Restoration Workdays

Volunteer Planting Day

We are seeking volunteers to help plant about 800 seedlings as part of a resistance trial at Penn Nursery DCNR Bureau of Forestry)

WHEN: Monday, October 21
WHERE: Penn Nursery
137 Penn Nursery Rd, Spring Mills, PA
Google Map

Contact Lake Graboski, TACF Regional Science Coordinator
lake.graboski@tacf.org | 570-594-4681


“I like digging holes. Do you? Join us at Penn Nursery at 9am to help dig holes for the

planting that will take place the following week. The holes don’t need to be very deep, but we need about 800 of them, and the location is rocky, so any help is much appreciated.”

WHEN: Friday, October 18 (Starting at 9 am)
WHERE: Penn Nursery
Google Map

Contact Lake Graboski, TACF Regional Science Coordinator
lake.graboski@tacf.org | 570-594-4681


Future Workdays at Penn State

If you would like to volunteer to help with chestnut orchard activities at Penn State contact  Noah Vincent, PSU Orchard Manager. He can add you to a contact list so you will be notified about volunteer days. Activities vary depending on the season and include: harvest, shucking, planting, cleaning pots, planting, and inoculation.

Please contact Noah Vincent, Orchard Manager
nev5073@psu.edu | 484-725-4044

Fall 2024 Chapter Meeting

PA-NJ Chapter Fall Meeting 
Saturday, November 9 (8:30 AM to 2:30 PM)
Fort Hunter 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

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)

We welcome donations for a silent auction fundraiser at our meeting. We will have limited space at this venue so please contact our office in advance to donate:
mail@patacf.org | (814) 863-7192

 

 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