PA/NJ Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation

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

Seeking Volunteer as Chapter Historian | Work from Home

We are seeking one or more individuals to play the role of Chapter historian. If you are passionate about history and the American chestnut this could be the perfect way for you to get involved.

Digging into the Records
Back in 2014, Sara oversaw the first transfer of records from TACF (our national organization) and the PA Chapter into the Special Collections library at Penn State. We are preparing to add to this collection once again, with documents and slides given to us from founding members. One task we could use help with is in reviewing and categorizing these records.

Big Picture
More broadly we are seeking someone to become familiar with this collection, so they can help guide our searches for information. Or maybe even call out significant items like anniversary events or milestones.

Updating the Timeline
There is a timeline that needs to be updated and maintained. Currently, this is a simple list but perhaps there is technology to allow this to become a more interactive tool for reviewing historical records. It would be great if we could add photos and links to supporting documents.

Digital Records
As we continue to transition into the digital age, we need to think about which digital records to preserve and how to preserve them. It would be great to have someone to help us think through this transition.

This work can be done remotely. If you are interested, please contact Jean: mail@patacf.org | 814-863-7192

American Chestnut Activity Sheet | Work from Home

Forest restoration is a multigenerational mission. It is critical that we educate the public about the history of this native tree, its significant role in our forest ecosystem, and our progress to restore it. We have some decent materials for adults but we want to do more to connect with children if we want to ensure three is the next generation to take up the work. We are seeking guidance from professional educators to develop targeted activities for a children’s activity sheet. We want to start with a 2-sided 8 by14 sheet with activities for a variety of ages. Once we have content we will seek assistance from graphic artists to create an attractive layout.

We can work on this remotely over email and zoom as needed.
If you are interested please contact Jean: mail@patacf.org | 814-863-7192

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As you contemplate end-of-year giving, please remember
the PA/NJ Chapter of TACF.

2022 FALL APPEAL

After 20 years at the Forest Resources Lab, Penn State University has notified us that they are seeking to relocate our chapter office. They have not determined exactly when or to where we will be relocated just that their goal is to have us out of our current building as soon as possible. It could be as soon as the end of 2022 or sometime later in 2023.  The move may include changes to our access and/or proximity to greenhouse facilities. And we may see some increase in our rental fees. Sara Fitzsimmons is working with our partners at Penn State to ensure we land in a place that will allow us to continue our mission with minimal disruption. 

This move comes at a pivotal time on the eve of Darling 58 permitting. TACF is still in the planning stages of how this latest advanced material will be distributed to members and partners, though we know from Sara Fitzsimmons’ recent article, Darling 58 Roll Out in our 2022 Fall Newsletter, pollen will play a significant role as …the most readily accessible form of transgenic germplasm available it will allow those with flowering trees to make their own D58 derived seeds.

The use of pollen, which will be shipped in frozen form, captured on slides, will require the purchase of a  -80 °C Freezer for storage.  For this and other needed items, we make the following appeal for your support.

FUNDRAISING GOAL — $10,000

Chapter Wish List:

• Minus 80 degrees Freezer for pollen storage
•  Replacement of Kubota Tractor tires and installation
•  Supplies for containerized seedling production
• iPad for electronic sales at outreach events

Donations of all sizes are welcome!

Make checks payable to PA/NJ TACF:

Penn State University
108 Business Services
206 Forest Resources Lab
University Park, PA 16802

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The restoration of the American chestnut is the work of generations and your annual contributions play an important role in moving that work forward.