We really need help harvesting chestnuts this year. Harvest time may be a bit earlier than normal due to the drought and recent cold temperatures. Additionally, it looks like there may be fewer nuts this year, making each nut that much more important, and extra hands even more so. We think the harvest will run from September 16 – Oct 1st for most of PA-NJ based on what we are seeing this year. If you can help at any of the following locations, please send an email to mail@patacf.org and let us know the location you’d like to help at and any limits to your availability:
- Blooming Grove, PA – 2 helpers needed to help forester harvest from a B3 orchard that is in a woody location on a hunting club property.
- Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area, Harrisburg, PA – Volunteers needed to assist TACF staff with harvest and clearing of woody competing vegetation. Afternoon of September 28th (Saturday).
- Codorus State Park, PA – Volunteers needed to help with bur collection from the Kelly x Amherst orchard, also potentially from nearby F2 ‘timber type’ orchard if time and resources permit.
- Haneyville, PA – Volunteers needed to help The Nature Conservancy harvest from a backcross orchard in a remote wooded location and from wild surviving American chestnuts nearby. Possible dates include September 18, 20, 24 or 25.
- State College, PA – Volunteers needed to help harvest burs from the arboretum orchard. Fridays September 20th, and 27th plus additional days as needed. Volunteers needed to help shuck burs Friday Oct 4th and Oct 11th with additional days as needed.
TACF staff will put you in contact with the local harvest organizer who will then coordinate with you on the specific harvest time and details.
