office and we will send you the application link when it is available.
mail@patacf.org | 814-863-7192

Soup Season is Upon Us!

This recipe comes from the cookbook, “Classic Chestnut Cuisine” which is for sale in our online store.

Chestnut Soup Recipe

    • 1 lb. of chestnuts
    • 2 cups of milk
    • 1/4 cup of butter
    • 1 minced onion
    • 1 Tbsp. of flour
    • 1 tsp. of salt
    • 1/8 tsp. each of nutmeg and pepper
    • 1/2 cup of chopped celery leaves
    • 1 cup of cream

Mash chestnuts well. Combine with milk and beat until smooth, then set the mixture aside. In your soup pot, melt butter, add onion and simmer until soft and golden. Sprinkle with flour, salt, nutmeg, pepper, and celery leaves. Stir in the cream. Heat and serve garnished with parsley or croutons. Makes about three cups.  Note: All cream soups are ruined by boiling, so be sure to hear just to the boiling point or cook it in the top of a double boiler.

Have you tried this recipe? Let us know.

 Already Gearing up for Outreach in 2025!

The PA/NJ Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation will be back in person at the 2025 PA Farm Show (January 4th to 11th).

Sign up to share the story of the American chestnut with attendees of the PA Farm Show in Harrisburg. SignUp here!

Sign up with friends or family and make a day of it. 

  • Friday morning, the 3rd: we may need help unloading and setting up our display.
  • Saturday, the 4th, through Friday, the 12th the hours are 9 am to 9 pm.
  • Saturday the 11th the event ends at 5:00 pm

Learn more about the PA Farm Show!

Targeted American Chestnut Conservation Missions

In order to help achieve our wild American conservation objectives, Chapter Board Member, Lake Graboski is setting up targeted “American Chestnut Conservation Missions”. Each mission will identify areas of special interest to our breeding program. We encourage individual hikers and local conservation groups to join these missions to help search for American chestnuts. 

Mission #1: Southwestern PA (Issued 6/3/2022)

Mission #2 Southern New Jersey